Port Blair, Dec 07: The centenary of late Shri.Mahabir Singh, former Chief Commissioner and founder of JNRM(Govt.College then) was observed in the Seminar Hall of JNRM on 7-12-2015. It was due to the efforts of Shri.Mahabir Singh the first college of the Islands came into existence in 1967, as an evening college. Shri.Mahabir Singh used to teach English also in the College. Alumni of the first batch who were taught by Shri.Mahabir Singh were invited for the occasion alongwith Shri.Samir Acharya and Shri.Sharda Ram who worked with him.
Welcoming the guests Dr.N.Francis Xavier, Principal, JNRM said it was befitting that Shri.Mahabir Singh be remembered on his centenary because of his vast contribution in the field of education. It was also a rare opportunity for the students of the 1st batch to interact with the present students.
Shri. Samir Acharya, President INTACH, Port Blair Chapter narrated his association with Shri.Mahabir Singh during 1966-68. Describing him basically as an educationist, who used to teach in Lahore before joining the IAS, Shri. Acharya told the gathering that Shri.Mahabir Singh started the first Kendriya Vidyalaya and the Nursery School – Tunnu Munnu also during his tenure. He also described his style of functioning for the general betterment of life in Port Blair.
Shri.Joy Kumar Roy, retd. Dy.Director, SAI, student of 1st batch recollected with gratitude the names of teachers who taught them. Mrs. Sara Dias, retired G.T.T described college life in those days and advised the students to be disciplined and work hard. Shri. Jagdish Kishen, retd. Bank Officer described how difficult it was to go to college in the evening after attending to work in the office. Shri. Sharda Ram, Retd. Secretary State Scouts & Guides recollected how Shri. Mahabir Singh used to wear the Scout Uniform and participate in Scout activities to encourage the students. Shri. Sheikh Farooq Alam, former student, poet and entrepreneur described how the land for JNRM was granted through the association of his ancestor Haji Farzand Ali with Shri. Mahabir Singh.
The programme concluded with vote of thanks by Smti. Pearl Devdas, HOD Geography. Dr.Kandimuthu, Assistant Professor(Economics) coordinated programme.
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