Nostalgic trip for a re-union in Mussoorie with ex-students of Shishu Niketan with an idea floated by Ajit Jatania during his short visit to Delhi from Nairobi, Kenya. Messages were exchanged to pull in as many students as possible through Emails and phone calls. Plans started taking a firm shape as many made their desire to join with confirmations. Thus the trip was planned well ahead with train reservations taken of care by Jaspal. Once train tickets got confirmed guys traveling from abroad booked their flights to New Delhi. Hotel reservations were also made accordingly for them. There was massive excitement with exchange of Emails and phone calls on daily basis.
To top it all one our friends Maan Singh who retired as brigadier from the army and had joined as DIG Central Reserve Police Force training academy in Gurgaon. So he was instrumental in getting an official permission to visit the premises that housed our school before ITBP set up their academy. I am sure his position with the police training college made all the difference.
There is always a spoil sport when we are at a very height of excitement in our life. Massive rains in some parts of Thailand threatened the very livelihood of Bangkok and its adjoining areas. We had a large Thai group to join on this trip but the massive nasty floods swept away their confirmed program to join the group and a dream re-union after so many decades. They had to back out since their factories, homes, commercial premises were in deep waters and were expecting the situation to get much worse than what they were living through as the D-day approached. They had no option but to cancel their reservations. Their situation was understandable. But we did decide to go ahead instead of cancelling since we needed to make a start of the re-union movement, which none before us had made any efforts to do so.
It became quite doubtful for me as well after my taking a tumble down the staircase along with my grand children. The stars were great that we got away with no major injuries to any one of us. The Karva Chauth celebrations were on, alarming every one present in the house. My near two years little angels did get a big shock. My grandson is pretty active and fun loving. I brought both of them from my son's room. He had a toy in his arms as I carried both in my arms. Not the very first time I did carry them down the staircase. Well when things have to happen they happen.
My grandson after a short time started playing and jumping around as he always does so, so this confirmed us that he was fine. My grand daughter was more shocked and kept crying. I think she got a massive jerk as I held her so that she did not fall hard on the floor but more on my body lest she got severely hurt. It was her birthday eve as well, she would be completing her two years. We had a cake to be cut after 12 midnight, but she was uncontrollably crying. We rushed her to get a check up done by a doctor, who gave some medicine to make her comfortable and some points of observations we had to keep in mind to check if she suffered more or was just the shock. Kids of this age can hardly express themselves, but she always complained of back pain. Perhaps the grip must have caused the pain.
Next day we had invited people to celebrate her 2nd year of birth. I did get some nasty hit on my left side hip bone, left elbow and right hand wrist plus a muscle pull in my left leg. This muscle pull was very uncomfortable. Till the hurt was fresh I could move around a bit and more so I was more concerned about my grand children, but slowly my movements got restricted. getting up from the bed was real tough. Once I sat down I felt comfortable, so I did spend my time lying down for a short time and sit as much as possible for comfort I got from sitting. Walking around was quite tough. The tickets for the trip were booked and I was really doubtful if I could ever make the trip. Fortunately things got better with time as I restrained myself from over doing any thing. Stiffness was there when I left for Mussoorie, used lots of pain killing spray that numbed the pain, took a few pills to subside the pain.
The drama started as the D-day neared, the so many from Delhi & India started backing out for one reason or the other at the very last moment that is just a few days before our departure. There were last moment joiners who after the tickets were booked backed out requesting for cancellations. JERKS!! It was quite a headache for Jaspal who had undertaken on our behalf to book train tickets. We all know it is not an easy task making reservations and cancelling is a bigger headache. He had tried to keep the flock in the same compartment, but these cancellations did not help.
I did not want to be a part of the cancellation party. There was discomfort but the trip was so important that I could mentally muster enough courage to control the pain and tried to walk as normal as possible. After all I would be meeting some after 1963 or so, that is quite a long long time.
The much awaited day, 17th November arrived and we met at the New Delhi Railway Station to board Dehradun Shatabdi with its departure at 6:50 in the morning. So all in all we were 9 people. One from UK, one from Nairobi, two from Thailand and rest of us from Delhi/NCR. Since we were all in the senior citizen category, Executive sitting class seats were booked.
Fortunately we got the middle of the bogie seats where there is a table with seats facing each other. Three guys were in another bogie, lucky we could get them in the same bogie. The trip to Dehradun was all hyper as we were exchanging notes, recollecting incidents, other students, etc. I am sure many people are aware of what goes on in such a situation. There were some amusing co-passenger faces as we chatted.
There was a light lull after a nice breakfast since all of us had to get pretty early to catch the train, and perhaps some may have not slept well since they traveled soon after landing in Delhi. This was after we had a 20 minutes break in Saharanpur Railway platform where the engine changes end to change tracks for Dehradun. It did then and does it now.
In Dehradun our very warm large hearted Vinod from Mussoorie came to receive us. He is based in Mussoorie as he owns a hotel - Raj Deluxe at Masonic Lodge taxi stand over viewing straight down the Doon Valley. The view is totally fabulous with no obstructions. He had brought along his personal vehicle and 2 taxis. Taxis we had requested so that we could be collected, move around in Mussoorie and back to Dehradun to catch the return journey of 20th.
