Dharwad: The Basel Mission Practicing School in Dharwad started by missionaries from Basel town in Germany, is celebrating the diamond jubilee year of its existence this year.
Started in 1942 with only four teachers and three rooms with 95 students, the school has now 468 students and its alumni have spread across the country, working in different fields and thus bringing laurels to the school.
Speaking to media here on Tuesday, Headmaster Wilson Maili said the school had entered its 75th year in 2017 and various programmes had been chalked out this year starting from January 28 to celebrate the diamond jubilee. The valedictory programme will be held in December this year, he said.
Ever since the Basel Mission institute was converted into Basel Mission Higher Education Centre, teacher R S Bangera led the institution and contributed his might for its development, he said.
Classes of standard 5, 6, and 7 were started in 1948. Founder S V Gokavi, the first head master, S J Sakkari, D S Goudar, E S Sakkari, L Y Ramtal, S S Bhat, R V Kulkarni, P A Ramagiri, M M Chikkamath among others worked for the development of the school, he said.
Wilson Maili himself has been the head master of this aided school since 17 years helping the poor and middle class children. The school alumni include Chief Justice of Kerala High Court Mohan Shantanagoudar, former MLA Chandrakant Bellad among others, he said.
The inauguration of the yearlong diamond jubilee programme will be held on January 28 at the school premises. DC Dr. S B Bommanahalli, Bishop Rev. Ravikumar J Niranjan, Rev. S S Sakkari among other dignitaries will participate, he said.
The school authorities also plan to honour 75 luminaries working in different fields at the valedictory of diamond jubilee celebrations.
