Testimonials
Dr. Graham's Homes School in Kalimpong, West Bengal, India, is a renowned educational institution with a rich history. Established in 1900 by Rev. Dr. John Anderson Graham, it began as an orphanage and school for children. Over the years, it has evolved into a residential school offering education from kindergarten to high school. The school's ethos emphasizes a balance between academics, sports, and extracurricular activities, nurturing students both academically and personally. The sprawling campus, nestled in the serene hills, provides a conducive environment for learning and growth. The institution's emphasis on holistic development has produced notable alumni across various fields.
Amazing place. I have visited so many nice places around the globe but Dr Graham's Homes really a real home for kids to grow. What I saw during my visit on 2nd and 3rd November- just fantastic . Head teacher's help for admission process was beyond description, just efficient. One thing I can assure that I can not provide a healthy environment for my kids like Dr Graham's Homes. Whoever can please go and have a visit.
A true testimony of how, the love and kindness of one Englishman far, far exceeds the hatred and cruelty of thousands of Britishers. Back in the late 1890s, early 1900s it was a common practice for British officers posted in these parts to bear offspring with local women, and the children were then abandoned. Dr. Graham built these homes to give these kids a home, and education and more importantly love and care. Just to pay a tribute to this noble soul, you must visit the place. Currently you cannot go inside to visit the place due to covid related restrictions, but the authorities were sweet enough to allow me to take a couple of pictures and may my respects to Father Graham.
I studied here for over a decade, from 2010 to 2021, and I say with pride that this was the best school experience ever. I thoroughly enjoyed my school years, and now that my school years are over, I'm gonna cherish all these years and am gonna miss this school very much. The teachers are extremely friendly and qualified, and the school campus is big and beautiful. One of the best schools for a child's development. Period!
Homes is where the heart is💙
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Testimonials
Dr. Graham's Homes School in Kalimpong, West Bengal, India, is a renowned educational institution with a rich history. Established in 1900 by Rev. Dr. John Anderson Graham, it began as an orphanage and school for children. Over the years, it has evolved into a residential school offering education from kindergarten to high school. The school's ethos emphasizes a balance between academics, sports, and extracurricular activities, nurturing students both academically and personally. The sprawling campus, nestled in the serene hills, provides a conducive environment for learning and growth. The institution's emphasis on holistic development has produced notable alumni across various fields.
Amazing place. I have visited so many nice places around the globe but Dr Graham's Homes really a real home for kids to grow. What I saw during my visit on 2nd and 3rd November- just fantastic . Head teacher's help for admission process was beyond description, just efficient. One thing I can assure that I can not provide a healthy environment for my kids like Dr Graham's Homes. Whoever can please go and have a visit.
A true testimony of how, the love and kindness of one Englishman far, far exceeds the hatred and cruelty of thousands of Britishers. Back in the late 1890s, early 1900s it was a common practice for British officers posted in these parts to bear offspring with local women, and the children were then abandoned. Dr. Graham built these homes to give these kids a home, and education and more importantly love and care. Just to pay a tribute to this noble soul, you must visit the place. Currently you cannot go inside to visit the place due to covid related restrictions, but the authorities were sweet enough to allow me to take a couple of pictures and may my respects to Father Graham.
I studied here for over a decade, from 2010 to 2021, and I say with pride that this was the best school experience ever. I thoroughly enjoyed my school years, and now that my school years are over, I'm gonna cherish all these years and am gonna miss this school very much. The teachers are extremely friendly and qualified, and the school campus is big and beautiful. One of the best schools for a child's development. Period!
