Dr. Graham's Homes

Dr. Graham's Homes
Seal of the Dr. Graham's Homes
Motto	Thorough
Established	1900
Type	Institute
Chairman	Lt. General J R Mukherjee
Location	Kalimpong, West Bengal, India
Campus	Urban
Colours	Rainbow
Nickname	Homes & D.G.H.
Website	www.drgrahamshomes

Dr Graham's Homes is a famous and well-respected Heritage School in the Hill station town of Kalimpong in West Bengal, India. The school is situated on Deolo Hill overlooking the town. The school was founded in 1900 by Rev. Dr. John Anderson Graham,a Church of Scotland Missionary, who settled in Kalimpong and worked with the local community for several years during the early part of the 20th century. His original concept was to establish a refuge for poor and needy Anglo-Indian children, who had no other means of support.

Kalimpong

Kalimpong is a small hill station situated in the foothills of the mighty Kanchenjunga, some 700 km north of Kolkata. It has a population of around 45,000 mainly Nepali speaking people. Dr. Graham’s Homes School is situated on Deolo Hill overlooking the town and at an altitude of 4,600 feet. The establishment of the school was greatly responsible for Kalimpong gaining Economic prosperity owing to the migration of many families in search of quality education and a temperate climate.

History

Dr. John Anderson Graham

John Anderson Graham originally came to Kalimpong as a missionary. He soon began to focus his attention on teaching the underprivileged children and thus set up an Orphanage-cum-School for destitute Anglo Indian children in Kalimpong. At that time the school was known as St Andrew's Colonial Homes but was later renamed to Dr. Graham's Homes. In the beginning only Anglo Indian children were permitted to school there, but subsequently children from all communities were allowed in.

Family Tree

Katherine Graham

Katherine Graham, who was no less a leader than her husband.She was called 'The Mother of Homes' For two whole decades, till her almost premature death in 1919 at the age of 58, Mrs. Graham acted as Chief Liaison Officer between the several scores of workers, both welfare and academic, who were drawn from almost every corner of the Commonwealth of Nations, including India. Another aspect of the Integrated Cosmopolitanism that flourished under the leadership of John and Katherine Graham was the truly ecumenical nature of the staff, whose denomination affiliations, in their variety, were almost legion.

Museum

It had been Michael Robertson’s dream for many years to capture the ethos and history of the Homes and he mooted the idea of setting up a Museum at the Homes to commemorate its Centenary Year. Housing memorabilia of this unique institution from the time of its inception in 1900, the Museum was formally inaugurated by the British High Commissioner to India, Sir Robert Young on 24 September 2000 during the centenary celebrations of the Homes. It is a place that inspires visitors and, in a sense, embodies the values that Reverend Dr. John Anderson Graham stood for.

The Homes

The family of Homes raises children from adolescence through their teenage years, into their adulthood by the process of taking them along the channel of a nursery Lucia king, kindergarten Queen Elizabeth Kindergarten School, Junior Section, Senior Section and, if required, employment. The Homes helps to achieve their aim of providing young people with the opportunity to become successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and ultimately responsible citizens. O.G.B.s (an acronym popularly used for alumni of Dr Graham’s Homes), Who continue or come back to serve the Homes are given the privilege of being called Grahamites and the rest as O.G.B.s. The school encompasses an area of 400 acres (1.61 km²). The campus is a miniature town and is self-sufficient. It holds together the establishment of a:

• Offices

Main Office Senior School Office- Strachen Cottage Junior School Office

• Bank

Central Bank Of India

• Museum

Homes Museum

• Church

Katherine Graham Memorial Chapel

• Jarvie Hall

• Farm

• Green House

• Workshop

James Patterson Memorial Workshop

• Clothing Department

• Stationary Department

• Hospital

The Steele Memorial Central Brenchley Memorial Dispensary

• Central Kitchen

RJG Ballentyne Memorial

• Bakery

Fyfe Bakery

• Dairy

Sir John Anderson Dairy

• Canteen

• Store's

Carmichael Farm Steading

• Playground's

Ronaldshay Park Lower Field Upper Field School Garden Tear Drop Garden

• Hang Out Zones

Honeymoon Hill

• Football Field

• Swimming Pool

CC Macleod Swimming Baths

• Basket Ball Courts

Betty Sherrif Memorial Court

• Library

Mountbatten's Children Library

• Computer Centre

• Technical Room

• Hornell Domestic Science Block

Biology Laboratory Physics Laboratory Chemistry Laboratory

• Art Gallery

Pickford Scout Den

• Music Room

Margaret Lloyd Memorial Hut

• Gym

Pugh Gymnasium

• Holiday Home Guest House

• Ahava Guest House

• Administration Cottages

(Principal) - Jublee House,

(Head Master) - Graham House,

(Bursar) - Wolsely House,

(Junior Head Master) - Yule House

• Staff Quarters

Sir Charles Bell Bungalow

Edinburgh Flats/New Flats, Isolation Flats,

Cargil House, Mount House, Ben Creak House,

Shallay Cottage, Deolo Cottage/Gordon Cottage,

• Student's Cottages

Toddlers

COTTAGES	MOTTO	EMBLEM
Lucia King	Affectionate	Lamb
Wales Lodge	Willing	Rabbit

Boy's Cottages

COTTAGES	MOTTO	COLOUR & TIES	EMBLEM
Assam	Assiduous	Yellow	Rhino
Calcutta	Cautious	Red	Rooster
Hart	Friendly	Light Blue	Stag
Heathland	Helpful	Royal Blue	Horse
Laidlaw	Law-Abiding	Brown	Lion
Murray	United	Maroon	Panda
Scottish Canadian	Fearless	Maroon	Bear
Grant	Enduring	Mauve	Eagle
Wiston	Daring	Dark Green	Boar
Centenary	Challenger	Red & Black	Snow Lion

Girl's Cottages

COTTAGES	MOTTO	COLOUR & TIES	EMBLEM
Bene	Sincere	Pink	Lotus
Brissa	Begin	Maroon	Butterfly
Elliot	Enterprising	Blue	Eel
Macgregor	Peace Loving	Royal Blue	Dove
Mansfield	Grace	Yellow	Swan
Thoburn	Truthful	Dark-Green	Lamp
Woodburn	Winsome	Turquoise	Woodpecker

Hostels

HOSTEL	MOTTO	COLOUR	EMBLEM
Frazer	Fortitude	Rasta	Elephant
Willing don	Will-Power	Berets	Tiger

• Cemetery

Garden of Remembrance

• Vehicle

School Bus ~ Presented by the O.G.B.s of Bhutan.

On the other side, the school overlooks the Teesta River and its carved valleys. The establishment of the school was greatly responsible for Kalimpong gaining economic prosperity owing to the migration of many families in search of quality education and a salubrious climate.

Academic year

The school conducts classes in English medium and follow the ICSE, which is equivalent to the GCSE in the United Kingdom & ISC, which is equivalent to the A Levels in the United Kingdom syllabus.

Subjects Taught

• English Language, Second Language, Third Language
• English Literature, History, Geography
• Mathematics, Accountancy, Commerce
• Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, Science, Political Science
• Physical Education, Value Education
• Computer, Technical Drawing, Art

Dr. Graham's Homes

The academic year begins around late February and ends in early December, thus having a long holiday of almost three months, owing to the cold weather in the winter. The school attracts students from not only Kalimpong, but also from places as far as Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Siliguri, Bihar, Calcutta, Assam and the North East States. Internationally from Korea.

The school offers eight Second Languages: Hindi, Nepali, Bengali, Dzongkha, Tibetan, Khasi, Lushai and Thai.

Common Languages used in school by students understood only by one another: P Language, Homes Slang

Also, offering membership of National Cadet Corps / (N.C.C.), Socially Useful Productive Work / (S.U.P.W.), Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme / (D.E.A.S.), Scouts and Guides, Interact Club in association with the Rotary Club of Kalimpong.

Homes encourages students to feel the spirit of sportsmanship, providing training and competition with basketball, volleyball, athletics, swimming, football, throw ball, badminton, table tennis, and cricket.