We opted t have lunch in Dehradun it self since it would get too late on reaching Mussoorie. The biggest worry was that on reaching we would have taken the rooms, and would get relaxing and the organising of lunch would fall on Vinod and his wife. This we did not want to happen. The cafe "Salt & Cravings" is where we had our lunch. This is two shops near to President Hotel in Astley Estate. The preparations were lovely. This outlet is about 6 months old. So few nice chilled beer and white wine to celebrate before the main meals. We did want to have a glass more beer but they ran out of light beers. Please no wrong impressions here that we finished their stock. I think strong beer is more popular in these parts. Dehradun has become quite crowded, over built and that peaceful Dehradun is no more there. The road to Mussoorie that used to be totally inhabited beyond Rajpur Road is nearly lined up with shops, malls, hotels till nearly Mussoorie. Massive change has taken place after this city became the capital of of Uttrakhund. But these issues were of not much concern as we never had the time to give any notice except our catching with the past and the missing years.
November is generally cold in Mussoorie, but fortunately there it was a pleasant weather. A few days before our arrival it had been cold. Even the evenings had pleasant temperatures except on the 19th when it did get a little cold in the evening only. But we had our woolens on lest we catch a cold. This precaution is mandatory in the mountains where it can suddenly get cold.
The first evening we walked all the way to Library catching up the spots and their memories attached. Looking at old shops we frequented, of course new shops have opened up. We met some of the children who were now running the shops. We mentioned our visits during the school time, what we bought and affectionate were their parents to us. They found it quite amusing as we talked of what we did, etc.
I have visited Mussoorie on a couple of times in the past but there was a big difference being in a group that had spent time together so many decades back. This experience was totally different. The great company made all the difference. We returned to the hotel after the long walk. We all sat down to enjoy the wonderful scotch whiskey brought by Satpal and Tarjeet on way from Thailand. Lots of snacks, dry fruits courtesy Jagmohan and just talks talks of the past recollecting students, incidents, etc. But every time we missed the guys from Thailand who had to cancel their trips due to the nasty floods.
To top it all one our friends Maan Singh who retired as brigadier from the army and had joined as DIG Central Reserve Police Force training academy in Gurgaon. So he was instrumental in getting an official permission to visit the premises that housed our school before ITBP set up their academy. I am sure his position with the police training college made all the difference.
There is always a spoil sport when we are at a very height of excitement in our life. Massive rains in some parts of Thailand threatened the very livelihood of Bangkok and its adjoining areas. We had a large Thai group to join on this trip but the massive nasty floods swept away their confirmed program to join the group and a dream re-union after so many decades. They had to back out since their factories, homes, commercial premises were in deep waters and were expecting the situation to get much worse than what they were living through as the D-day approached. They had no option but to cancel their reservations. Their situation was understandable. But we did decide to go ahead instead of cancelling since we needed to make a start of the re-union movement, which none before us had made any efforts to do so.
It became quite doubtful for me as well after my taking a tumble down the staircase along with my grand children. The stars were great that we got away with no major injuries to any one of us. The Karva Chauth celebrations were on, alarming every one present in the house. My near two years little angels did get a big shock. My grandson is pretty active and fun loving. I brought both of them from my son's room. He had a toy in his arms as I carried both in my arms. Not the very first time I did carry them down the staircase. Well when things have to happen they happen.
My grandson after a short time started playing and jumping around as he always does so, so this confirmed us that he was fine. My grand daughter was more shocked and kept crying. I think she got a massive jerk as I held her so that she did not fall hard on the floor but more on my body lest she got severely hurt. It was her birthday eve as well, she would be completing her two years. We had a cake to be cut after 12 midnight, but she was uncontrollably crying. We rushed her to get a check up done by a doctor, who gave some medicine to make her comfortable and some points of observations we had to keep in mind to check if she suffered more or was just the shock. Kids of this age can hardly express themselves, but she always complained of back pain. Perhaps the grip must have caused the pain.
Next day we had invited people to celebrate her 2nd year of birth. I did get some nasty hit on my left side hip bone, left elbow and right hand wrist plus a muscle pull in my left leg. This muscle pull was very uncomfortable. Till the hurt was fresh I could move around a bit and more so I was more concerned about my grand children, but slowly my movements got restricted. getting up from the bed was real tough. Once I sat down I felt comfortable, so I did spend my time lying down for a short time and sit as much as possible for comfort I got from sitting. Walking around was quite tough. The tickets for the trip were booked and I was really doubtful if I could ever make the trip. Fortunately things got better with time as I restrained myself from over doing any thing. Stiffness was there when I left for Mussoorie, used lots of pain killing spray that numbed the pain, took a few pills to subside the pain.
The drama started as the D-day neared, the so many from Delhi & India started backing out for one reason or the other at the very last moment that is just a few days before our departure. There were last moment joiners who after the tickets were booked backed out requesting for cancellations. JERKS!! It was quite a headache for Jaspal who had undertaken on our behalf to book train tickets. We all know it is not an easy task making reservations and cancelling is a bigger headache. He had tried to keep the flock in the same compartment, but these cancellations did not help.
I did not want to be a part of the cancellation party. There was discomfort but the trip was so important that I could mentally muster enough courage to control the pain and tried to walk as normal as possible. After all I would be meeting some after 1963 or so, that is quite a long long time.
The much awaited day, 17th November arrived and we met at the New Delhi Railway Station to board Dehradun Shatabdi with its departure at 6:50 in the morning. So all in all we were 9 people. One from UK, one from Nairobi, two from Thailand and rest of us from Delhi/NCR. Since we were all in the senior citizen category, Executive sitting class seats were booked.
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| Jagmohan and Jaspal (window side seat) |
Fortunately we got the middle of the bogie seats where there is a table with seats facing each other. Three guys were in another bogie, lucky we could get them in the same bogie. The trip to Dehradun was all hyper as we were exchanging notes, recollecting incidents, other students, etc. I am sure many people are aware of what goes on in such a situation. There were some amusing co-passenger faces as we chatted.
