Tag Archives: 2014

OCA (India) Northern Chapter – Annual Meet & Membership Drive

Dear OCs,
First and foremost we congratulate our Chapter President S. Sukhinder Singh for being elected to the post of Vice President of OCA India. He shall now take over as the next President of OCA India. This indeed is an honor for all members of the OCA(India)Northern Chapter.
I on behalf of the Northern Chapter would also like to extend our congratulations to Mr. Roy Christopher Robinson, the Head Master of Bishop Cotton School for the commendable effort which he and his team have put in towards BCS being awarded the Best Boys Boarding School in India by Education World. The Head Master has very graciously accepted the invitation of the Northern Chapter to attend the annual meet.
It is time again for our annual get-together and I am sure all of you are anxiously looking forward to renewing old contacts and remembering your wonderful days spent at BCS. This year’s meet is being held over lunch on Sunday, 7th  December, 2014 from 11:30 a.m. onwards at The Taj Hotel, Block No. 9, Sector 17-A, Chandigarh, 160017. Please refer to the attachment for details.  
I would also like to take this opportunity to inform you that the amended MOA of OCA(India) is now in play. According to the MOA, it has now to be clearly defined as to which chapter an OC/member belongs to should he wish to be a part of the process to bring a new team in place. Therefore towards complying with this amendment, in addition to meeting and catching up with old friends, the annual get together would also serve the purpose for conducting a membership drive.
In order to help facilitate your becoming a member, please find enclosed as an attachment a registration form. May I request you to kindly fill the form, clip your passport size photograph to the form and send the same accompanied with a Demand Draft/Cheque at Par of Rs,500/-(Five hundred only)in favor of OCA(India)Northern Chapter payable at Chandigarh .Should you have already registered, then kindly forward your photograph with the form duly filled. You are requested to send your documents to the following address.
Davinder  S. Jaaj
C/O Davinder S Jaaj & Co.
Chartered Accountants
SCO 18, IInd Floor, Sector-17-E
Chandigarh-160017
Looking forward to seeing you on the 7th.
Warm Regards,
Ajay Thiara
Secretary

Minutes of Meeting / OCA India AGM 2014

Minutes of Meeting AGM of OCA (INDIA) held on 29th September, 2014

Venue : Maple Room, India Habitat Centre

  1. The President welcomed all the members present and apprised them of various developments and works being undertaken by the OCA and its members to improve the infrastructure at Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, such as total refurbishing of the Staff Room at School, provision of a quality Filtration Plant for the Swimming Pool and installation of Solar water Heating Plant for the main school.
  2. The minutes of the Last AGM were duly approved and adopted.
  3. The balance sheet and final accounts of 2013-14 were approved.
  4. Secretary’s Report was put up by the Jt. Secretary and discussed with members.
    Various issues were addressed to all the members, such as –
    – A notice from the Registrar of Societies relating to the amended MOA was received by the society and is to be acted upon.
    – Income assessment proceedings are being finalised and information furnished.
    – Funds of the OCA (INDIA) to be utilized for the needy members.
    – A low cost but effective Mobile application for fast & easy interaction between the OCs nationwide is to be initiated soon to establish a greater cause for mutual co-operation and betterment of Old student fraternity. A reputed IT firm ‘Campus Mall Pvt. Ltd.’  has agreed to develop the same for OCA(INDIA) which would be duly considered. They have also agreed to provide classy sportswear/memoriblia through e-commerce to members of OCA(INDIA).
    – The traditional Annual Lunch of OCA(INDIA) held in February every year in Delhi has become synonymous with its identity and more popular amongst the OC fraternity and therefore shall continue to be hosted in Delhi at all times to come.
  5. An advice of a Company Secretary was sought to determine the implementation of Amended MOA according to whom the amended MOA would be in force from the day it was submitted with amendments in the Registrar’s office and it was duly accepted by the house.
  6. For selection of Post of Vice-President only two applications were received – that of Mr. Sukhinder Singh and Mr. Vivek Bhasin. The house moved a motion that only application of Mr. Sukhinder Singh should be considered since the second application of Mr. Vivek Bhasin was received only a day before the AGM and he himself was not present for the AGM. Mr. Sukhinder Singh accordingly was selected as the Vice-President and would function as the President from 01/04/2015.
  7. Two members were also elected to the executive committee members of OCA(INDIA) namely Mr. Vijay Khurana & Justice (retd) R.S.Sodhi.The present executive committee members would cease to be members from 01/04/2015. and the newly elected members along with the two to be chosen by the President and those nominated by the Chapters would form the Executive committee as per the MOA. It would therefore be in order for all the Chapters to conduct their elections according to the MOA (if not already done) and inform the OCA regarding these.

