PROFILE

Through the Sands of Time

Upon a lofty hilltop doth it stand, Amid its stern old sentinels -the pines;
The fern-clad slope in swift descent inclines To leave a view untrammelled o’er the land. Into the air all rarefied and pure, Above the clouds of selfishness and greed, Where-truth and beauty guiding word and deed Fair virtue dwells, and holds her court secure. “Non nobis solum” this our motto dear Not for ourselves these hours of sunshine rare We gather now, to scatter as we go

St. Bede’s

 College had its humble beginnings in 1904 as a Teachers Training College. But it would seem pertinent to mention here that the history of St. Bede’s would be incomplete without at least a passing mention of “Chelsea”, which is an integral part of our campus amongst other things.

The Convent of Jesus & Mary school was first founded as an orphanage for the children of British soldiers in 1864. The extensive and ideally situated “Chelsea” estate was purchased in the course of time and the other (existing) management was entrusted to the Religious of Jesus & Mary.

All was not easy however. Mother Clare won a hard (and long-drawn) legal battle with the authorities and the local administration. St. Bedes College was formally opened in the summer of 1904. From this day on, St. Bede’s and Chelsea combined to work earnestly for the development of education in India.The period of World War I did not seriously affect the educational aspect of life in the then Punjab. However, the day was dawning when the peaceful security would end. India had openly and overtly launched its campaign for freedom and there were already visible signs on the horizon indicating that the campaign would not be won without sorrow or bloodshed.Despite the turmoil, St. Bede’s and Chelsea saw through the times with courage and fortitude. It was known in town that the nuns had Muslim pupils and the anxiety was at its climax. However, under military protection, quietly at dawn one morning, a party was sent to Pakistan. Later, they heard with relief of their safe arrival in Pakistan.In 1947, at the dawn of India’s Independence, the college which was previously meant (mainly) for Christian girls, opened its doors to students of different faiths; later, on by popular demand, they started a course for undergraduate studies as well. They grew in strength and a need was felt for additional class rooms. A new block with modern architecture and design was commissioned in 1964- it consisted of a library (now the Dina Block), class rooms and an upper floor dormitory.

It is interesting to note here that in 1967, the college superiors decided to close the college –they were of the opinion that the students would be served better in the new Jesus & Mary College at New Delhi. However, St. Bede’s being a premier institution for women in the region, an appeal was made by the HP Chief Minister, Dr. Y S Parmar, and several local dignitaries to His Lordship Bishop Alfred for the continuation of the College. The appeal bore fruit and the college was saved from extinction.