Uttarakhand is known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and delectable food. But at the same time, the state is also highly regarded for its education values. The state has several prestigious schools and colleges, some dating back to the British era.
One such college located in Nainital, Uttarakhand is known nationwide for its education system. The college is known as St. Joseph’s, often called SAM. It is celebrated as the first Catholic college in Uttarakhand, dating back to the British era. Established in 1888, it originally began as a religious college called the Seminary, set up by the British.
Professor Ajay Rawat, a popular historian and an alumnus of St. Joseph’s College, shared insights about the college’s history. He explained that the seminary, originally located in Darjeeling, was moved to Nainital in 1888 and operated there until 1890.
Construction of the present college began on the purchased land in 1888. By 1925, the construction was completed under the supervision of the Irish Brother Association from Calcutta. The campus was then equipped with playgrounds, dormitories, and classrooms. Father Kati was appointed the first principal of the college.
Professor Rawat highlighted that several famous personalities have graduated from St. Joseph’s College (SAM). Former Union Ministers KC Pant and Kamal Pandey, along with Lieutenant Generals GS Rawat and Zameer Shah, as well as popular film actor Naseeruddin Shah, are among the distinguished alumni. Additionally, six athletes educated at SAM represented India in the 1928, 1932, and 1936 Olympics. James Jais, the Indian hockey team goalkeeper, also finished his schooling at St. Joseph’s College.
St. Joseph’s College was built where a previous seminary operated under the Italian Capuchin Fathers. By 1892, the college was under the management of the Christian Brothers. This religious order, originating from Ireland in 1802, oversees 20 educational institutions in India, including St. Joseph’s College.
The college is part of a network of 20 schools across India managed by the Congregation of Christian Brothers. This group was established in Ireland in 1802 by Edmund Rice, a wealthy Catholic layman who was beatified in 1996.
Currently, the college has been seeing several changes. For the first time in its history of over 100 years, the college is being led by a layperson, Mr James M Paul, who assumed the role of principal in April 2000.
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