The contributionsof the Christian Missionaries to the foundation of modern education and the promotion of language and literature in Assam is truly remarkable. Since independence, the importance of English Education had been increasingly recognized by the elite group of this country. However, it took little time for this trend to spread among the common families. In the early 1980s, the residents of Tezpur felt the need of a better English Medium School. It was because St. Joseph Convent School, Tezpurhad provision for boys till class V only. The demand for quality education in English was high. This desire of the parents to provide their children with better academic opportunities was acknowledged by the Catholic Mission of Tezpurand established Don Bosco High School as a response. Rt. Rev. Dr. Joseph Mittathany, the Bishop of Tezpur at that time, took the initiative of establishing Don Bosco High School. His committed endeavor and futuristic education policy brought a tremendous change in the educational scenario of Tezpur.

Since the establishment of this prestigious institution, it has been carrying a special identity in the society with its own dignity. In the last 50 golden years, this institution has been contributing incomparablyin the field of education, sports and culture.In anticipation of the upcoming Golden Jubilee celebration, we have triedto shed somelight on the history of this prestigious institution within the limits of our limited knowledge.

The golden journey of this prestigious institution started at Bishop’s House on January 18, 1971. Fr. Mathew Kunnath was appointed the first Principal of this school, he was assisted by two sisters, two brothers and two teachers. The strength of students was 20. Fr. Mathew Kunnath served the school as Principal only for one year. Since his tenure, many great individuals have graced the esteemed position of principal of this school. He was succeeded by Rev. Fr. JohnMulamgothra in the year 1972 and servedthe honorary post for three years.In 1975, with fresh perspective and energy, Fr. Mathew Nellickaltook over the charge as the Principal and continued his contribution significantly for nine years. During his tenure the first batch of students appeared in the HSLC examination in the year 1976.

As the days passed, the number of the students steadily increased, the school grew into a large family. Golden moments accumulated in the treasury of DBHS, marking the passage of time with cherished memories.  The only challenge was the space. The limited areaof Bishop House created difficulties for the growing number of students. The school managing committee was well aware of this problem and tirelessly sought a solution. In 1981, there was a major administrative change in the Catholic Mission of Tezpur.  Rt. Rev. Robert Kerketta was transferred to Tezpur from Tinsukia as the new Bishop of Tezpur on January 31,1981.Soon after being appointed as the Bishop of Tezpur, Rt. Rev. Robert Kerketta purchased a new plot of land near NikamulSatra to actualize his bigger vision for the school.

In the year 1984, Fr. Mathew Anchukandam was appointed the fourth  Principal of Don Bosco High School. The following year, in 1985, DBHS was able to celebrate the sweetest fruit of the hard work of the teachers. By securing the 9^th position in the HSLC examination Nilanjan Das brought immense glory to the school. It marked the best result DBHS had ever witnessed.

On February 1, 1986, a new era began in the history of Don Bosco High School when Fr. John Moolachira( now the Archbishop of Guwahati ) took on the role of Principal. Students who were blessed to receive his teaching can attest to the impact he had. His initial challenge was to continue the journey with the increasing number of students in a congested area. In the year 1987, with the advices of other priests, Fr. John Moolachira transformed the rooms of Bishop House into class rooms so that the acceleration of education should not be hampered.  In the same year, soon after the Christmas celebration on December 28, Rt. Rev. Robert Kerketta blessed the new site and laid the foundation for the new building of DBHS.  The construction work of the present DBHS building started in 1988 and by the end of 1989 it was completed. Parents accepted the new school building wholeheartedly.

For the academic year 1990, Fr. John Moolachira had to shift to the New School building. Meanwhile, the primary section continued to operate within the Bishop House complex. Parish Priest Rev. Fr. AbrahamKuttilampelwas entrusted an additional responsibility to look after the primary section. The Primary section had 450 boys and 12 teachers. The high school section i.e. from classes V to X with a strength of 525 boys and 17 teachers embraced the newambiance. On January 25, the school was formally inaugurated by the Education Minister of the Govt. of  Assam Mr. BrindabanGoswami, while the blessing part was conducted by Rt. Rev. Robert kerketta. A special function was organized to commemoratethe inauguration. A student named DharmendraBothra pleased the audiences with his melodious songs. He was accompanied by Sir Anthony Kerketta (present Vice Principal of the school) on the guitar and RitamSinha on the Keyboard.

Initially, Bro. Sylvester Herenz was appointed to assist the Principal in the administration of the school. He executed his responsibilities with utmost dedication. In the same year, computer education was introduced in the school, marking a momentous upgrading in the school’s educational offerings.This dynamism by the Principal exemplified a visionary approach to incorporating modern technology into the education system.His administration was profoundlyembedded in the philosophy of holistic development for students. Recognizing the escalating interest in diverse fields,he introduced music classes for the students. The school not only achieved academic excellence but also shone remarkably in sports, culture, and music. Under the guidance of his golden arms,the students of DBHS excelled in various domains, demonstrated their proficiencies and achieved remarkable milestones. Once again the school building was extended in 1995, now the school campus had enough space for the younger students too. After nearly 11 years of excellent service Fr. John Moolachira was transferred to Udalguri in the year 1996.

On August 14,1996  Fr. Mathew  Vazhappillil was appointed as the principal of DBHS.Words may fall short in depicting the full extent of his impact. In the same year, Don Bosco High School Tezpur completed its 25  years of excellence.Despite being new to the institution, Fr. Mathew immersed himself in celebrating the Silver Jubilee of DBHS in the month of October in 1996. Organizing such a grand event within one and half month was a herculean hurdle for the new Principal. But the festive atmosphere and his expert formulation of ideas resulted the celebration a memorable one.

The DBHS family witnessed numerous positive changes during the tenure of Fr. Mathew. In 1997, the primary section, previously operating in the Bishop House complex, was merged with the high school section. For the younger students, Fr. Mathew built a new children park in front of the school.  In 1998, he introduced the generator facility to the school. Definitely, it was a remarkable addition at that time, as veryfew schoolshad such amenities. In 1999, concerning the growing number of students, Fr. Mathew bought a new plot adjacent to the school and converted it into a new field. It offered a great opportunity for the students to practise cricket as well as football too. He was very much devoted in promoting cricket. His encouragement was so influencing that it is difficult to fully grasp without firsthand experience. Fr. Mathew was wholeheartedly committed to the holistic development of the students. He not only  highlighted students’ academic growth but also  focused  on sports and other co-curricular activities. This is notable that  the school’s cricket team remained undefeated in the district level tournaments for many years. Boundary walls of the school campus were raised high for the security reasons. Fathers’ quarters were built, earthquake reactor was installed, teachers’ common room was updated. His commitment to the school and its development left a lasting legacy.

Fr. Mathew was not only popular as the principal of DBHS but also valued by the entire community of Tezpur for his exemplary character and dedication to the social engagement. He was the person who never hesitated to stand by the students, teachers and evenneighbours in their times of need. His ability of understanding child psychology is really rare. His influence extended far beyond that of an educator; he was a friend, philosopher, and guide who positively transformed many lives. These remarkable qualities and his unyielding enthusiasm to the well-being of his students  have solidified his unparalleled popularity and enduring legacy. After 13 years of  outstanding service, Fr. Mathew Vazhappillil laid down the reins of the school at his transfer to Rowta.

On August 3, 2009 Fr. Jijo Joseph was handed over the responsibility of the school. He served the school only for 11 months. Following his departure, Fr. Xavier Topno was appointed as the caretaker for a short period.

On September 13, 2010 Fr. Xavier Bowlis V. was appointed the principal of the school. His leadership was designated by a firm emphasis on academics and discipline. During his 2 years 3 months of service, the students’ performance and behaviour improved significantly.

Fr. Xavier Bowlis V. was succeeded by Fr. Daniel Deben Kachari on April 23, 2013 and served the honorary post for four years. He was a person with pure heart, his boldness made alasting impact on both students and teachers. During his tenure, The DBHS family witnessed significant advancements in the school’s infrastructure and educational resources. Initially, the computer lab of the school was modernized. In Nov. 2015, he introduced smart classes fitted with the latest  technology(initially five rooms) to enhance the  new, highly interactive facilitating system of education. The old generator system was updated.  Under the tenure of Fr. Deben, the Bishop of Tezpur Rt. Rev. Michael AkasiusToppo laid the foundation for a new building. This project was initiated for the smooth functioning of the primary section of the school and marked as an another milestone in the school’s development.  This legendary Principal’s journey ended on March 15, 2017 as he was transferred as the Director of the Catholic Hospital situated at Borgang ,Biswanath.

On March 16, 2017 Fr. AnthonyRayappanSamy was appointed the Principal of DBHS. During the tenure of Fr. Anthony, some extraordinary changes took place in the history of DBHS. It included, updating the signature uniforms of the students and transitioning to a co-educational model in 2018. Digitalization of the school’s data base by replacing the traditional system was a significant change.  The opening of a new schools based on the CBSC model in the new field was a notable aspect but at the same time, it was somewhat challenging for many to accept the reality as the new field would now be occupied. Regrettably, the academic performance of the school demonstrated a decline during this period. However, the process of upgrading the school from High School to Higher Secondary was initiated. Closed-circuit TV cameras were installed in all the class rooms. The official validation for the NCC was withdrawn. Scout and Guide was introduced. During his tenure, due to his ill health, Fr. Michael Soren was appointed caretaker and within his short period of service he had to take a significant decision of upgrading the science laboratory.

OnDecember 23, 2023 Rev. Fr. Dr. HippoletusToppo took over the reins of the school as Principal. Within these few months, people have acknowledged the constructiveness of Fr. Hippoletus.  The documentationprocess, establishment of Robotic Science Club are just a glimpse of it. Simultaneously, he undertook the bold initiative of starting higher secondary classes as well. June 19, 2024 will be a red letter day in the history Don Bosco High School. On this day, the higher secondary classes were formally inaugurated, the strength of the students is only six.

At present, DBHSS has three supportive wings: Don Bosco High Schhol; Cole Park, Muktidata Seminary; Dhanua Nagar and Don Bosco School Tezpur(CBSE). These wings work harmoniously to uphold the school’s legacy and continue its tradition of nurturing exceptional talent and character. The Interact Club of DBHS was established in 1987 and continues to provide valuable opportunities for student engagement and community service. Few years later, in…., the school expanded its extracurricular offerings by introducing the National Cadet Corps.

With a history bridging over five decades, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School boasts a tradition of excellence and a dynamiccongregation of learners. Since 1985, 37 students from this school have secured State Ranks in the HSLC examination. ………students have cleared the UPSC examination and now they are proudly offering their valuable services across different parts of the world. Notably, the state best result in the UPSC, Mr. MayurHazarika, is a proud Bosconian.In various sectors like banking, defense, education, administration, music and film industry, Bosconians continue to shine radiantly.The school has a proud history of winning DewkonTrophy in the year 1989 and representing the State at SubratoMukharjee Cup in Delhi. Numerous trophies of Inter  District Cricket Tournaments are loaded in the treasure of school. The students of this prestigious school always take part in different competitions and add glory to the school.Honored for cultivating leaders, innovators, and transformers, DBHSS stands as a beacon of excellence and a testament to the transformative power of education. Hail DBHSS Tezpur.