Through the Sands of Time
Upon a lofty hilltop doth it stand, Amid its stern old sentinels -the pines; The fern-clad slope in swift descent inclines. To leave a view untrammeled o’er the land. Into the air all rarefied and pure, Above the clouds of selfishness and greed, Where-truth and beauty guiding word and deed Fair virtue dwells, and holds her court secure. “Non nobis solum” this our motto dear Not for ourselves these hours of sunshine rare We gather now, to scatter as we go.
St. Bede’s College
had its humble beginnings in 1904 as a Teachers Training College. But it would seem pertinent to mention here that the history of St. Bede’s would be incomplete without at least a passing mention of “Chelsea”, which is an integral part of our campus amongst other things.
The Convent of Jesus & Mary school was first founded as an orphanage for the children of British soldiers in 1864. The extensive and ideally situated “Chelsea” estate was purchased in the course of time and the other (existing) management was entrusted to the Religious of Jesus & Mary.
All was not easy however. Mother Clare won a hard (and long-drawn) legal battle with the authorities and the local administration. St. Bedes College was formally opened in the summer of 1904. From this day on, St. Bede’s and Chelsea combined to work earnestly for the development of education in India.
The period of World War I did not seriously affect the educational aspect of life in the then Punjab. However, the day was dawning when the peaceful security would end. India had openly and overtly launched its campaign for freedom and there were already visible signs on the horizon indicating that the campaign would not be won without sorrow or bloodshed.
Despite the turmoil, St. Bede’s and Chelsea saw through the times with courage and fortitude. It was known in town that the nuns had Muslim pupils and the anxiety was at its climax. However, under military protection, quietly at dawn one morning, a party was sent to Pakistan. Later, they heard with relief of their safe arrival in Pakistan.
In 1947, at the dawn of India’s Independence, the college which was previously meant (mainly) for Christian girls, opened its doors to students of different faiths; later, on by popular demand, they started a course for undergraduate studies as well. They grew in strength and a need was felt for additional class rooms. A new block with modern architecture and design was commissioned in 1964- it consisted of a library (now the Dina Block), class rooms and an upper floor dormitory.
It is interesting to note here that in 1967, the college superiors decided to close the college –they were of the opinion that the students would be served better in the new Jesus & Mary College at New Delhi. However, St. Bede’s being a premier institution for women in the region, an appeal was made by the HP Chief Minister, Dr. Y S Parmar, and several local dignitaries to His Lordship Bishop Alfred for the continuation of the College. The appeal bore fruit and the college was saved from extinction.
In its new lease of life, the institution has not belied the confidence and trust of both the Superiors, officers of the state and the common people, going from strength to strength both in academics as well as in extra-curricular activities and sports. In fact, every year, St. Bede’s holds several positions in the University merit lists.
NON NOBIS SOLUM
Not for Ourselves Alone
To form well integrated individuals who are assets to contemporary society.
We are committed to:
Socially we work towards:
Spiritually we work towards:
BEDE
St. Bede was probably born in 673 A.D. At the age of seven, his parents placed him under the care of Abbot Benedict for his education and upbringing. But when the monastery of St. Paul was established in the year 682, St. Bede seems to have been transferred to the care of its first Abbot, Ceolfrid, and to have remained a monk there for the remainder of his life.
St. Bede was made deacon at the age of nineteen by Bishop John of Hexham. Since canon law laid down the age of twenty-five as the norm for admission to the diaconate, Bede’s scholarship and devotion must have been recognized as exceptional for him to have been presented by Abbot Ceolfrid six years early. He was advanced to the Priesthood by Bishop John eleven years later. From the time of his receiving the priesthood until his fifty-ninth year, he worked to compile extracts from the works of the venerable Fathers on holy scripture, and to make commentaries on their meaning and interpretation. During all this, St. Bede was gathering materials for his “History” which he completed in 731.
St. Bede’s “History” belongs to his latter years, due to which he has richly earned the title ‘Father of English History’. For St. Bede was not content to compile a bare chronicle of events and dates, or to restrict himself to hagiography as his predecessors had done. He set himself to examine all available records, to secure verbal or written accounts from reliable living authorities, to record local traditions and stories, to interpret significant events, and in short, to compile as complete and continuous a history of the English Church and people as lay within his power. He was the first to conceive or attempt such a formidable project and posterity acknowledges his pioneering work as a remarkably successful achievement. St. Bede’s industry and scholarship are generally acknowledged, but his most significant achievement lies in his inspired ability to select and integrate the vast mass of facts and traditions that he had gathered, into a single framework. When we consider St. Bede’s limited facilities and resources, it is clear that his achievements are unique.
St. Bede passed away on the evening of May 25, 735 A.D. The principal and lasting memorial of the first of the English historians is the inspiration of his holy life and the value of the great work that he bequeathed to posterity.
THE VALUES WHICH GUIDE US AT ST. BEDE’S COLLEGE ARE:
HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT
The holistic development of an individual is attained through academic excellence and professional competence, personal, inter-personal and societal skills. The College is committed to its mission and vision in all its endeavors. The holistic development involves our participation in our national dreams and aspirations and our dedication to promote national integration, religious harmony and secularism.
INTELLECTUAL COMPETENCE
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
SOCIETAL SKILLS
St. Bede’s College is proud of its organizational culture rooted in gospel values, mutual respect, personal maturity and integrity, teamwork and social concern. St. Bede’s College welcomes to its fold students from any part of India to build a sense of nationalism. The college nurtures an open attitude to integrate the wisdom of our great culture. This sense of national outlook is clearly shown throughout its existence. We welcome the support and guidance of the academicians, executives from the corporate sector, experts from abroad and the common man to train our students in our endeavor to build a better world.
Our lamp shines bright with radiant hope,
For those who live in dark despair,
We are a light for those who grope,
For those in need, we care and share.
CHORUS
Non Nobis Solum this aim is ours,
Our work is not just for usalon, by lamp,
Book and by lily flowers,
Our love for god and neighbor is shown.
Our book is faith that mountains moves
Our faith gives strength to those who doubt,
Our knowledge day by day improves,
Our wisdom stream relieving drought.
Our lilies are the lives we lead,
To beautify our land with love,
Live fragrant, like the great St.Bede,
With fruitful grace from God above.
-Robert J. Mayer S.J.
Success Stories
Courses
Happy Students
Years Experience
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Social Science
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Climate Change
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Community Outreach
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