Homes is where the heart is💙
| 1900 | Rev. Dr. John Anderson Graham leases 100 acres of land from the Government on the slopes of the Deolo Hills, east of Kalimpong and lays the foundation of St. Andrew’s Colonial Homes in Kalimpong on 24th September, 1900. |
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| 1901 | The first building in the compound – Woodburn Cottage – is inaugurated on 4th November, 1901 by the Lt. Governor of Bengal, Sir John Woodburn. |
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| 1902 | Elliott Cottage, named after Sir Charles Elliott, is inaugurated on 4th November, 1902 by the Lt. Governor of Bengal, Sir John Woodburn. |
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| 1903 | Mr. J. Simpson is appointed the first Head Master. |
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| 1903 | Sir Charles Allen opens the Christison Farm Steading on 29th October, 1903. |
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| 1904 | Strachan Cottage is inaugurated by Mr. Robert Laidlaw of Whiteaway, Laidlaw & Co. on 12th January, 1904. |
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| 1905 | Thorburn Cottage is inaugurated on 9th June, 1905 by Mr. E. A. Gait. |
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| 1906 | Jarvie Hall is inaugurated on 24th April, 1906 by Sir L. Hare, officiating Lt. Governor of Bengal. |
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| 1907 | The second wing of the Bourdillon School is opened. |
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| 1908 | Miss L Steel inaugurates the Steel Memorial Hospital and Sanitorium on 4th February, 1908. |
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| 1908 | The Pugh Gymnasium opens on 31st October, 1908. |
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| 1910 | Lucia King Cottage is inaugurated on 24th September, 1910 by the Hon. Mr. F. A. Slacke, President of the Homes. |
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| 1912 | The Memorial Stone of the Queen Mary Block is laid by Lord Carmichael on 5th October, 1912. |
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| 1914 – 1918 | Boys of the Homes fight for the British Empire during the First World War. |
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| 1919 | Katherine Graham, beloved wife of Rev. Dr. John Anderson Graham, passes away on 15th May, 1919. |
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| 1925 | The Homes celebrates its Silver Jubilee. |
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| 1927 | The Homes expands its operations to Calcutta with the opening of the Birkmyre Hostel on 14th January, 1927. |
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| 1930 | Ahava Guest House is inaugurated in April 1930. |
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| 1931 | Rev. Dr. John Anderson Graham is made Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and spends a year there fulfilling his various duties before returning to Kalimpong. |
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| 1937 | Rev. Dr. John Anderson Graham undertakes a world tour, visiting OGBs and overseas friends of the Homes. |
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| 1939 | Jubilee House is inaugurated by Rev. Foss Westcott. |
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| 1942 |
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| 1947 | India gains her Independence from the British Empire – the Tricolour is raised above Jarvie Hall on 15th August, 1947. |
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| 1950 | The Homes celebrates its Golden Jubilee. |
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| 1952 | Overseas sponsorship of children begins with the Christian Children’s Fund Inc. U.S.A., which takes on partial support of 250 children. |
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| 1957 | Rev. Ewan Traill becomes the first Principal of the Homes. |
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| 1958 | Lady Edwina Mountbatten visits the Homes and is enchanted by the children at Lucia King Cottage. |
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| 1961 | Bhutanese children and Tibetan refugee children are admitted for the first time. |
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| 1963 | The Chinese invade North-East India and the remaining school children are evacuated to Gopalpur, Orissa. |
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| 1971 | Mr. Bernard Brooks takes over as Principal from Mr. James R. Minto. |
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| 1972 | The First International Conference of Overseas Committees and the Board of Management is held in Kalimpong. |
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| 1976 | The Delhi-based Indian Schools Certificate (10+2) is introduced. |
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| 1977 | The Central Kitchen is opened; meals cease to be cooked and served in Cottages. |
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| 1987 | Mr. Robert H. Wright is reappointed as Chairman and President of the Board of Management. |
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| 1988 | A record forty-day “bandh” is called throughout the District; the Homes is closed for six months from 10th February 1988. |
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| 1994 | Mr. Michael J. Robertson takes over as Chairman and President of the Board of Management of the Homes in May 1994. |
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| 1998 | The Third International Conference of Overseas Committees and the Board of Management is held in Kalimpong. |
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| 2002 | Mr. David Foning appointed Bursar of the Homes. |
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| 2004 | The Children’s Choir – ‘The Children’s City in Concert’ – performs in Kolkata. This is the start of a series of concerts in Kolkata held in December every year to packed audiences. |
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| 2006 | Thorburn Cottage is rebuilt. |
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| 2007 | The Children’s Choir of the Homes undertakes a concert tour of the United Kingdom and Scotland and receives rave reviews. |
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| 2007 | An International BPO Academy is set up at the Homes to help children acquire skills for careers in the BPO industry. |
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