In India today, many government schools are struggling. Their quality has gone down, and children often do not get the education they deserve.
On the other hand, private schools charge very high fees. This becomes a heavy burden for middle-class families.
But in Varanasi, there is one school that shines like a star. This school is Central Hindu School (CHS). It is special because its fees are low, like government schools, but its teaching and learning are of very high quality, just like the best private schools.
For 125 years, CHS has been giving children the gift of education. It has helped not only students of Varanasi, but also children from Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh.
This year, CHS celebrates its 125th foundation day, and it is the right time to remember its wonderful history and achievements.
Central Hindu Boys School is located at Kamachha, Bhelupur, Varanasi. Today, it is affiliated with the famous Banaras Hindu University (BHU). The school is very large and has thousands of students. Its campus is full of life, discipline, and learning.
The Foundation of CHS
The story of CHS starts in 1898. At that time, India was under British rule. Education was controlled by the British, and most schools only taught English ways of thinking. Indian culture, traditions, and values were ignored.
At this time, a great lady named Annie Besant decided to do something different.
She founded Central Hindu School in 1898. Her idea was simple but powerful: a school that would give modern education and, at the same time, keep alive India’s Hindu culture and values.
In the beginning, the school was set up at Saptsagar. Later, it shifted to Nandan Sahu. Finally, it moved to Kamachha on land given by the King of Banaras. Since then, CHS has grown into one of the most respected schools in India.
Who Was Annie Besant?
Annie Besant was not Indian by birth. She came from England. But she loved India deeply and worked for its progress.
She believed that India should get freedom, and Indians should be proud of their culture.
Annie Besant had a great vision for education. She wanted a school where children would learn not only maths, science, and history but also values, discipline, and spirituality. She wanted students to become good human beings, along with being good students.
Annie Besant’s Vision for Girls
At that time, very few girls went to school in India. But Annie Besant believed that girls must also study.
She started the Hindu Balika Vidyalaya, which later became the Central Hindu Girls School. She said that women must become educated mothers, wise homemakers, and even teachers. This idea was very modern and ahead of her time.
Annie Besant also helped bring the Ranvir Sanskrit School, started by the King of Kashmir, into CHS. This made the school even richer in knowledge, as children also learned Sanskrit and Indian scriptures.
CHS: A Hub of Freedom Movement
Annie Besant was not only an educationist; she was also a freedom fighter. She worked hard for India’s independence. She even became the first woman President of the Indian National Congress.
Under her guidance, CHS became a center of nationalistic activities. Meetings, discussions, and committees for India’s freedom were often held here.
Even Mahatma Gandhi visited CHS. His secretary, Mahadev Desai, wrote in his book Day to Day with Gandhi that Gandhi asked the teachers and students of CHS to take part in the freedom struggle.
Because of this, CHS was often called the “Mecca of Swarajis” — the holy place for freedom-loving people.
CHS later became a part of Banaras Hindu University (BHU). BHU was started by Mahamana Madan Mohan Malaviya, who was a close friend of Annie Besant.
Even today, CHS is under BHU’s care. This gives the school great strength, because BHU is one of the best universities in India. Students of CHS also get the benefit of BHU’s rich academic and cultural environment.
125 Years of Excellence
For 125 years, CHS has been known for:
High Quality of Teaching – The teachers are well-trained and dedicated. They not only teach subjects but also values and discipline.
Low Fees – The fees are low, like government schools, so even middle-class and poor families can afford them.
Great Results – Students from CHS do very well in entrance exams and often get admission to top universities and colleges.
All-Round Development – Along with studies, CHS also focuses on sports, arts, and cultural activities.
This mix of affordability and quality makes CHS truly unique.
Varanasi: The City of Learning
Varanasi is not only the spiritual capital of India, but it is also called the capital of learning. For centuries, scholars, saints, and teachers have lived here. Central Hindu School has added greatly to this reputation.
Students from CHS carry the city’s name with pride. Wherever they go, they shine in studies, jobs, and public service. This makes Varanasi proud and strengthens India as a nation.
Lessons From CHS History
Education Must Balance Tradition and Modernity
CHS shows that children can learn modern subjects like science and maths without losing their culture and values.
Education for All
Annie Besant’s focus on both boys and girls was revolutionary. Today, both Central Hindu Boys School and Central Hindu Girls School stand as proof of her vision.
Schools Can Shape a Nation
By becoming a hub of the freedom struggle, CHS showed that schools can do much more than just teach lessons. They can inspire children to serve the nation.
A Symbol of Service and Dedication
Central Hindu School is not just a school. It is a symbol of:
Vision (of Annie Besant)
Service (to society by keeping fees low)
Dedication (to values, culture, and nation-building)
As it celebrates its 125th foundation day, CHS reminds us that real education is not just about exams and marks. It is about making children wise, disciplined, and responsible citizens.
For 125 years, Central Hindu School, Varanasi, has been a temple of learning. Started by Annie Besant, it has grown into one of the most respected schools in India. It gave India brave freedom fighters, wise leaders, and thousands of successful students.
At a time when many schools are either too costly or poor in quality, CHS continues to be a shining example. It is a school with low fees but high values.
As CHS steps into the future, its history inspires us. It shows how a school, rooted in culture and service, can shape generations and build a nation. Truly, CHS is not only an educational institution but a heritage of India’s soul.