Further motivating and encouraging students to participate in extra curricular activities like Gardening, Elocution, Quizzing, Dramatics, Choir, Music, Photography, Wild Life Preservation,

Common innocent games played by the children among themselves: Hopscotch, Change pole's, 5 stones, Butterfly, Butterfly what's my number,

World renown Nursery Rhymes that are taught to impeccable children who learn the rhymes and later in life carry it on to their children and that is how the World keeps turning 'Round & Round'. A few Our school keeps them updated on ~ Orange and Lemons ends with the line Remember me till I'am dead, dead, dead. hickory dickory, The mulberry bush, Jingle Bell

Brotherhood

St. Augustine's School ~ Special dedication from Homes

Sisterhood

St Joseph's Convent ~ Deep in the Valley ~ Special dedication from Homes

Events

May Fair

• Homes is proud of its long and distinguished heritage. We celebrate two very important dates in the calendar every year. The May Fair is a traditional carnival day in the month of May during the spring. Interesting stalls are put up where students can display their skills and dedication at the request stall by sending love messages, secret admirers, friendship funnily lost and found children and belongings.Other skills in arts and crafts, cookery, candle-making, stitching, technical drawing, dancing, dramatics, choir and school band performances. It also includes events like Maypole dance, Snow Lion dance & the Yak dance in association with the Indo-Tibetan Buddhist cultural Institute of Kalimpong. The Fair also sees the Crowning of the traditional May Queen by the Chief Guest who is always an important dignitary. Invitations go out to all parents and children to attend. It is during this time of the year that we also have the annual Inter-Cottage Garden Competition, an event which is closely contested as boys and girls, and staff, vie with one another to create the brightest and most striking floral garden displays.

Birthday celebrations

• An annual birthday celebration marks the founding of the school in 1900. Held in September, the celebration is spread over a couple of days and includes the annual Flower Service at the Katherine Graham Memorial Chapel and the Graham Re-dedication Service. The event also includes the much awaited Birthday Ball, a dinner party, Picnic by the river side,the school play, the Swimming Gala, the Singing Competition, the Drill Display, and the traditional buns and jalabies with smoked tea. Apart from current students, parents and local supporters, the Birthday Celebration draws former students, friends and well-wishers from across the world every year.It is also celebrated worldwide by the O.G.B.s (Old Girls & Boys) in many parts of the world, who have finished schooling and have been raised by this Institution.

Carol service

• The carol service is an event that takes place in November just before the end of the academic year.

Fundraising events

• These Events include Walkathon, Seminars, Webinars, Bike Bengal, Jars for Change, sponsorship, annual subscriptions, trust funds, raffles, and dinner dances, save environment, walk away from drugs,

Sporting events

• In addition, throughout the year, Dr Graham's Homes takes part in an extensive calendar of sporting events jointly organised by local schools.

Achievements

• The Telegraph Schools Award for Outstanding Excellence 2000 & 2004
• The choir also had a very successful tour of the United Kingdom in 2007, where they sang before and appreciative audiences at St Paul's Cathedral, in London. Their first concert on foreign soil, they performed at a total of 13 venues both in England and Scotland.
• The Choir sang live over BBC in 2007, which was a unique opportunity and platform to showcase their outstanding talent.
• The Choir also performed at the Great Hall of Edinburgh Castle, and amongst the audience were the likes of Justin Timberlake and Sir Elton John.
• The students have also participated in the Cadbury Bournvita Quiz Contest on Zee TV Internationally. They were quizzed by the quiz master Derek O’Brien

Collections

Books

• 'Daddy Graham’s Homes'

This book is a tribute to Dr. Graham’s Homes School, for hundred years of compassion, dedication and service to those who were unfortunate and in great need of assistance in the field of education, health and well being. Beautifually compiled, over 150 wonderful photos of the school, events dating as far back as the 1900s. The book “Daddy Graham’s Homes” portrays the history of the school from 24 September 1900 when it was established till 24 September 2000 when it celebrated its centenary. Great effort has been taken to maintain the quality of the book. Compiled, composed and sponsored by the ex-students of Dr. Graham’s Homes. One might say a tribute to its OGB’s (Old Girls and Boys) as well.