 

Notice of AGM 2014 / OCA India

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) OF OCA (INDIA) – 2014

  • DATE: 29th September 2014
  • TIME: 3 P.M.
  • VENUE:
    Maple Room, India Habitat Centre
    Lodhi Road
    New Delhi

The Agenda and the Program is detailed below:

  1. Address by President Emeritus
  2. President’s address
  3. To approve the minutes of last AGM
  4. To approve and adopt the accounts of 2012-2013
  5. Secretary’s report
  6. Regarding implementation of the revised MOA
  7. Election of Members of the Exec Committee including Vice-president, Joint Secretary
  8. Any other points with permission of the Chair.

(Program will be followed by High Tea)

Letter from Mr Bhardwaj

Mr G. Niblett
Hon. Life President
OCA (UK)
Respected Sir,

Thank you very much for the e-mail. Sir I am deeply touched and honoured to receive such kind words from an elderly and respected gentleman. It was extremely great fortune of mine to attend the wonderful flavour of a fine get together of young and senior O.C.s at the Bombay Brasserie, London. Specially the presence of senior ladies and senior O.C.s was like the jewels in the crown. Please allow me to place on record my emotional experience with some of the elderly people. I could not resist my tears while interacting with a senior lady for whom this occasion is a platform where she revives the fond memories of  her long time lost husband every year. Frankly speaking, being a Hindi teacher, I was very nervous to make a speech because of my apprehension about my accent and communication in English. However I gathered courage, convincing myself that it is going to be my interaction with the B.C.S. family which resides overseas here in U.K. After reading out the Headmaster’s message and expressing my feelings not only the young O.C.s but even the senior ladies and O.C.s (apologies … don’t know the names) were very kind to congratulate me for my honest views. Sir your hand on my shoulders, Mr Peter Stringer’s hug and (SHABASHI…. well done) and Mr A. Bapty’s and Mr G. Sahi’s warm handshake made me feel that my parents have congratulated me who are no more in the world. This was the moment when I closed my eyes to offer my prayers to “The Holy Trinity Chapel” of B.C.S. with whose blessings I was perhaps able to pay homage to so many elderly people. This kind of generosity was not only very encouraging but will remain very precious for me. Thank you so much to each and every one of you.

While replying to your e-mail, Sir I take this opportunity to formally thank Kuljinder Bahia for honouring his promise which he innocently made while he was young boy of class 8 at his Alma mater in Shimla. After two and half decades he made me fly in the aeroplane (premium class) to his home at London. I’m extremely grateful to Kuljinder and Mrs Bahia for not only making my stay very comfortable at their house but for the kind generosity of taking care of my every expense at London. The students in the school are very often asking me about my visit to London? Beside apprising them about the entire trip I’m taking liberty of mentioning the achievements of old boys and in particular of Kuljinder for which we all are very proud of. This information I’m sure may be a great source of inspiration to the young Cottonians. I also wish to thank Kuljinder for his big heart and allowing me to bring back a fascinating framed photograph of him with Prince Charles from his Drawing room.