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| Tarjeet Singh & Maan Singh on his left |
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| Pritipal & Jaspal to his left |
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| Pritipal & Jaspal to his left |
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| SK Lall and Satpal Singh |
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| Ajit & myself with specs |
There was a light lull after a nice breakfast since all of us had to get pretty early to catch the train, and perhaps some may have not slept well since they traveled soon after landing in Delhi. This was after we had a 20 minutes break in Saharanpur Railway platform where the engine changes end to change tracks for Dehradun. It did then and does it now.
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| Stretching out at the platform: (left to right) Dr. SK Lall, Jagmohan, Tarjeet Singh, Maan Singh & Ajit Jatania |
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| Stretching out at the platform: (left to right) Dr. SK Lall, Jagmohan, Tarjeet Singh, Maan Singh, Pritipal Singh & Ajit Jatania |
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| Maan Singh enjoying a nap |
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| Another view of Maan Singh enjoying a nap |
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| Tarjeet Singh - Camouflaged nap |
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| Tarjeet Singh - working on some numbers while taking a nap? |
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| Jagmohan & Satpal kept vigil with a smile while others enjoyed a nap |
In Dehradun our very warm large hearted Vinod from Mussoorie came to receive us. He is based in Mussoorie as he owns a hotel - Raj Deluxe at Masonic Lodge taxi stand over viewing straight down the Doon Valley. The view is totally fabulous with no obstructions. He had brought along his personal vehicle and 2 taxis. Taxis we had requested so that we could be collected, move around in Mussoorie and back to Dehradun to catch the return journey of 20th.
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| First leg of our journey completed on reaching Dehradun. Well, is Ajit attempting a strip tease in public? |
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| Waiting to go out with our luggage |
We opted t have lunch in Dehradun it self since it would get too late on reaching Mussoorie. The biggest worry was that on reaching we would have taken the rooms, and would get relaxing and the organising of lunch would fall on Vinod and his wife. This we did not want to happen. The cafe "Salt & Cravings" is where we had our lunch. This is two shops near to President Hotel in Astley Estate. The preparations were lovely. This outlet is about 6 months old. So few nice chilled beer and white wine to celebrate before the main meals. We did want to have a glass more beer but they ran out of light beers. Please no wrong impressions here that we finished their stock. I think strong beer is more popular in these parts. Dehradun has become quite crowded, over built and that peaceful Dehradun is no more there. The road to Mussoorie that used to be totally inhabited beyond Rajpur Road is nearly lined up with shops, malls, hotels till nearly Mussoorie. Massive change has taken place after this city became the capital of of Uttrakhund. But these issues were of not much concern as we never had the time to give any notice except our catching with the past and the missing years.
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| In the basement of salt & Cravings cafe. Vinod Kumar our lion hearted friend |
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| In the basement of salt & Cravings cafe. |
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| In the basement of salt & Cravings cafe. |
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| In the basement of salt & Cravings cafe. Freezing moments for everlasting memory & to share |
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| In the basement of salt & Cravings cafe. There was so much of chat of the past, the steward seems quite confused while taking the order. |
November is generally cold in Mussoorie, but fortunately there it was a pleasant weather. A few days before our arrival it had been cold. Even the evenings had pleasant temperatures except on the 19th when it did get a little cold in the evening only. But we had our woolens on lest we catch a cold. This precaution is mandatory in the mountains where it can suddenly get cold.
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| Exploring Mussoorie's Mall - trying out Lovely Omelette outlet |
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| 'Lovely Omelettes' the name of the outlet. Says he is listed in Lonely Planets and has a page in FaceBook |
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| The hill across did not have that many buildings, quite an expansion |
The first evening we walked all the way to Library catching up the spots and their memories attached. Looking at old shops we frequented, of course new shops have opened up. We met some of the children who were now running the shops. We mentioned our visits during the school time, what we bought and affectionate were their parents to us. They found it quite amusing as we talked of what we did, etc.
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| Me and Jaspal on one of the benches, Library, Mussoorie |
I have visited Mussoorie on a couple of times in the past but there was a big difference being in a group that had spent time together so many decades back. This experience was totally different. The great company made all the difference. We returned to the hotel after the long walk. We all sat down to enjoy the wonderful scotch whiskey brought by Satpal and Tarjeet on way from Thailand. Lots of snacks, dry fruits courtesy Jagmohan and just talks talks of the past recollecting students, incidents, etc. But every time we missed the guys from Thailand who had to cancel their trips due to the nasty floods.
The first evening we went out for dinner but the place we chose did not really have good food. It was a disappointment, but these things happen. We all had a glass or milk after dinner. None can point out we just drank and drank and never cared for our health. Surely we had drinks but in a very decent limit. Jaspal had his off days from drinks except on the last eve of stay in Mussoorie, when he joined us.
Next day we had planned to visit Kempty Fall side, Company Bagh, etc. As we moved on nearing Kempty Falls, the view down was really pathetic. We knew of this place as total virgin with no house, no settlements just jungle and jungle. We used to go to Kempty Fall on foot, had a beautiful spot where there was a pool and we used to enjoy taking our dip. There were hardly any people seen around. I felt it was better we moved beyond as we had never gone further than the fall. The taxi company owner, Mr. Man Mohan Singh, was a real guide. We stopped at a beautiful fall named Rota Fall (Crying Fall) as hardly any one came to see it, though a very short distance from Kempty Fall settlement. It was nice tasting the water - real mineral water.
