Don Bosco School

Nestled in the heart of Kolkata, stands the Don Bosco School, Park Circus. A beacon of education and tradition, Don Bosco School first opened its doors in 1958. The Salesians of Don Bosco, a Catholic order, had arrived in Calcutta in 1925. They saw a need for a quality English-medium school for boys. The Don Bosco School was their answer. The school started with 460 boys. It now boasts an enrollment of 3000 students. The motto, “Virtus et Scientia,” meaning “Virtue and Knowledge,” guides the school’s philosophy. The school’s patron saint, Dominic Savio, a pupil of John Bosco, embodies this ideal. He achieved sainthood based on his display of “heroic virtue” in everyday life. The main building, an H-shaped four-story structure, dominates the Don Bosco School campus. Step into the outer courtyard and find a statue of Mary, mother of Jesus. Look around and notice the statues of animals, including lions and giraffes. The inner courtyard houses a bust of John Bosco himself. A modern addition to Don Bosco School is the new library block, inaugurated in 2013. It houses additional laboratories and classrooms, further enhancing the learning environment. The school also has air-conditioned halls. These ensure the smooth conduct of board examinations. Don Bosco School is not just about academics. It’s a vibrant hub of extracurricular activities. The school hosts Bosco Fest, one of Kolkata’s oldest inter-school festivals. It takes place in late July or early August. Originally featuring just two events, Bosco Beat (band competition) and Jubilee Quiz, Bosco Fest has grown significantly. Now, more than 20 events are organized by various action groups. These include Bosco Tango, Bosco Raag, and Bosco Jukebox. The fest even has its own website and mobile app. Don Bosco School also participates in international exchange programs. Since 2009, the school has partnered with the Salesian School in Chertsey, England. Students from both schools participate in annual visits. The school’s alumni have made significant contributions in various fields. Notable alumni include novelist and filmmaker Samit Basu and American billionaire businessman Rakesh Gangwal, a founder of IndiGo. Don Bosco School continues to shape young minds. It provides a holistic education grounded in virtue and knowledge.