The another biggest support to make this visit possible was Gursant Sandhu, whose letter of invitation was a surprise which I could never dream of. He was very kind to send all the required documents for the VISA and his position as a Notary was itself enough sufficient support to do the needful. His frequent guidance cleared everything smoothly. His presence along with Simarjeet Sandhu, Young Guntaz and Surinder Chugh at the Heathrow airport to receive me speaks a volume about the kind courtesy. My stay for two days at Gursant’s house was also very comfortable. I’m grateful to Gursant and Mrs Sandhu for taking a day off from their busy schedule to show me around in the Malls at London. I want to thank Simarjeet Sandhu also for taking me out for evening walks.

I wish to express my sincere thanks to S.S. Chugh with whom I stayed for two days. I’m grateful to Surinder Mrs Chugh for their great hospitality. Surinder I will always cherish the tour of London city with you in beautiful buses (red line and blue line), in underground trains and in cruise in the Thames river. The evening walks at the Big Ben and Westminster were unforgettable. Thank you so much for showing me the entire city.

I wish to pay my gratitude to Dr. Vijay Bhaliak for coming all the way from Liverpool, spending the evening with me and hosting a delicious dinner at a very fine Indian restaurant. I remember Vijay was a very mature and responsible school captain during a crucial era in 1986.

I want to pay my thanks to Vikram Chopra for a very nice card and looking after me, Nitin Arora who flew all the way from America and invited us for a great lunch, Puneet Singh for making me speak to Mr John Whitmarsh Knight, Senior Sehmbey, Mohit Chaudhary, and many young O.C.s (please accept apologies for not remembering the names… getting old) for their encouragement and support.

I also want to thank Mrinal Vijay for showing me the Tower of London and making me walk through the famous London bridge.

I wish to express lots of thanks to Sam Grewal for showing me around in London and clicking my beautiful photographs in Kuljinder’s beautiful Ferrari and Rolls Royce. I will never forget the ride with Kuljinder in his Ferrari. A wonderful and beautiful machine and…. What a speed…!!

My humble and sincere gratitude to my Headmaster Mr R.C. Robinson who not only encouraged me to go to London but also was very kind to grant me leave during the session. Thank you so much Sir, your kind permission has made me grow further as a Public School master.

In the end once again I want to express my thanks to the O.C.A. (U.K.) Chairman Mr K.S. Bahia and Secretary Mr G.S. Sandhu for their kind gesture of showing me the world. May God Bless each one of you.

With warm regards and best wishes,
Your Sincerely,
V.S. Bhardwaj

OC [Canada] Dinner 4th October 2014 / Bombay Palace Brampton

On July 19, 2014, Malcolm Niblett (C45), John Mclaughlin (I47), Deepinder Bains (C70), Gerald Godinho (L83), Tanvir and Sameer Sodhi (L04,06) set out for Boldt Castle on Heart Island in the United States.

John drove for 8 hrs to get to Whitby, and insisting on driving another 3 hrs the next day to Ganonoque where we took the boat. My wife is always blown away by an 82 year old, a 47 year old and two guys in their 20’s talking about our times at school. Malcolm joined us in Kingston. I asked him which house did he graduate from. His answer was ‘was there another house other than Curzon?’

The Thousand Islands is just beautiful and we were all impressed with all the homes and boats and crossing the international line on the lake. We all had a great time and people already started asking when is the next big trip. Please see the OCA Canada facebook page for pics.

Next year in July we will be going to Stratford for the festival and theatre.

http://www.stratfordfestival.ca/OnStage/plays.aspx?id=63&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=brand_swo_search_&utm_content=ad5

I look forward to seeing you on Saturday October 4th at 6.30pm at Bombay Palace Brampton.

Jerry

Letters from Gay Niblett and Peter Stringer / OCA UK

Thank you for all your information, keeping us up-to-date with the various Chapters in India. It is good to hear how well they are flourishing, keeping the spirit of BCS burning strong.

I am adding two reports from Peter Stringer, now retired, long-standing Hon. Secretary and myself.

Please keep the information flowing. Both the old and new OCs treasure all the news.