• 'Dr. Graham of Kalimpong'

This book is a fascinating story of the life and achievements of one of the missionary giants. In Kalimpong – a beautiful part of northern India – the name of Dr. Graham lives on through the work of the homes he founded.

• 'A Century of Children'

The story of the first hundred years of Dr. Graham's Homes tells of the enfolding of a vision for children as it has passed on from the founder, Dr John Anderson Graham, to the present day. It is hoped that the record of dedicated work for the welfare and education of children laid out here will not only kept for posterity, but will also serve as an inspiration for the future years and work of the Homes' mission for children.

Documentaries

• A School Called Home

Documentary on the centennial year of Dr Graham's Homes.

• We Homes Chaps

Everybody who went to the Homes has a profound, if baffling love for the school. Film maker and alumni Kesang Tseten set out to explore this difficult love when former Anglo-Indian and Tibetan school friends return for the school centennial celebration. Gradually the pabulum of reunion sentiment gives way to an unfolding of a real childhoods of separation and abandonment and of alienation and cultural displacement.

Subscriptions

• Yearly School Diary
• Thorough Magazines

Distinguish O.G.B.s

• Norman Douglas Hutchinson
• Lyonchen Jigmi Yoser Thinley
• Thuten Kesang
• Dawa T. Norbu

School Song

FORWARD O'YOUTH FOREVER ADVANCING, LOOK TO HORISONS FAR EYES DO NOT GROPE IN DEPTH OF THE NIGHT THAT LOOK ON A SHINING STAR NATIONS FEARFUL IN APARTNESS, NEED YOUR SIGHT TO LIGHT THIER DARKNESS LOOK UP O'YOUTH FOREVER ADVANCING, LOOK TO HORISONS FAR.........

WAKEN THIS HOUR IS NO TIME FOR SLEEPING WELCOME THE RISING SUN NATIONS ARE STIRRING OUT OF THIER SLUMBERS GREAT IS THEWOKR UNDONE WAKEN SISTERS, WAKEN BROTHERS, RISE UP NOW AND WAKEN OTHERS WELOME THE MORN' A NEW DAY IS BORN WHEN PEOPLE SHALL LIVE AS ONE

GO ON WITH SINGING OVER THE LAND WHEREVER THE ROAD WAYS LIE FREEDOM SHALL BE THE THEME OF YOUR SONG THE WATCHWORD OF PEACE YOUR CRY EQUAL RIGHTS FOR EVERY BROTHER LANDS AT PEACE WITH ONE ANOTHER LOYAL TO TRUTH THE SINGING OF YOUTH SHALL ECHO FROM HILL TO SKY !!

National Anthem

Jana gaṇa mana adhināyaka jaya he Bhārata bhāgya vidhātā Pañjāba Sindhu Gujarāṭa Marāṭhā Drāviḍa Utkala Vaṅga Vindhya Himāchala Yamunā Gaṅgā Ucchala jaladhi taraṅga Tav śubha nāme jāge Tav śubha āśiṣa māge Gāhe taba jaya gāthā Jana gaṇa maṅgala dāyaka jaya he Bhārata bhāgya vidhāta Jaya he, jaya he, jaya he Jaya jaya jaya, jaya he!

See also

Official Sites 

• Dr. Graham's Homes Official
• Dr. Graham's Homes Sponsorship Official
• Dr. Graham's Home Alumni
• 'Raising Dr. Graham's Homes'

News 

• Tale of a Food Lover on Zee News ~ (1 October 2011)
• Media's Push on Telegraph ~ (22 September 2011)
• Natures Push on Telegraph ~ (18 September 2011)
• Natures Push on NDTV ~ (18 September 2011)

Books 

• Daddy Graham's Homes
• Dr. Graham of Kalimpong
• A Century of Children - Simon Mainwaring
• The Road Ahead - Dawa T. Norbu

Video 

• We Homes Chaps - Kesang Tseten
• 'A Better Chance' - narrated - Felicity Kendal

External links

• Photographs ~ Friends & Family
• Homes Video ~ Mithilesh Baraily

References

Books

• Yearly School Diary
• Thorough Magazines (1901–2010)

Links

• Homes Website~ An Era Of Love