We asked what was further down the road, so he stopped at the flour mills powered by water flow and the last stop was Jamuna Bridge. It is a lovely place and very good for picnic at the banks of the river. We stopped to have tea before returning.
On our return from the trip we were invited by Vinod and his wife Suman for tea at their place. Snacks kept on coming non stop. We were really full with all the tasty stuff served along with the tea.
It was a little cold, also we had quite a lot of walking during the day. We sat down to enjoy the beautiful Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whiskey instead of going for a walk and then the drinks. After the drinks we decided walk to the Library hoping to digest the evening snacks. There was not much of an enthusiasm for dinner, still thought to have a light soup or so. This time around we opted for Chinese food and chose Rice Bowl. The food was superb despite us all being pretty full we did finish dishes ordered by Ajit. It was a slight case of over eating. What ever the situation as a ritual we stopped for Kadhai Milk.
Next day was pretty important and we had been keenly looking forward to it. This was the day our appointment to visit the premises - Caineville Estate - that housed our school was scheduled. It was a 10 AM appointment, that we did reach in time. As we reached there was an officer who came to receive us and later the Commandant also joined us.
Many years back I had gone there in the company of Jaspal Singh Jolly accompanied by our wives, but we could only stand in the main court yard of the school and return. This time it was so different, so beautiful since we were being escorted. That excitement, that kiddish behavior unlike our current age would not have been there at all if we had not been in a group.
They showed us around the building and we were acting like kids. Memories kept on flowing about each room, each hall, each turn and each space there.
All that suspense of what had changed during ITBP is over, there is a complete satisfaction after the visit. I am personally sure I do not require another visit. It was nostalgic visit in a group. I am sure if any one of us had gone alone, this experience would not have been there.
Big thanks to the Commandant Satyendra Kumar for the time he gave us from his busy schedule and Mr. Priyanjan Sharma who was there with us till we bid adieu to the Caineville House Estate that housed our school.
A little bit of history and tit bits from the past
The Shishu Niketan School was started by founder of Cambridge School, Daryaganj, Delhi Mr. A.C Deb in 1950 with batch of 51 students. It was surprising he did not have that typical Bengali accent in English. We were strictly to speak, interact in English and English only and were aptly punished even if we spoke a word in another language. Lucky he did not have any access to our dreams/thoughts except what we uttered for any one to hear.
When we lived during the school time, it was real tough and one of the worst times of our life, I am sure it is always so any where during the schools. But to be honest as we look at it today we got one of the best over all development in our formative years. We went through so many activities, am sure not many schools ever had them for their students. We had morning PT to start with, but before we got ready for it we had to wash ourselves get into the PT dress. The matron, Miss Murdoch, she inspected each student behind the ears and neck for dirt, finger nails, socks, properly polished shoes, etc. Another inspection took place as we lined up according to the houses. There was besides exercises for loosening, we did marching practice. We had a proper school band formed in 1952 it had bugles, back-pipes, flutes, cymbals, base drum and side drums. None of the schools had a band and we had the privilege to lead various functions held in Mussoorie where schools participated.
After PT we had to finish making our beds, changing into the school uniform with in a certain time. There was a period of study where home work/other preparations we had to do before going in for the assembly. Rabindra Sangeet was liked by Mr. Deb, so we had a coir and had to sit on the stage to sing quite a few numbers, before going for the breakfast. Immediately after the Breakfast our school started with a lunch break, mid afternoon nap, then sports period, study period followed by assembly, Rabindra Sangeet, dinner and again a study period before we went to our dorms. In the dorm we had to polish our shoes, keep our socks in the right pair, PT and school dress. Any broken buttons we had to stitch. It was really making us independent.
In games and sports we had Volley Ball, Basket Ball, Hockey, Table Tennis, Cricket, Badminton, Horse Riding, long jump, high jump, dashes, races, gymnastics, etc. We always had ex-army guys for PT. The training we got was like NCC minus handling of arms. We explored many caves. Since the strength of the school never crossed 215 (that was maximum) all age groups made up the teams. So there was hardly any senior or junior stuff in games and sports. Torch light drill and fancy dance with torch lights was another unique activity in our school. Even we had to pass through a ring and on special occasions we passed through just like it happens in a circus with fire burning. There were many things we were involved to do correctly. Besides these we had dramatic, reading of poetry, debates, dances and sessions of parliament and court. There was instrumental music with Sitar, Jal tarang, Sarod, Flutes, Piano etc. There were massive activities besides studies that kept us busy through out the school session of about 9 months. One can keep writing and writing about those times. We had regular non-veg served as per menu. Bread pudding prepared by our main cook Fateh Lal was one of the best.
History of Caineville Estate
One things great we found was that ITBP had a brass plate where history of Caineville Estate till their taking over the Estate is engraved. I had requested for a print out, which was provided and it is being quoted here under:
The life moves on, so we headed for exploring more of Mussoorie. Some wanted to go to Top Tibba (Gun Hill), Ajit stuck to Landour Bazaar side and he got his way. This again happened to be a great outing. As I and most others remember not having gone further than Survey Ground or tracks that took us to some schools on this side. Landour is actually the old city of Mussoorie. We went to Char Dukan (Four Shops) as there were only four shops in this area, beyond the Landour Bazaar. This place is also known as Sisters' Bazaar. The image of display board about description of the place, for easy reading it has keyed in after the picture.
The 19th evening was our last in Mussoorie. Such a get together when next it will take place, there is no idea though efforts are on to make it an ongoing affair or say a ritual in the coming years. Who carries on from the younger lot, well again a big question mark? It was again a great sit down for drinks and snacks. It was never an over dose or we were not great over indulgent followers of Bacchus. The memories were more intoxicating than the very adorable Glenfiddich or Glenmorangie Scotch Whiskey.
