Preserving the legacy of a man who gave everything for the education of Bengal.
Born in Scotland in 1775, David Hare arrived in Kolkata in 1800 as a watchmaker seeking fortune. But what he found instead was a calling — to transform education in Bengal.
Unlike most British in India who amassed wealth and returned home, Hare chose to remain, devoting his savings, time, and life to the cause of education among the native population. He was driven not by religion or politics, but by a simple, profound belief: that education was the greatest gift one could offer.
He was instrumental in founding Hindu College (1817, now Presidency University), established Hare School (1818), helped create the School Book Society, and was a key figure in the establishment of Calcutta Medical College (1835).
When he died of cholera in 1842, thousands of Kolkatans — irrespective of religion, caste or class — mourned him as one of their own. A statue built with public donations stands at Hare School to this day.
Our ProgramsDavid Hare Foundation (DHF), Kolkata, was established by alumni of Hare School — proud Hareans — to honour the memory of their school's founder and ensure his spirit of selfless service continues for generations to come.
Since 2015, DHF has been publishing the annual magazine Hare School Nostalgia: Memories Are Forever, a cherished publication that captures essays, biographies, poems and memories from alumni across the world. The magazine is released every year on Teachers' Day (September 5th).
The Foundation connects Hareans across generations and geographies, provides scholarships, documents Hare School's remarkable 200+ year history, and works to ensure that every student who passes through those Victorian corridors understands the extraordinary heritage they are part of.
To honour David Hare's legacy by supporting education, preserving the 200+ year history of Hare School, connecting alumni, and inspiring future generations of Hareans through scholarship and service.
A world where the ideals of David Hare — selfless service, universal education, and the breaking of social barriers — continue to transform lives and communities, guided by the Harean brotherhood.
Education, Heritage, Brotherhood, Inclusivity, Selfless Service — the five pillars that guided David Hare and continue to guide the Foundation in everything we do.
One of the oldest schools in India, shaping generations of extraordinary individuals.
Hare School, established on September 1, 1818, is one of the oldest and most prestigious boys' schools in India. Originally known as Arpuli Pathshala, it was renamed Colootola Branch School and finally became Hare School in 1867 — 25 years after the founder's death, in his eternal honour.
The school's stunning Victorian architecture stands as a monument to its storied history. Under the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education and the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education, it teaches grades 1 through 12.
Among its countless distinguished alumni are luminaries of science, medicine, arts, and public life — including Jagadish Chandra Bose, Prafulla Chandra Roy, and Mahendralal Sarkar.
Are you a Harean, an education enthusiast, or someone inspired by David Hare's story? There's a place for you in our Foundation.