Puri, Oct 13: The 14th Puri Heritage Walks explored the historic corridors of Puri Zilla School, yesterday, whose roots date back to 1835 as the Puri Free Academy in Kundheibenta Sahi. This school, initially an Anglo-vernacular academy, was renamed Zilla School on November 1, 1853, and in 1858, it officially came under the government management.
Senior teacher Biswajit Banerjee and Rabinarayan Sahoo, General Secretary Zilla School Alumni Association, greeted the heritage lovers, sharing fascinating tales about the school’s legacy. As the walkers explored, they came across the modern e-library, language lab, and gymnasium hall.
To add to the charm, they learned that the gymnasium had once served as a cinema hall during World War II; built especially for soldiers stationed in Puri. Today, the school proudly hosts over 1,800 students. Not only is this institution rich in historic lore, but it has also produced some of Odisha’s brightest minds like freedom fighter and social worker Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, eminent poet “Bhakta Kabi” Madhusudan Rao, Pandit Nilakantha Das, Pandit Godabarish Mishra, Acharya Harihar, eminent poet Kalindi Charan Panigrahi, and eminent author and actor Rajkishore Ray and Mihir Das. The illustrious alumni list demonstrates the school’s pivotal role in shaping leaders and literary luminaries.
Modern facilities now embellish every corner. Facilities available are smart classrooms, laboratories, a dining hall, judo and table tennis halls, creating a vibrant space for students from primary to matriculation. Every year, children from Puri Zilla School earn recognition in national and State-level competitions, particularly in sports like Kabaddi and table tennis. The school’s grand playground, now in partnership with the Tata Group, acts as a grassroots hub for hockey, welcoming young enthusiasts who train in football, volleyball, and more.
Sculpting glory:
The heritage enthusiast then visited Sudarsana Craft Museum, established in 1972. This creative centre not only showcases Odisha’s stone sculpture traditions but also acts as a training ground for budding artists. Stories abound within its walls; one such tale marks its Buddhist connection, a Japanese guru, Fusiama, established Puri’s only Buddhist temple after Dhauli. During the heritage walk artists generously shared insights into the intricate process of sculpture making, making this an enriching experience for all.
Guided by Rabinarayan Sahoo, son of the celebrated sculpture artist Padma Bhushan Sudarsana Sahoo, the heritage enthusiasts delved deeper into the museum and Buddhist temple, gaining fresh perspectives on Puri’s diverse heritage.
The heritage walk culminated at PHW convenor Dr.Kumar Arujyoti 's heritage house near Puri railway station, where the newly established "Echos of Heritage" library was inaugurated. Retired headmaster of Puri Zilla School and President awardee teacher Raghunatha Mohapatra graced the occasion as chief guest. The heritage library, launched with over a thousand books, promising to grow as a vibrant centre of learning. To add a poetic touch to the event, poet and singer Kaasturika Mishra joined the gathering and delighted everyone by reciting one of her soulful poems.
More than 30 participants joined the walk from all over the State. Advisor of PHW Devi Prasana Nanda also elaborated the future plans of the heritage encounters. Convenor of Odisha Heritage Walks Biswaranjan Dehury thanked the heritage enthusiasts for their participation. Co-convener of PHW Sidharth Acharya was also present.
