Faith and Community Shine as Rangamatia High School Celebrates Golden Jubilee in Bangladesh

Rangamatia High School in Kaliganj Upazila of Gazipur District, central Bangladesh, celebrated its Golden Jubilee on December 28–29, marking 50 years of educational service rooted in faith, sacrifice, and community commitment.

The two-day celebration drew around 1,000 participants, including dignitaries from home and abroad, former and present teachers, alumni, students, parents, and well-wishers.

The programme began on December 28 at 3:00 p.m. on the school premises, with the school’s Scout group playing a ceremonial band and escorting guests to the stage, setting a festive tone for the celebrations.

Auxiliary Bishop Subroto Boniface Gomes of the Archdiocese of Dhaka graced the occasion as chief guest. Other distinguished guests included Fr. Albin Gomes, President of the School Managing Committee; Sr. Mary Scholastica Palma, SMRA, Headmistress; Mr. Luis Anil Costa, Founder President of the school; and Kaliganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer A.T.M. Kamrul Islam.

The celebration opened with readings from the Bible, the Quran, and the Gita, reflecting the school’s commitment to interreligious harmony. The national anthem was sung in unison, followed by the hoisting of the national flag and the unveiling of the Golden Jubilee logo on the school façade.

In her welcome address, Sr. Mary Scholastica expressed gratitude to all who have supported the institution over the past five decades.

“This school was established by the people of this area and has continued to thrive with their support. Reaching 50 years is a significant milestone and a matter of great pride,” she said.

Founder President Luis Anil Costa, now based in the United States, recalled the school’s humble beginnings and early struggles.

“The fifty-year history of Rangamatia High School is a history of struggle. Our area was underdeveloped, and education was a distant dream for many. That is why we dared to establish this school,” he said.

Congratulating the school community, Bishop Gomes praised the dedication of the managing committee, teachers, and students in sustaining the institution over the years. Former headmasters, teachers, and alumni also participated in a memorial service to honor those who contributed to the school’s growth.

Jeffrey George Costa, a former student and Secretary of the Media and Documentary Committee for the Golden Jubilee, highlighted the spirit of sacrifice behind the school’s founding.

“Local Catholics, mostly farmers, donated rice, onions, and garlic to support the school. Many teachers taught without salary in the early years,” he told RVA News.

Since 1993, the Associates of Mary Queen of the Apostles (SMRA) have supported the school, taking full charge in 2018.

Today, Rangamatia High School serves about 300 students from Christian, Muslim, and Hindu families, promoting education, harmony, and inclusiveness. Over the past 50 years, more than 3,000 students have studied at the institution, with many becoming priests, religious, and professionals serving both Church and society.

The first day concluded with a vibrant cultural programme. The second day featured religious services, a jubilee rally, cake-cutting, a documentary screening on the school’s history, the unveiling of a souvenir, felicitation of contributors, cultural performances, and a lottery draw.

Founded in 1975, the school was enlisted for MPO in 1985 and received approval from the Dhaka Secondary and Higher Education Board in 1994, when students appeared for the SSC examinations under the school’s name for the first time.

The Golden Jubilee was not only a celebration of years but a testimony to faith, perseverance, and the enduring power of community.