Having been in a pure boarding school, we naturally learnt to respect the moderate parts of all religious beliefs. Being in Dehradun paying respects to Shri Paonta Sahib Gurdwara was but natural to give a nice finale to our trip where every moment we spent was in perfect order. Nothing went amiss in our plans except of course our friends from Thailand who could not come. We had a great Durshan and Langar at the Gurdwara Sahib.
Would it not have done wonders if any headmaster / principal had continued for a longer tenure of 10 plus years?
We reached well in time since it was a Sunday. The center seats and the coach were again the same. Some help from co-passengers in accommodating us to be seated in the same coach.
Reaching Delhi brought to an end our dream trip to Mussoorie with friends of whom I met after 1963 or so. Something to nurture as a very sweet time for many many years to come.
Well till next time we meet with same warmth and enthusiasm, but now always in the company of our spouses who have respected and shared our sentiments of co-brotherhood of a boarding school life.
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| This is a new outlet for Hot milk. Our daily routine during the stay to have a glass/kulardh of hot milk after dinner. |
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| Nice hot milk with jwara and malai |
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| Great thing about Maan Singh he interacted with young people. |
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| Assuring freshness of milk being served to us??? |
Next day we had planned to visit Kempty Fall side, Company Bagh, etc. As we moved on nearing Kempty Falls, the view down was really pathetic. We knew of this place as total virgin with no house, no settlements just jungle and jungle. We used to go to Kempty Fall on foot, had a beautiful spot where there was a pool and we used to enjoy taking our dip. There were hardly any people seen around. I felt it was better we moved beyond as we had never gone further than the fall. The taxi company owner, Mr. Man Mohan Singh, was a real guide. We stopped at a beautiful fall named Rota Fall (Crying Fall) as hardly any one came to see it, though a very short distance from Kempty Fall settlement. It was nice tasting the water - real mineral water.
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| Our first group photo in the morning at Vinod's hotel. |
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| Rota Falls (Crying Falls) just a short distance further from Kempty Falls |
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| Rota Falls (Crying Falls) just a short distance further from Kempty Falls |
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| View of the Rota Falls (Crying Falls) just a short distance further from Kempty Falls |
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| natural mineral water direct from the source |
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| Ready to move on to explore unseen places of Mussoorie |
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| We stopped to see flour mill powered by water. |
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| Maan Singh stands on the roof of the flour mill |
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| Inside of the flour mill |
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| It was a nice warm day. Mr. Man Mohan Singh in the front who owns a taxi & travel agency |
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| Jaspal was busy shooting with his mobile phone, in envy his camera attempted suicide by falling down in the stream, immediate pull out saved the day. |
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| On the Jamuna Bridge |
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| On the Jamuna Bridge |
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| On the Jamuna Bridge |
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| On the Jamuna Bridge |
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| On the Jamuna Bridge |
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| A small Dhaba next to the Jamuna Bridge |
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| A small Dhaba next to the Jamuna Bridge |
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| A small Dhaba next to the Jamuna Bridge |
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| A small Dhaba next to the Jamuna Bridge |
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| Company Bagh |
Satpal's grand daughter was studying in Waverly Convent of Jesus & Mary School, it was decided to meet her with so many grand uncles in tow. BTW Weverly school was our center was Senior Cambridge Board Exams. Surprisingly how much we had to climb to reach the center that too well in time. Those were the days. So his little sweet grand daughter was in a way responsible for us to visit the school. We could not very well place the hall where the exams took place. The principal was new and so as the new staff. It was a very nice outing for us all.
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| Waverly Convent of Jesus & Mary School |
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| With the Principal of Waverly Convent of Jesus & Mary School |
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| With the Principal of Waverly Convent of Jesus & Mary School |
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| With the Principal of Waverly Convent of Jesus & Mary School and Satpal's grand daughter |
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| At Waverly Convent of Jesus & Mary School |
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| At Waverly Convent of Jesus & Mary School |
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| At Waverly Convent of Jesus & Mary School |
It was a little cold, also we had quite a lot of walking during the day. We sat down to enjoy the beautiful Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch Whiskey instead of going for a walk and then the drinks. After the drinks we decided walk to the Library hoping to digest the evening snacks. There was not much of an enthusiasm for dinner, still thought to have a light soup or so. This time around we opted for Chinese food and chose Rice Bowl. The food was superb despite us all being pretty full we did finish dishes ordered by Ajit. It was a slight case of over eating. What ever the situation as a ritual we stopped for Kadhai Milk.
