|
The 169th
Commemorative Service Of The Founder Major General Claude Martin At Kolkata |
|
I did not wear a coat. Given that the last time the blokes had come in slippers, I thought this was not too much of a sacrilege to shed the coat and yet be properly attired with the School tie and all. The weather was muggy as the last time. There was a light drizzle. Accompanied by my wife (I wanted to impress her since I have had enough of her Loreto, Lucknow big talk. Imagine a Lucknow type talking about the only School with Battle Honours in the world and that too won in Lucknow!), and Mr Surojit Ganguli (1963), we made our way to the Atmodaya Hall (which is the multi-storeyed building where good old Bloomfield’s woodwork shop used to be along with the other technical skill facilities). Fortunately, the door onto the Lower Circular Road was opened. It would have been a nightmare to come through the ‘correct’ way, since the drizzle would have made the access from the playing grounds assuredly muddy. Surprises of surprise! Though I was no special invitee, we were ushered onto the front row with ‘Reserved’ Boards! Being averse to being asked to change our seats midway of the proceedings as it can happen if one is seated at the wrong place, I repeatedly informed that I was an old boy and was not holding any special invitee card. The lady who ushered us reassured that it mattered not and we could please be seated. Nice of her. I suddenly realised that I was not stuffy and sweating like the last time, when I got wet through every pore oozing profusely, being suited and booted as one would in the old times. It then dawned on me the reason why all the doors were closed. The huge auditorium was fully air conditioned! I could have worn my coat or jacket, I ruefully cursed myself. I prefer the word ‘coat’ to jacket since potatoes with the skin on, are sold at fancy restaurants as ‘potatoes in jacket’. Thus, I hate to feel I am but only a potato! Then the lights came on. It was wonderful. More like a fairyland. Nice blue diffused lights. There was spontaneous clapping from the boys and girls. I couldn’t join in. It was more because of my ancient bones and I didn’t want to alarm anyone with non sonorous creaking at the joints that would steal the thunder. This year there was less of a display of outlandish or unacceptable dresses from the newly passed out yahoos. Of course, T Shirts and jeans were there. No slippers, though. Nike and Nike imitation sports shoes, yes. Then the Divine Service started at 12.00 Noon. The Procession Music played by the Boys String Orchestra which was Chorus from Judas Maccabeus by GF Handle and Rondeau from Suite 6 by Henry Purcell. The Banners trooped in; the two School Banners (lettering in Gold for the Boys and Blue for the Girls), followed by the House Banners. Behind them came the Boys’ School Principal, Mr Flynn, Girls’ School Principal, Ms Peacock, The Chief Guest, Hon’ble Mr Mohammed Salim, MP and Chairman, West Bengal Minority Development and Finance Corporation and the Bishop of Kolkata, His Grace, the Rt Revd Samuel Raju. They halted at the bust of the Founder and placed a wreath. The buglers from the Army of the Garhwal Regiment played the Last Post followed by the Rouse. The dignitaries then moved onto the dais. The dignitaries having been seated, further proceedings commenced. The Chief Guest was introduced by Mr Flynn. We were told that he had visited practically every country of the world. Great achievement for a Communist I must say that he put Ibn Batuta and Marco Polo in the shade. Indeed, inspite of having been a globetrotter, he was a picture of simplicity. He wore just a kurta and pyjama and some sandal like slipper! His spectacles were of course of the expensive variety. Even the Bishop of Kolkata to keep up with the Jones was in a maroon cassock, a trifle crumpled and rather unwashed, which was tied up with a worn out string hanging most pathetically. The string was lost in the folds of his well fed and rotund stomach and made invisible. I mention this since it was rather a distraction! He could also have done with a shave, even though it is a fashion these days to be scruffy. The Boys and the Girls sang the Canticle - Let us Now Praise Famous Men by R Vaughan Williams. The voices were mellifluous, but it could not recreate yesteryears charm and delight Then came the Prayers concluded with the Lord’s Prayer sung with gusto and fervour. The First Lesson was read and it was followed by the First Anthem – As Pants the hart by Louis Spohr and arranged by Robert E Austin. This was sung by the Girls’ School Choir. The girls really sang well. The Bishop could be seen tapping his finger on top of his palm in