Calcutta Boys' School Monogram

The CBS Monogram was adopted by the Calcutta Christian Schools Society (the founder body of CBS ) on 24th November, 1897, and is rich in heraldry.

The Shield gules (red in colour), in escutcheon (having a smaller shield in the centre of the primary shield) is charged with two cross pattée and two elephant heads and an agent (silver) cross of St. George, patron saint of education. The cross pattée represent blessings. The Elephant symbolise strength and wit and are also symbolic of our motherland India.

The Methodist (Episcopal) Church is represented by the Bishop’s mitre (head dress) placed in the centre of the smaller shield and the two sable (black) stars placed in Chief (on top).

The Lamp on the crest has two meanings. It represents our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ – “the Light of the World” – and is a further reminder of the ‘light of knowledge’ disseminated by CBS .

The supporters on either side of the shield are griffins’ rampart (a mythical beast with the head and wings of an eagle and the hind quarters of a lion standing on hind legs) and are supposed to represent the characteristics of both animals – dexterity, insight, majesty and power.

The scroll at the base of the shield bears the motto – “Dei Mundus Deo” – (The World of God, for God) indicating the mission of CBS . The words – “Maxima Debetur Puero Reverentia”, inscribed below the year of establishment, means: We owe the greatest respect to a child.

[The olive-wreath “kotinos” (Greek: κότινος), surrounding the monogram was added during the 135 years celebrations of CBS in 2012, to honour and chronicle the illustrious sons of CBS who for generations have “won laurels” for their ‘Alma-Mater’.]

The CBS monogram is truly a symbol of commitment to the field of education.