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| Rice Bowl Restaurant that served a great food |
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| Rice Bowl Restaurant that served a great food |
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| In front of the new Admin Building with Mr. Priyanjan Sharma of ITBP |
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| In front of the new Admin Building with Mr. Priyanjan Sharma of ITBP |
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| On the left first floor we had bathrooms, on right ground floor senior dorm |
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| There was senior dorm, Headmaster's office, accounts office and passage that led to the carpentry class room and toilets |
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| The brass plate with Caineville Estate history |
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| Going through the text, I have it in the later part of this Blog entry |
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| This was our Library Hall with inset cupboards that stocked material from Caineville House School |
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| Beautifully furnished |
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| Beautifully furnished |
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| Ceiling remains original except for the nice finishing |
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| Exceptionally elegant |
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| Backside of Mr. Deb's residence, one room for senior students and a class room |
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| Staircase leading to another small plain area where we build an open air theater by carrying rocks from 3rd Ground |
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| Part of the senior dorm. The hall has been divided into two |
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| Staircase leading to children dorm, except for the white paint it remains the same |
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| Varandah outside entry of children dorm. There was a class room , its entry is now from outside |
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| Varandah outside entry of children dorm. |
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| Children's dorm now a conference hall |
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| We had a great presentation by Mr. Deepak |
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| Group photo for the memory |
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| Group photo for the memory |
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| After the wonderful presentation a group photo for the memory |
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| A must photograph of the stairs |
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| This new stairs has replaced the old iron circular stairs |
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| This new stairs has replaced the old iron circular stairs |
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| An over view, this is where our copies lost pages as we made paper planes and got wonderful flying planes |
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| Lady teacher's rooms, junior dorm and nursing/sick room |
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| Balcony leading to lady teacher's rooms, junior dorm and nursing/sick room |
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| Balcony leading to lady teacher's rooms, junior dorm and nursing/sick room |
These three images have special memories as a room was carved out of a passage for me and Suresh Nanda, and we spent a few months living in here. This passage led to balcony to teacher's and principal's rooms. They used another way to their rooms. This passage was adjacent to the music room. The best part was the false ceiling was a length of jute carpet covering the tin sheets and on the walls. On the floor it was used as it should be used. There was not much saving from the cold. The beds were in line leaving not much of moving space. The front portion we used for keeping our trunks and other personal effects. The room is in original condition minus the jute carpets. We had a long way to go to the toilets. It was here I had my first half bottle of beer, that took me 3 days to finish. We used to have flying foxes as visitors. These are some memories one can not easily forget that is for sure.
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| Outside the passage living room with my cousin Dr. SK Lall |
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| These passages led to the playing grounds. These have been cemented now. |
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| Stairs leading to the main building |
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| Stairs leading to the main building upstairs |
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| These were open corridors, now covered for practical use |
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| This is just for the tree its profile remains as I saw it in 1956 |
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| I do remember taking a photo of this tree in 1956 and preceding years |
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| This is the courtyard of many activities like Volley Ball, gymnastics, PT, march past, torch light drill, flag hoisting, etc. This area so as most other areas were never cemented, except the basket ball field where now the admin building stands |
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| This passage lead to the main road. The green area in this pics has been reduced. It was much wider we (Suresh, Amrik, Jaspal and myself) cleaned up to make a personal Badminton court. |
All that suspense of what had changed during ITBP is over, there is a complete satisfaction after the visit. I am personally sure I do not require another visit. It was nostalgic visit in a group. I am sure if any one of us had gone alone, this experience would not have been there.
Big thanks to the Commandant Satyendra Kumar for the time he gave us from his busy schedule and Mr. Priyanjan Sharma who was there with us till we bid adieu to the Caineville House Estate that housed our school.
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| With Commandant Satyendra Kumar |
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| With Commandant Satyendra Kumar |
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| A group photograph with Commandant Satyendra Kumar |
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| A group photograph with Commandant Satyendra Kumar and Mr. Priyanjan Sharma |
How and why we developed such an attachment to the 3rd Ground of the school? We could hardly play any games. We did not go regularly to this place as we went to other grounds to play as part of the schedule nearer to the school building. One thing we all had in our mind was to visit the 3rd Ground during this visit. This ground was totally raw with uneven place, except that no tree stood in the main open area. Rocks, just rocks that is what was there.
Why that crazy attraction for this place? Was it because we ran down from here for fun and bath in the stream/water fall? Was it that this place gave us some breathing space from the routine tight schedule of the school? Was it because it was always talked about that this ground will be developed for games? It never happened in those many years. We did lighten its weight off some rocks enough to construct an open air theater in an open area above the children's ground. to carry the stones the whole strength of the school built a human chain to carry the rocks of various sizes and weights. still with those rocks gone, it still remained raw and uneven not good enough for any kind of games or sports. Lots of questions with no clear answers. The development effected by ITBP should have taken place long long time back, of course minus the cement flooring. This would have been a great cricket field, a kind of a stadium. This could have been the venue of hosting inter school sports and games. We always had to track long distances to schools like St. Georges, Woodstock, Oak Grove, Wynn-Berg Allen or Survey Ground to participate in inter school competitions.
What ever the reasons of our attraction, but one thing for sure the memories were so strong that on seeing side drum and base drum, Jaspal and Ajit gave a sample of their drumming powers of the past. The rythme and the beat came to them as if they just played it yesterday only. Well forty-five years plus years gap is not small and to do it, it was out of the world experience for us. Unfortunately we were a few days early as the instruments of the ITBP band were supposed to reach in couple of days. The bagpipers and buglers were all there but the instruments were not there, otherwise a demonstration by them would have astounded the present ITBP personals/recruits.
A very fruitful and satisfying visit to the 3rd ground ended with a group photograph. It was lunch time, our BP had settled down after the great tour of Caineville Estate. We enjoyed the ambiance of a well done up hall once upon a time it was our school library as we waited for the lunch to be served..
Some of us nursed a desire to spend at least a night in the building, but there is no residential area in the main building. What is newly built would not give us that feeling we nurture to relive. The lunch was served in once upon a time Class 9. The connecting door to this room from Library hall has been opened. The room again is very well done up. The food was great. It was simple with homely taste and that is what one always desires.
We enjoyed our lunch thoroughly and it was very satisfying. It was time to say adieu after a well spent day. It could not never be better than this on any given day. The last group photograph before we proceeded to our vehicles.
Apologies here for the impulsive trigger happy finger of a photographer. I really could not help taking some more parting shots of the Caineville Estate as I walked towards the waiting car.
