The Bombay Education Society (BES), the oldest society in Mumbai dedicated to the education and welfare of children, today celebrated 200 years of its foundation in 1815 by Archdeacon George Barnes at a special commemorative service and function at Christ Church School (CCS) Parish Hall, Byculla which, along with Barnes School & Junior College, Devlali, is one of the two schools managed by BES. The service was attended by a capacity crowd comprising of the BES Board of Directors and office bearers, over 1,800 students of both its schools, alumni from as far back as 1941 and well wishers. The Principal, Vice Principal of Barnes and a large number of the staff from Barnes School & Junior College made the journey from Devlali to attend the ceremony and function. The alumni in attendance included the Head Boy of CCS for 1941, A. Moses, the Head Girl for 1944, Miriam Mallelu Kanga, Rashid Ansari (brother of Khalid Ansari of Mid-day) and ex-students from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US and the Gulf States. They were overwhelmed with nostalgia as they travelled down memory lane. Students lined the road to CCS Church waving colourful flags to welcome the attendees. A banner procession, led by the school Head Boy and Head Girl, proudly holding the school shield and displaying the vibrant colours of the various houses, welcomed the BES Board of Directors. Special commemorative gold & silver plated medallions were presented to the staff, students and alumni. Giant screens were installed outside the venue for the attendees who could not be accommodated in the packed venue. The service was also transmitted live on Cable TV through South & Central Mumbai. The main celebrant at the special commemorative service was Rev. John Silas whilst the homily was delivered by Rev. Sushil Sumitra, an ex student of CCS, 1991. The CCS School Captains, Samuel George and Rida Ubharay, did the Biblical readings. The CCS Choir sang rousing versions of the school song ‘Receiving strength I will arise’ and the school hymn, ‘O God, our help in ages past, stirring many emotions with a passionate delivery of ‘The Impossible Dream’. In his Presidential address, Mr. Ronald K, White, President of the BES, recounted the key milestones in the momentous journey of BES and highlighted the academic excellence and extracurricular achievements of both schools as well as the value based education provided to every student. An exhibition showcasing the 200 year history of the BES has been organised in the CCS Hall. Other events include a Mega Musical ‘A Journey in Time’ specially conceived for the occasion by Raell Padamsee’s Ace Productions, ‘A Journey to Mini India’ (cultural fest), ‘Reminiscences’ (alumni dinner & dance), ‘Piyali to Thali’ (food festival) and an arts & crafts exhibition.

1. Mumbai’s oldest society working for the welfare and upbringing of children

2. Archdeacon George Barnes
T

4. Christ Church School
manages
Maharashtra’s No.1 Day-cum Residential School & No.15 in India*
One of India’s premier CISCE and Cambridge schools
* Source: EducationWorld India School Rankings 2014
Mumbai’s oldest society working for the welfare and upbringing of children
Clare Road, Byculla, Mumbai 400 008 Tel: +91 22 2307 7258 Fax: +91 22 2307 9745
Bombay Education Society
and
Clare Road, Byculla, Mumbai 400 008 Tel: +91 22 2309 9892 Fax: +91 22 2309 9893
Email: ccs.principal@gmail.com Website: christchurchschoolmumbai.org
Christ Church School
Barnes School & Junior College
Air Force Station Road, Devlali 422401, District Nashik, Maharashtra Tel: (0253) 2497194
Fax: (0253) 2494253 Email: admission@barnesschool.in Website: barnesschool.in
1815 - 2015
The BES crest combines the crest of its founder, Archbishop Barnes, on the left side,
and that of his wife, who belonged to the Carmac family, on the right side.
On the left is a shield with the faces of three leopards, and on the right,
four quarters with crossed swords pointing upwards, three five pointed stars
and a crescent. A falcon sits atop the crest on a mount with six twists.
The motto is in Latin and can be translated as, “I shall arise with the strength
I have received.” This has a three fold significance - in our school days, and after,
we rise to even greater heights, fortified with the strength of body, mind and spirit.
- From the College of Arms, London