With best regards,
Yours truly
Gay Niblett
Hon. Life President
OCA (UK)

ANNUAL OCA (UK) LUNCH BOMBAY BRASSERIE LONDON 28TH JUNE 2014

On a lovely summers day there was a healthy gathering of OCs, at the Bombay Brasserie, where a spirit of change and renewal filled the air. Chairman Kuljinder Bahia, had prepared a surprise for us all. He had invited one of his old teachers from BCS as a special guest – the diminutive but beautifully spoken Hindi teacher – Mr V S Bhardwaj.

Mr Bhardwaj gave – without notes – an eloquent and emotional speech, which brought tears to the eyes of many of the young – and old OCs. He spoke of his humble beginnings – chiming with India’s new Prime Minister – and his gratitude to BCS for accepting him and teachers and pupils alike – taking him to their hearts. He stressed his pride in being a Member of the BCS teaching staff and his undying loyalty to the School. He then read a letter of greetings from the Headmaster, Mr R C Robinson – who had encouraged him to accept the invitation to be with the OCA (UK).

This was a “first” in the ongoing exchange of pupils and (soon, we hope, Masters) between BCS and Marlborough College. We have had pupils from the two schools visiting their opposite numbers. This visit by a BCS teacher, will, we hope be the precursor to the BCS Headmaster’s visit next year to Marlborough College, where a Memorandum of Agreement will be signed by the two Heads to layout a permanent future plan for the exchange of pupils and teachers between the two schools. A reduction the costs of visas between the two countries would certainly help!

The other surprise, was also a “first” – a short, speech by Peter Stringer – our retired but still very active, Hon. Secretary, who, earlier, with his wife Maggie, had held their last pre-Annual OCA lunch party at their home. We are all going to miss this wonderful informal gathering. However, Sheila Reed, widow of Bob Reed, continues, with the help of her lovely family, to hold her annual luncheon party at her home, at the beginning of May.

Peter Stringer, writes of the many old boys who attended, along with visitors and the joyous spirit of the young boys, who in increasing members, are attending under the encouragement of the new Chairman, and the Committee of Gursant Sandhu, Treasurer Puneet Singh, Vijay Bhailak and old stalwart Raj Lamba. A big thank you as well to all the OCs who travelled from India to attend – wish that, more of us older members could reciprocate! Peter Johans and wife also travelled over from Switzerland!

Best wishes to you all

Gay Niblett
Hon. Life President OCA (UK)

2014 Letter from Peter Stringer

Letter from Indira Joshi, on the recent OCA UK meet

I was invited to a BCS reunion last Saturday. It was a lovely lunch at the Bombay Brasserie in Kensington. There were old students from 1935 onward. The Hindi teacher came with greetings from the headmaster and gave a very moving speech and they sang your school song. It was very nostalgic and moving, brought tears to my eyes. There was no one from my year except Padam Singh who was a year junior I think The oldest was 92 years old. The ones before 1947 were mostly English.

Indira

EDITOR: Indira Joshi is the sister of OC’s  J [Joe] L Joshi & Jai Hind Joshi – both of Rivaz 1954-63. This letter was sent by Indira to her brother.
A brief on Indira appears on Wikipedia –

“Indira Joshi is a British actress of Indian ethnicity. She has appeared in episodes of many well-known British dramas, including Holby City, Doctors, All About Me, The Bill and Coronation Street. However, she is probably best known for her role as Madhuri Kumar in the spoof chat show The Kumars at No. 42. Indira is an occasional contributor on BBC Two show Grumpy Old Women. She also appeared as Secretary General of the United Nations in Superman IV: The Quest for Peace and ‘Erin’ in the sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf episode Lemons.

She has two sons, Shiva Dominic, who is a Buddhist monk, and his younger brother Krishna.“

CORRECTIONS sent in by Indira:
“Liev Shiva Dominic also known as Thubten his monk name, and Krishna Dylan.”