The Shishu Niketan School was started by founder of Cambridge School, Daryaganj, Delhi Mr. A.C Deb in 1950 with batch of 51 students. It was surprising he did not have that typical Bengali accent in English. We were strictly to speak, interact in English and English only and were aptly punished even if we spoke a word in another language. Lucky he did not have any access to our dreams/thoughts except what we uttered for any one to hear.
When we lived during the school time, it was real tough and one of the worst times of our life, I am sure it is always so any where during the schools. But to be honest as we look at it today we got one of the best over all development in our formative years. We went through so many activities, am sure not many schools ever had them for their students. We had morning PT to start with, but before we got ready for it we had to wash ourselves get into the PT dress. The matron, Miss Murdoch, she inspected each student behind the ears and neck for dirt, finger nails, socks, properly polished shoes, etc. Another inspection took place as we lined up according to the houses. There was besides exercises for loosening, we did marching practice. We had a proper school band formed in 1952 it had bugles, back-pipes, flutes, cymbals, base drum and side drums. None of the schools had a band and we had the privilege to lead various functions held in Mussoorie where schools participated.
After PT we had to finish making our beds, changing into the school uniform with in a certain time. There was a period of study where home work/other preparations we had to do before going in for the assembly. Rabindra Sangeet was liked by Mr. Deb, so we had a coir and had to sit on the stage to sing quite a few numbers, before going for the breakfast. Immediately after the Breakfast our school started with a lunch break, mid afternoon nap, then sports period, study period followed by assembly, Rabindra Sangeet, dinner and again a study period before we went to our dorms. In the dorm we had to polish our shoes, keep our socks in the right pair, PT and school dress. Any broken buttons we had to stitch. It was really making us independent.
In games and sports we had Volley Ball, Basket Ball, Hockey, Table Tennis, Cricket, Badminton, Horse Riding, long jump, high jump, dashes, races, gymnastics, etc. We always had ex-army guys for PT. The training we got was like NCC minus handling of arms. We explored many caves. Since the strength of the school never crossed 215 (that was maximum) all age groups made up the teams. So there was hardly any senior or junior stuff in games and sports. Torch light drill and fancy dance with torch lights was another unique activity in our school. Even we had to pass through a ring and on special occasions we passed through just like it happens in a circus with fire burning. There were many things we were involved to do correctly. Besides these we had dramatic, reading of poetry, debates, dances and sessions of parliament and court. There was instrumental music with Sitar, Jal tarang, Sarod, Flutes, Piano etc. There were massive activities besides studies that kept us busy through out the school session of about 9 months. One can keep writing and writing about those times. We had regular non-veg served as per menu. Bread pudding prepared by our main cook Fateh Lal was one of the best.
History of Caineville Estate
One things great we found was that ITBP had a brass plate where history of Caineville Estate till their taking over the Estate is engraved. I had requested for a print out, which was provided and it is being quoted here under:
This is being quoted from the write up embossed on the brass plate above their book for remarks out side erst while Library. The reference seems to be from the stationery and other printed material stocked in the cupboards in the Library. Perhaps we were too young to have understood the value of the material though often we broke into the cupboards.
Caineville Estate
In 1820s Bristish Officers of Sirmur Battalion stationed at cantonment west of Dehradun began exploring the nearby hills for sports, recreations and splendid climate. Mussoorie was soon to become favorite summer abode of British Army Officers. In 1830, Mr. Boble of Meerut came to Mussoorie and opened a Brewery at the site properly known as Old Brewery. The site later was known as Caineville Estate. But the Brewery was closed in 1832. In 1834, indefatigable John Mackinon arrived at Mussoorie and purchased the site and opened the Mussoorie's first school called Mussoorie Seminary. In 1849, Mackinnon closed the school and reopened his brewery. On 1st July 1854, Mr. Mackinnon sold the estate to Col. Henry Sleeman of East India company in Bengal Establishment for Rs. 12,000 where in 1854, Wood Stock School was opened, but it was shifted to Wood Stock Estate in 1855.
In 1864, after the death of Sir william Henry Sleeman and his widow Amilie Josphine Sleeman sold the estate to Venerable John Henry Pratt, Archbishop of Calcutta for Rs. 17000. In 1855, John Henry Pratt transferred the estate to the Rev. Bishop of Calcutta and a Girls school was opened at the site. In 1929, the school and the entire Caineville Estate was transferred to Lucknow Diocesan Trust Association. This school functioned till Independence and there after a residential school called Shishu Niketan was opened for boys, which was later shifted to Dehradun and rechristened as Raja Ram Mohan Roy School.
In 1976, specialist Training Centre, Nauguan (MP) and in 1978, Combat Training Centre, Shivpuri were shifted to this location and amalgamated to form HADS Academy. The Academy was later renamed as ITBP Academy. It has developed into a premier training institution for police officers in India. At present Administrative wing and Intelligence School are located at Caineville Estate.
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This mention is being missed in the above history by ITBP.
- It was called Caineville House school.
- In 1950 Mr. AC Deb started Shishu Niketan with a batch of 51 odd students. He has established day school in Delhi - Cambridge School in Daryaganj, before starting Shishu Niketan in Mussoorie.
- Just to mention Mr. Deb's daughter Kalyani (Dr. (Mrs.) Roy) had studied in caineville House School for 1 year in 1943.
The life moves on, so we headed for exploring more of Mussoorie. Some wanted to go to Top Tibba (Gun Hill), Ajit stuck to Landour Bazaar side and he got his way. This again happened to be a great outing. As I and most others remember not having gone further than Survey Ground or tracks that took us to some schools on this side. Landour is actually the old city of Mussoorie. We went to Char Dukan (Four Shops) as there were only four shops in this area, beyond the Landour Bazaar. This place is also known as Sisters' Bazaar. The image of display board about description of the place, for easy reading it has keyed in after the picture.
