• Barabazar, Chandannagar, West Bengal 712136

History of our Institution

Originally founded in 1862, our school has a rich history that mirrors the political changes of its hometown, transitioning from a French-administered institution to an integral part of the Indian educational system.

French Foundation

Established by a Jesuit missionary as 'Ecole de Sainte Marie' in 1862.

Government Takeover

Became a French government-run school in 1887, later renamed 'Collège Dupleix'.

Indian Autonomy

Renamed 'Kanailal Vidyamandir' in 1948 after India declared autonomy for Chandernagore.

Municipal Management

Came under the management of the Chandernagore Municipal Corporation in 1955 after the city joined India.

The Evolution of School Name

  • A French Start

  • Government Renaming

  • Honoring a Revolutionary

  • Dual Identity

A French Start

The first name, ‘Ecole de Sainte Marie’, or ‘St. Mary’s Institution,’ established its foundation under Jesuit missionaries.

Government Renaming

It became ‘Collège Dupleix’ in 1901, honoring the famous French colonial governor.

Honoring a Revolutionary

After India’s autonomy, it was renamed ‘Kanailal Vidyamandir’ in 1948, a tribute to revolutionary and former student Kanailal Dutta.

Dual Identity

The full title, ‘Chandernagore Kanailal Vidyamandir (French Section)’, acknowledges both its Indian identity and its unique French heritage.

Most Interesting Facts

To take a trivial example which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise.

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    Year Founded.

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    Years of Legacy

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    Kilometers away from Kolkata

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    Municipal Heritage

A Revolutionary's Resolve: The Story of Kanailal Dutta

Kanailal Dutta was a pivotal figure in India’s freedom struggle, a revolutionary whose unwavering commitment to his country culminated in his martyrdom. Born in Chandernagore, he became a member of the Jugantar revolutionary group and was arrested in connection with the Alipore Bomb Case. Inside the jail, he and Satyendranath Bose assassinated Narendranath Goswami, who had turned into a British informant. For this act, Kanailal was sentenced to death. He faced his execution with remarkable calm and dignity, becoming a symbol of heroic sacrifice for his countrymen.

“Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life—think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.”

– Swami Vivekananda

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