From Classrooms to History: Exploring Puri Zilla School’s Timeless Legacy

Puri: The 14th edition of the Puri Heritage Walks offered participants a memorable journey through the historic Puri Zilla School, one of Odisha’s oldest educational institutions with a legacy spanning nearly two centuries. Established in 1835 as the Puri Free Academy at Kundheibenta Sahi, the institution evolved into an Anglo-Vernacular academy, was renamed Zilla School on November 1, 1853, and came under government management in 1858.

The heritage enthusiasts were welcomed by senior teacher Biswajit Banerjee and Rabinarayan Sahoo, General Secretary of the Zilla School Alumni Association, who shared captivating anecdotes from the school’s glorious past. The group explored its modern facilities, including a digital e-library, language lab, and gymnasium hall—each space blending heritage with innovation.

Adding to the walk’s charm was a lesser-known historical nugget — the gymnasium hall had once served as a cinema theatre during World War II, built exclusively for soldiers stationed in Puri. Today, the school stands as a vibrant educational hub with over 1,800 students, continuing to inspire excellence.

Over the decades, the institution has produced some of Odisha’s most distinguished personalities, including Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das, “Bhakta Kabi” Madhusudan Rao, Pandit Nilakantha Das, Pandit Godabarish Mishra, Acharya Harihar, Kalindi Charan Panigrahi, and noted actor-authors Rajkishore Ray and Mihir Das. Their legacies echo through the school’s corridors, affirming its central role in Odisha’s cultural and intellectual history.

Today, smart classrooms, modern laboratories, dining halls, and sports facilities enrich the learning environment. The school’s playground—developed in partnership with the Tata Group—has become a grassroots hub for hockey, nurturing young talents in football, volleyball, kabaddi, and table tennis. Students continue to bring laurels at state and national-level competitions, carrying forward the institution’s spirit of excellence.

Sculpting Glory at Sudarsana Craft Museum

The walk also led participants to the Sudarsana Craft Museum, founded in 1972 by Padma Bhushan Sudarsana Sahoo. The museum stands as a living testament to Odisha’s timeless stone sculpting tradition, serving both as an exhibition space and a training centre for emerging artists. Guided by Rabinarayan Sahoo, son of the legendary sculptor, participants explored the museum’s artistic treasures and learned about its Buddhist connection—a legacy initiated by Japanese guru Fusiama, who established Puri’s only Buddhist temple after Dhauli.

Echoes of Heritage Library Inaugurated

The heritage walk concluded at the residence of Dr. Kumar Arujyoti, Convenor of Puri Heritage Walks, near the Puri Railway Station, where a new heritage library titled “Echoes of Heritage” was inaugurated. Retired headmaster and President Awardee Raghunatha Mohapatra graced the occasion as Chief Guest, inaugurating the library that opens with over a thousand books and aims to grow as a dynamic learning space.

Adding a poetic resonance to the evening, poet and singer Kaasturika Mishra recited a soulful poem that beautifully encapsulated the spirit of the event.

More than 30 participants from across Odisha joined this edition of the heritage walk. Advisor Devi Prasana Nanda outlined future plans for upcoming heritage explorations, while Odisha Heritage Walks Convenor Biswaranjan Dehury extended heartfelt thanks to the participants. Co-convener Sidharth Acharya was also present, marking yet another memorable chapter in celebrating Puri’s living heritage.