WELCOME TO LANDOUR
If Mussoorie is "Queen of the Hills" then Landour must be the fairer princess, even though it contains some of the oldest settlements.
British forces occupied this region of the Garwal following the Ghurka wars in the second decade of the 19th century. Colonel Frederick Young, an Irish officer in the East India Company army constructed the first permanent dwelling at Mullingar in 1825. Landour takes its name from Llanddowror a small town in Wales.
In 1827, it became a convalescent depot for British troops suffering from malaria and other tropical diseases. Those who did not survive are buried in the cemetery on the north side of the hill.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, a British Military Hospital was established and remained open until 1947. The hospital buildings currently house the defense Ministry's Institute of Technology Management.
Sisters' Bazaar acquired its name from the nursing sisters who lived nearby the hospital. Some of the other early buildings include St. Paul's church, built in 1840, and the original Landour Cantonment Post Office at Char Dukan. An old bridle trail, which circles the three summits of Landour ridge, is known as the chukkar and became motorable in the late 1950s.
Situated at an altitude of 7,500 feet (2,286 meters) above sea level, the top of Landour ridge is the highest point in Mussoorie. This also remains the most secluded and beautiful area of the town, with spectacular views of the snow clad Great Himalayas, dense deodar forests and peaceful slopes.
Please help keep Landour clean by respecting the natural beauty of these mountains and not throwing litter and garbage on the hillside.
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| Char Dukan though this tea stall is a recent addition. |
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| St. Peter's church |
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| St. Peter's church |
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| It was pretty foggy, so the Himalayan snow clad mountains are not visible |
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| Fatal attractions: Bikes and Females |
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| One cannot keep away from being photographed in the company of a beautiful damsel or a bike. Jaspal enjoying a ride on a stationary bike. An all part of the fun. |
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| Dev sahib's son studied in Woodstock, that we all knew, that he owned a cottage we never knew. This is the reason we never saw him in town since Hackmann and Savoy were the top of the line hotels where Bollywood stars stayed when in Mussoorie |
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| On a good clear day the view of this rare Deodar tree would have been great. The estate where it stands majestically is known as Deodar Estate. |
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| Closer view of the Deodar tree |
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| A group photo under Deodar tree |
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| A group photo under Deodar tree |
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| Closer view of the Deodar tree |
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| AIR tower viewed from Deodar Estate |
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| Closer view of the Deodar tree |
Having been in a pure boarding school, we naturally learnt to respect the moderate parts of all religious beliefs. Being in Dehradun paying respects to Shri Paonta Sahib Gurdwara was but natural to give a nice finale to our trip where every moment we spent was in perfect order. Nothing went amiss in our plans except of course our friends from Thailand who could not come. We had a great Durshan and Langar at the Gurdwara Sahib.
We were not sure if we could make it to Raja Ram Mohan Roy Academy in Clement Town, Dehradun. Mr. Deb shifted major part of Shishu Niketan to this premises, which is fully owned by him/the trust. It was called Shishu Niketan but rechristened as Raja Ram Mohan Roy Academy. Jagmohan and Ajit were part of the school students who came on foot and went back on foot from Mussoorie to lay the Foundation Stone of the school. So it was put in the schedule as our last stop before boarding our train back for Delhi subject to reaching in time from Paonta Sahib Gurdwara. Maan Singh had already spoken with the Principal of our visiting the school but could not communicate the exact time of our visit. He was gracious enough to assure us that he was available all the time for us.
We walked into the inner court yard of the school. One of the staff was from Mussoorie who knew Jagmohan and Ajit from that time. We were inquiring about old teachers or staff of erst while Shishu Niketan Mussoorie. Our great chef Fateh Lal who created great cuisine, confectionery and jam for the school had been there in Dehradun, but had died a few years back. While we chatted the Principal arrived, since it was a Sunday, in his casuals. We were feeling bad barging ourselves on a Sunday, but for us there was no option and no choice for guys had to take their flights back home.
It was a great pleasure meeting this warm and wonderful gentleman. He had no airs of being the head of an institution. A person with whom one can easily interact. He took us to his residence strategically located in the premises of the school. No words can describe warmth showered by him and his family. A quick tea with snacks came before us as we introduced ourselves. He has been in the job since last 6 to 8 months only.
A question popped up, why the school management has not allowed some one to head the school for longer periods like a decade or so.
The list of head masters/principals since 1950 to when the school shifted base:
(1950) Mr. AC Deb (Founder),
Mrs. Dutta, Mr. Earnest, Mr. TN Bhatt, Mr. RP Singh, Mr. Bhagowalia, Mr. BB Mathur, Mr.
Bhattacharya, Mr. MP Singh (till 1966), Mr. ML Bright (1967, I met him when I went to collect my
certificates, etc.) and Mr. SP Sharma (not in correct order).
Would it not have done wonders if any headmaster / principal had continued for a longer tenure of 10 plus years?
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| A grab shot of the campus as we waited for the Principal. |
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| A group photograph with Principal Mr. Alok Virmani. |
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| Sad state of affairs before the bungalow of Mr. A.C. Deb |
Reaching Delhi brought to an end our dream trip to Mussoorie with friends of whom I met after 1963 or so. Something to nurture as a very sweet time for many many years to come.
Well till next time we meet with same warmth and enthusiasm, but now always in the company of our spouses who have respected and shared our sentiments of co-brotherhood of a boarding school life.