Recent OCA Meet

Dear Gursant :
It was wonderful to be there last Saturday among you all and to savour the flavour of such a fine get together. Apart from the lovely arrangements and the cuisine, what was more to be appreciated was the visible hard work and dedication with which both you and Kuljinder have, socially, welded together such a large number of OCs around here. I’m sure under the care of you both, the family here will grow even more, much to the happiness of us all. Well done. Please convey my congratulations to Kuljinder. Could I have his e-mail iD ?
I regret Mr. Brown’s daughter, Susan, could not make it. She lives at Bexhill, close to Hastings,and was taken up with a medical problem. She is planning a trip back up to Shimla ; both she and her husband hope to be in India about the 10th of October.
It was nice to meet Mr. Bhardwaj from BCS and to hear him. It was very pleasing to see the nostalgia that his presence and Speech stirred up among your generation. He is a fine man, conscientious, dedicated and faithful, and full of humility : all qualities not so easily available nowadays in one piece. As I have been in touch with School in recent years more than most of you over here, all you Guys can feel comfortable and happy in the thought that our School is doing very well under the stewardship of Headmaster Robinson. For the very good work he has done over the last decade he deserves the wholehearted support of all us Old Cottonians.
More again. Carry on with the good work. All the best in your profession.
Sincerely
Gurpratap Singh ( Sahi )

 

OCA [UK] Spring Newsletter 2014

OCA UK NEWSLETTERAnother year and the silent roll call goes out to all our members and guests – come and share the afternoon Reunion luncheon at our favourite venue The Bombay Brasserie on SATURDAY 28th June.

May I now take the opportunity to thank you for your Christmas cards and good wishes, and all your letters and correspondence keeping me in touch?

The southern Britain and especially the coastline has taken some punishment from the fierce Atlantic weather blowing in with much flooding and disruptive high winds.  In Surrey many areas are still under flood warnings.  Whyteleafe lays in the Caterham Valley where streams join the River Bourne and one such runs through a culvert that gurgles away under the perimeter fringe of our bungalow lounge.  Before reaching us it flooded the gardens and seeped into homes that lie on the left hand side, three times water washed over into our first lawn.

The third, Valentine’s Day was the worst – rapidly rising up over our patio, hastily I opened the rear and front garage doors, flooding our front garden and allowing it out into the main road.  The A22 the main route that is our Godstone Road, into Purley and Croydon has been closed completely for some time.  I did read somewhere this is the Chinese year of the Horse and they predict a drought!!

The ocean white horses have blown high 40-foot waves along Devon and Cornwall as we watched on TV, sad for poor souls in the Somerset levels.  The deep snow covering North America has caused loss of life and hardship.  California is suffering drought weather and the record hot temperatures Downunder – does it not tell us global weather pattern has altered by carbon emission causing climate warming.  Universal drastic measures immediately should be enforced or we shall all call for Noah and his Ark!!

Before I move on there are some dates of some interest for your diary…

Saturday 3rd May OC’s are invited to late Bobby Reed (R 41-47) wife Sheila’s “Day @ Home” – Watchbury Cottage, Barford, Warwickshire

Wednesday 28th May The Himalayan Hill Schools Reunion at the Clay Oven. ALPERTON.

Wednesday 25th June Maggie & I will host our final “khana on the lawn”.  Just to remind you – if you can make it, or not been before – you will not be disappointed.  Please let me know?

