Major R. K. von Goldstein MBE (died 1978)[1] was an Indian educationist. He is primarily known for his stint as the headmaster of the Bishop Cotton School in Shimla, from 1963 till 1976.

R.K. von Goldstein
NationalityIndian
OccupationEducator

Biography

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Background

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R.K. von Goldstein belonged to the von Goldstein family, which had had a long association with Shimla.[1] He descended from Felix Carl von Goldstein (1834 - 1892), a disinherited German aristocrat from Leipzig who came to India just before the 'Sepoy Mutiny' in 1857. From 1876 until the year of his death, Felix von Goldstein was Director of Music to the Viceroys of India. Felix von Goldstein acquired much wealth, as evident from his purchase of two major properties of 19th century Shimla, Benmore and Wildflower Hall.[2] The association of his descendants with Shimla ended with R.K. von Goldstein's death in 1978.[1]

Education

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An aerial view of the Bishop Cotton School, Shimla.

R.K. von Goldstein studied in the Bishop Cotton School in Shimla where he was the house captain for Ibbetson House in 1927.[3] After school he went on to study at Cambridge University. There also he was elected into the Hawks Club.[4]

Career

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R.K. von Goldstein served as a Major in the British-Indian Army and was awarded the War Service Award. He was also made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.[4]

He taught at Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, in the 1930s, and after that he went on to teach at Aitchison College in Lahore. He returned to Bishop Cotton as headmaster in 1963, a position he held until 1976.[4] In 1972, Benazir Bhutto visited Bishop Cotton, while R.K. von Goldstein was the headmaster.[5][6] He is the only Old Cottonian who has been headmaster at the school.[7][8]

Memorials

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In his memory, the school holds The Major R.K. Von Goldstein Memorial Cricket Tournament.[9][10][11]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Bhasin, Raja (1992). Simla, the Summer Capital of British India. Viking. ISBN 978-0-670-84728-0.
  2. ^ Russell, Anthony (2016). I Think I Know Who I Am: the anatomy of a family. Lulu.com. pp. 61–63. ISBN 978-1-326-89270-8.
  3. ^ "Ibbetson House". Bishop Cotton Shimla. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
  4. ^ a b c "Newsletter – Apr-May 2006". Old Cottonians Association. April 2006. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  5. ^ "1972 – Benazir Bhutto with Mr R K von Goldstein | Old Cottonians Association". 20 September 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  6. ^ "History of failed agreements: Why Shimla is no longer a 'summit' destination". The Week. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
  7. ^ "Newsletter – Sept-Oct 2006". Old Cottonians Association. September 2006. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  8. ^ "Headmaster's Lodge". Bishop Cotton Shimla. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
  9. ^ Bybishopcotton. "Bishop Cotton School team rejoice win at 20th Cricket Contest, Shimla – Bishop Cotton School". Retrieved 28 May 2024.
  10. ^ "Sports". Bishop Cotton School, Shimla. Retrieved 28 July 2009.
  11. ^ DHNS. "Bishop Cotton Boys' School wins Shimla tourney". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 9 May 2024.