A glimpse into the past

Niranjan Agarwala was born on 2nd May, 1923. His parents were Dhirendra Nath Agarwala, a pioneer in the tea plantation industry in Assam, and Bijoya Agarwala. Being the eldest son of this culturally affluent family whose ancestors travelled all the way from Churu district of Rajasthan to settle in Assam via Tezpur, therefore it was natural to assume that he was brought up in a lap of luxury. Yet he was very honest and hardworking. He was very compassionate to the poor and the sick, always offering his help wherever he could.

He studied up class VII in George Institution, Dibrugarh and completed his high school studies from the Dibrugarh Govt. High School. WhiIe the struggle for Independence was gaining momentum in our country, Niranjan contributed whole- hearted service towards this movement. Under the influence of his great uncle Rupkonwar Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, the great poet, litterateur, revolutionary, freedom fighter, play right, pioneer film-maker of Assam, Niranjan devoted himself as an active member of the student union and he shone like a star.

He stressed the importance of the use of Khadi. He realized the need to eradicate the use of opium amongst the youth and so urged them to be self employed to brighten their future. In this regard, he organised Seva Dals and took keen interest in the proper development of the Assamese youth. Niranjan was an intelligent student and a keen lover of sports. He went to Cotton College, Guwahati for his further education. At cultural functions in college, he manifested his talents in playing instruments like Harmonium and the Violin. He was also very fond of cross word puzzles. It was in debates/seminars, that he performed brilliantly.

From Guwahati, his educational career took him to Benaras Hindu University. He was elated to find his bosom friend, the honourable Bhupen Hazarika occupying the hostel room(No. 112) near his own room(no. 114). Years later in the words of Bhupen Hazarika, while on his visit to Niranjan School on the eve of the Silver Jubilee, 24.4.93.

"Niranjan was my bosom friend in Benaras Hindu University. I still remember his wonderful smile and his sincerity about aesthetic tastes. I am told the silver Jubilee of Niranjan School would be celebrated in 1994. I wish I could be present then. I promise my presence on that day. Long Live Niranjan” — Bhupen Hazarika (24/04/1993)

After his death in 1968, his wife Reba AgarwaIa, traversing through memories of Niranjan decided to open a school in his name ensuring that his memory should be everlasting in society. This school would be her tribute, her Taj Mahal, in his memory.

On 14th August, 1969 she opened "Niranjan Children Home" in her husband's memory- a Montessori School in English medium for children of the age group 2.5 to 6 years. Niranjan School was inaugurated by Chief Justice and Vice Chancellor of Kurukshetra University, Delhi, Shri S.K Dutta. Starting with only three children, it was managed by Reba Agarwala, who was the Principal/ Secretary of the school, Headmistress Mrs. Purnima Hazarika and teacher B.Ed qualified Mrs. Pramilla Ahuja assisted by a fourth grade employee to keep the campus clean. Soon after between the period of 1969-71, Nursery and K.G classes were opened. In the following years classes upto 9th standard were introduced. In the year 1987 a memorable day in the life of Niranjan School, was when the first batch of Matriculation students passed with a 100% success in results and till today, by the grace of the mighty Lord, in perfect ways the school has maintained it's distinction of building first class students who have diligently served our society all through out the years 2012.

As a tribute to her beloved mother, Jinty Agarwala Baruah Ex Principal and at present Director of Niranjan School, opened the R.A.(Reba Agarwala)Jr. College of Arts and Commerce which started functioning from 28th June 2010.

As per NEW EDUCATION POLICY 2020, NIRANJAN SCHOOL has been upgraded to NIRANJAN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL, (Arts, Science & Commerce) from the academic session 2023-24. It is affiliated under the Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (A.H.S.E.C.)