ecstasy. The Second Lesson followed. Thereafter, was the School Prayer. I never cease to marvel, that even after 40 odd years I still remember it by heart and some sort of a tingle fills my heart and the hair seem to bristle with delight. The same is the case with the School Song. After the School Prayer, the Second Anthem – Let the Heavens praise the Lord by Kevin Matthew and music arranged by Abraham Majumdar (the Music Teacher) was sung by the Boys School Choir. The boys too sang marvellously well. This also was duly acknowledged by the Rt Revd’s finger tapping. Then there was the sermon. It was by the Rt Revd. The central theme was Goodness but beyond that it was unintelligible. It was not the error of the sound system, which was fantastic. One may wonder why I am peeved with this Rt Revd. He seemed to take this great occasion as if he was partaking his bed tea at home. For us, it is a red letter day. He mustn’t take us for granted. Indeed, if he couldn’t care less, let him, fib and say he is sick with flu or something more horrible. Yes sir, I am furious with his nonchalant attitude. Fine as per the new rules, he is All Powerful in deciding the fate of Christian and Anglo Indian schools, but then irrespective of his origin, schooling or otherwise, he must understand he is not addressing riff raff or a school not proud of its rich history. The Presentation of the Medals followed. Since I did not have a pen, I could not write it down as to who won what. I regret this faux pas. It is not just the Gold Medal and the Good Conduct Medal these days, there are a plethora of medals that are presented. Yet, I must mention, I am pleased that the schools have instituted awards for ex teachers. From the Girls’ School side, Mrs Hennessey, the Boys’ School Art teacher’s wife got the award. By the way she is also the sister of Mr Suarez, our PT teacher, who I knew in my previous school, Barnes High School, Deolali! I was doubly proud and I made it a point to seek her out and congratulate her. From the Boys’ School side, Mr Ali was awarded this. I believe he is a brilliant student, who preferred to teach in La Martiniere instead of being a Professor at the prestigious Presidency College! Jolly good of Mr Ali. The address of the Chief Guest, Mr Md Salim was interesting. He is from the Barnabus School. While presenting the Good Conduct Medal, he said that since he passes Lower Circular Road every day, the good conduct of La Martiniere students make each one of us deserve the same! Wink, Wink. Dr JRB Alfred, Chairman, Acting Board of Governors gave the Vote of thanks. He was mercifully short unlike the last time when he was clapped off the stage by the incessant clapping of students. This year, unlike the last year, there were no jokes, not even the forced flat ones like the last year! The School Song was sung with tremendous gusto. Followed by the National Anthem and we repaired for Founder’s Dinner at the Constantia Hall which is on the top floor of the building that was where the dhobi ghat stood. There was some confusion as to where to go. I blame the computer and the laziness of those who printed it. It said 1993 and below students were to go to the Minims’ Dorm for lunch and that those older than 1993 were ALSO to go to the Minims’ dorm for lunch. Being the Military man, I guessed something wrong, but a young lady teacher categorically instructed that we should take off for the Minims Dorm if we wanted the Dinner. Hotfoot in the drizzle, we dashed off, only to be told that such dinosaurs like us were to go back to the Constantia Hall. We missed the Toast to the Founder. The food was the usual Indian fare. I don’t recollect since I don’t eat much. I remember, I knocked off two rather well made fish fries and that’s all. Ganguli and my wife I watched were tucking away Briyani, some vegetable stuff, fish fires etc. Notwithstanding, I am sure it was a great fare seeing the Cheshire Cat grins of those who gobbled! I must commend the Principal, Mr Flynn. He went from table to table and asked if anything was required and even instructed his Secretary and staff to look after the old Boys. Great stuff, sir. He is a team man indeed. Mr Wilcox, the Editor of the OMA Magazine, England, I think said that the Menu for the Dinner was laid down in the Will of our Founder. Could we have it so that I can take it up with Mr Flynn? He is a person who believes in traditions. He is not educated in our School, but he is a jolly good sport and a stickler for Tradition. Lest I forget, Justice Jiten Chaudhuri 1948 was the oldest schoolboy who attended. Just shows how we care for our School and its Traditions. It was a great occasion and I hope I can make it next year too. |
|
|