Recently I was talking with Secretary Gursant Sandhu who informs me that new BCS school leavers to the UK is drying up.  This is direct Government stricter visa sanction to colleges and university and increased enrolment fees.  Will this see the demise of OCA UK chapter that begun in 1928?  My ears herald the words an elderly OC years gone by disclosed ‘Old Cottonians do not die, they just fade away’.  Or as Lumboo Evans used to say – “we must carry on dancing!”  So I am looking forward to seeing many of you in June. Napinder Singh Chahal rang me on Christmas Day to tell me of a celebration party for his grandson (17 years) who had conquered Everest earlier last year.  This appeals to my youthful conscious years at Patina.  Always marvelled at seniors trekking down the khud and up to the summit of Taradevi and back in time for Sunday Evening Chapel.  I did not mature to a senior leaving at 14 end of 1947.  Astonished at the young generation who are groomed and encouraged by their schools to embrace such undertakings.  My head and heart begin to rejoice whenever memories come flooding back from Simzy.  Those lovely nature walks down through pine-woodlands.  I am reminded listening to birds chirping in our garden, an endless source of re-countable memories; count myself lucky my parents, choosing to send me to BCS.  It was not only the classroom education but also the all-round instruction of discipline, good manners and behaviour, honesty and courage with other development for our future.  Taught by dedicated masters who were remarkable individuals and I pray BCS still abide by the age-old traditions.

With these endearing thoughts I shall begin the countdown to JUNE when we shall all meet again and exchange our news, share and evoke old memories.  Wishing you all a cheerful happy good 2014 Barra Salaams!

Yours fraternally,
Peter Stringer (Lefroy 1943-47)

Dear Old Cottonians

I have continued my efforts with the Pupil Exchange Programme between BCS and Marlborough College. Two Marlburions Douglas Seaton and James McPherson, spent a month in BCS – having quite an adventure getting there, as the road to Shimla was blocked by snow and they had to spend a night at a hotel. Sadly, the two BCS boys – the School Captain and House Captain – both Rivazites – keen to perform to their House Motto ‘Sirvamus’ were unable to make Marlborough. It was decided by Marlborough, with BCS agreeing, that last year pupils, would be unable to let boys back at school have the information and experience related to them, as they left school without returning for another year. It was thought it better if 1st year VIth Formers went, starting maybe next year. Meanwhile, the BCS Headmaster would spend some time at Marlborough and would then be able to plan future trips.

Meanwhile, we hope Mr Robinson will be able to take up the invitations, issued by our Chairman Kuljinder Singh Bahia to join us at our Annual Lunch.

Older OC’s are still meeting with others in smaller groups as at Mrs Sheila Reed’s house. We hope our younger leavers will find time to join us at our Annual gathering at the Bombay Brasserie.

With best wishes to all OC’s around the world.

Best regards.

Yours sincerely
GAY NIBLETT
Hon. Life President
OCA (UK)

Dear Old Cottonians

I am sure that all OC’s are looking forward to our June 2014 reunion. I was fortunate to meet Mr Niblett twice during his recent visit in March to London, and Mr Stringer kindly invited me to his home in Whytleafe for an afternoon of “gup-shup” and tea – also in March. The initial meeting with Mr Niblett was also attended by our chairman, Mr Bahia. Several issues were discussed in our meetings, and I have been requested to summarise the main issues, which are listed below for your information –

  1. There was a general fall in numbers for our June 2013 reunion. Like previous years our reservation at the Bombay Brasserie was for 80 people, but the turnout was a much lower figure. OCA (UK) had to dip into its savings, to pay for the extra covers which were stipulated. I would be most grateful if you could confirm whether or not you will be attending this year.  An acknowledgement slip accompanies this newsletter. However, you can also intimate your attendance or non-attendance, as the case may be, by sending an e-mail to gs@notarypublicgs.co.uk; call 07788716525 or send a text to the same number.
  2. Bombay Brasserie will charge us £28.50 per person for food.
  3. This year we will have to purchase our own drinks from the Bar at the Bombay Brasserie. We believe this would be the most cost effective and a fair manner in which each of us in charged. The following should give you an indication of the cost of drinks, but please note that this is for indicative purposes only.
    1.      Bottle of house white / red wine – £24.20
    2.      125ml glass of house white / red wine – £6.60
    3.      Beer – £6.60
    4.      Soft drinks – £3.30

However, to kick start and warm up our reunion, Mr Niblett, our Chairman Mr Bahia, and younger OC’s will pay for 10 bottles of wine for all the OC’s to enjoy.

  1. Mr Robinson, the current Head Master and Mr Bhardwaj Acharya who is a Hindi teacher at BCS have been invited to attend this year’s June reunion.
  2. Mr Niblett carries on with this tremendous and great work in respect of the student exchange programme between BCS and Marlborough College. Mr Niblett has also mooted the idea that we should invite two students from BCS for the next year’s reunion, one being whosoever is the top sportsperson and the other the top academic. This would no doubt be subject to permission being granted from the Head Master, the boys’ parents and visa being granted. This was endorsed by Mr Bahia, Mr Stringer and I, as we believe that it would be motivational for Cottonians to perform well and also beneficial for the school.
  3. I would be grateful if you could check towards the end of April 2014 with other OC’s in your circle/contact as to whether or not they have received this newsletter.  If you become aware that anyone has been missed out, then please let me know.
  4. The winter reunion was attended by 20 OC’s. It was an enjoyable evening and the attendees of the 2012 and 2013 winter reunions will no doubt spread the word as to how good these were!!! Lots of food, wine and dancing!!!
  5. Our newsletter with details of the next winter reunion will be sent to you by end October 2014, and the reunion will be either on 6th or 13th December 2014. Time and venue will be confirmed in due course.

With kindest regards.

Yours
Gursant Sandhu

When I Look Back
(By Mrinal Vijay)

As I lay back now to reflect on those twelve precious years that I spent in Bishop Cotton School, Shimla, I become more conscious of how important this place or institution has become in my life. It was truly a great experience to have been able to study at a hundred and fifty four year old school.

Being part of this institution (1993-2005) was the biggest achievement that I could have earned in all my twelve years of schooling. Everyday used to be a great sense of responsibility and accountability. I learned from everything I did in my last year of schooling, from day to day, from class to class and from person to person.

The life in school is the most unforgettable parts in any individual’s life, which leaves an indelible impression on one’s life. A recollection of memories built in school is cherished forever and talking about them always tend to bring a smile on both the narrator and the listener. School days are indeed blithe days without any worry for hearth or home. There is only one work to do, and that is to study and then play, makes friends and indulges in all sorts of pranks. The exploits done during these years are a delight to recall in later life.

Discipline, punctuality, dress and decorum are the other hallmarks of school life. Though at times one has to bear the force of their ruggedness, they leave an ineradicable imprint, by making one more convivial and disciplined in life. The punishments for a group or individual misconduct or mischief are also happy experiences, which one cherishes and recounts with nostalgia in later life. That is the euphoria of the moment, that even in punishment one finds joy and amusement.

Apart from academics, there is time to cultivate the friendship, which last a lifetime. One learns to appreciate the spirit of brotherhood and teamwork, which are the essence of school life. This is amply demonstrated in the playing field. The worst of enemies turn out to be the best of friends at the end of the day. School life teaches one the importance of teamwork and inculcates a sense of loyalty and devotion to the group.

My school will always be an important place because,

The school has been a Friend…….. a Comrade,

A support that I will always have,

Through sunshine and storm, I’ve kept my calm,

A hundred and fifty four years to the rescue,

Day and night we carried on,

And in return, I was the carried one.

In the days of valette……………

Time was ticking like a countdown clock, and……

There have been twelve years of love in my every tear drop.

Hundred and fifty years on our shoulders IT rested,

Twelve years on ITS shoulders I rested.

This is why the school is not a preparation of our lives……….It is Life.

In the end, all good things must come to an end, in the hope for better things to come. And all better things must come to an end too, because the best is yet to come.

One cannot but agree with Robert Frost’s vivid expression of such sentiments when said, “The woods are dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep.”

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Details of our 2014 annual reunion are as follows –

Date      28 June 2014 (Saturday)

Time     11.00 am onwards

Venue   Bombay Brasserie, Courtfield Road, London SW7 4QH

The closest station is Gloucester Road.

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