The centenary celebrations of Government Chintamanrao High School, Shahapur, concluded on a high note on Sunday, blending nostalgia, pride, and a strong sense of local identity that Belagavi is known for. The valedictory function saw the presence of Shrinivas Thanedar, a distinguished alumnus of the school and currently a US Congressman, making it a moment of rare pride for the institution and the city.
The programme was led by Abhay Patil, himself an alumnus of the school, adding a deeply personal and emotional dimension to the centenary celebrations.
A day rooted in tradition and memories
The second day of the celebrations unfolded with a series of events reflecting the school’s century-long journey. A statue of the great donor Chintamanrao Patwardhan Maharaj was unveiled on the school premises, reaffirming the institution’s historical roots. This was followed by a grand procession from Saraf Galli Corner to the school campus, drawing students, alumni, teachers, and local residents—turning Shahapur into a living celebration of its educational legacy.
“Belagavi shaped who I am”
Addressing a packed gathering, Shrinivas Thanedar spoke emotionally about his days in Belagavi, recalling his childhood, schooling, and early struggles. He shared how poverty forced him to work as a cleaner in a dental hospital, yet education from a government school laid the foundation for his journey—from earning a BSc, moving to the United States, completing his MSc and PhD, building successful businesses, and eventually entering public life as a US Congressman.
He underlined that government schools are rich in dedicated teachers and quality education, and urged society to recognise and strengthen them. Referring to Belagavi’s infrastructure, Thanedar stressed that the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha should be utilised year-round to accelerate the city’s development, stating that effective use of existing resources is key to faster growth.
One of the most heartening aspects of the centenary was the alumni reunions held alongside the celebrations. Former students from different decades—some meeting after 30, 40, even 50 years—walked through familiar corridors, revisited classrooms, and shared stories of teachers who shaped their lives. Many alumni travelled from Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and even overseas, turning the event into a true homecoming. For many, it was not just a reunion, but a reminder of how a humble Shahapur school connected Belagavi to the world.
A century-old vision
The school’s journey began in 1914 when Rajasaheb Chintamanrao Patwardhan of Sangli and Rani Saraswati Devi Patwardhan founded the Chintamanrao School for boys and the Saraswati School for girls with the sole aim of spreading education. Starting with classes from standards 1 to 5, the institution grew steadily and was upgraded to a high school in 1920–21.
As the centenary celebrations came to a close, the message was clear: Government Chintamanrao High School is not just a school—it is a living chapter of Belagavi’s social and educational history, continuing to inspire generations, from Shahapur to the global stage.