HISTORY OF TNA

In 1972, a large two-storied boys’ hostel equipped with box rooms, infirmary, dormitories, dining room, recreation room and the hostel superintendent’s quarters was built near the principal’s residence, to accommodate the increasing number of boarders.

The Girls’ Hostel was set up in a big room upstairs in one of the very old stone buildings and the library shifted to a room downstairs in the boys’ hostel. The school canteen was set up above the auditorium lounge.

Dr FS Fanthome (IAS, retired civil service officer) became principal of the Academy after Mr Langer and he too piloted the Academy’s advancement capably. He was a scholarly person with many qualities of head and heart. He remained in the academy for four years and a half until 1976, after which, late Madhusudan Singh became the school principal.

Mr Singh was a person of artistic taste and a lover of nature. He set up a deer park close to the boys’ hostel and a beautiful pond in front of the auditorium lounge (Naresh 2004: I remember the pond as a kid. It has since been razed). He introduced the Korean martial art ‘Tae-kwon-do’ and playing of band music to interested students. The late Mr Ranpal (Naresh 2004: Mr Ranpal died of a heart attack in early 1993 when we were preparing for our ICSE exams), taught band music to interested students. Mr Singh was very humane and harboured much affection for students. He introduced the annual science exhibition, although exhibitions of wooden and clay models, as well as of paintings were held annually during Mr Langer’s tenure. He also introduced Boy Scouts and NCC as co-curricular activities. Mr Pathak was in charge of NCC since then till the mid-term of 1991. Mr Singh laudably achieved in his introduction of the Annual Mini-Olympics after the fashion of the World Olympic Games on a miniature scale limited to the four houses of the school. This colourful function is still observed today. He also set up a Science Block in 1979. He gave the school a flag to hold high, the present tie and uniform and composed the TNA song in English. Mr Ranpal tuned it. The song was, and is, still sung on special occasions and during morning assembly everyday.

During Mr Singh’s tenure, the Academy was upgraded to a XIIth class school and both ICSE and ISC examinations were held every year in March. Mr Singh became Director of Education in 1981 but he passed away after a short time.

After Mr MM John’s tenure, Mr KNP Nair took over the principalship in 1982. He was a humble and affable person with a fine sense of humour. He left the Academy after a year and Mr FJ Fanthome (who taught at St. Joseph’s college, North Point, Darjeeling, Doon school, Dehra Dun and at La Martinere, Calcutta as Vice Principal) became principal.

Mr Fanthome efficiently guided the school in co-operation with the staff. During his tenure, the school was graced with two new school buses, which are now busy in their daily rounds transporting the children to school from all nooks and corners of Gangtok. Two buildings, one beside the science block and the other near the Auditorium were constructed. The ISC results in 1987 were the best ever with a 100% pass. Life in TNA took a new turn with the construction of a swimming pool in the old netball court. The main field was expanded, a gym was set up (Naresh 2004: When the gym was being set-up, I went there with a few of my friends. While playing with the putty, the glass on one of the windows came off and broke. I was very scared but decided to report it to the Principal. I was shaking when I confessed the deed before him. Mr Fanthome just said, "Never mind, beta. I'm glad you reported it yourself. We'll get it replaced." This went a long way in convincing me that if you stick to the truth, there is nothing to be scared of) and the school was placed on the map of the Indian Public School’s Conference. December ’87 witnessed the 48th Indian Public Schools’ Conference in the Academy. Mr Fanthome left the school in 1989. He is now the Chief Executive and Secretary of Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE).