Congratulations to:

Pavanjit Singh Bedi on his marriage to Ramona Khurana on Sunday 10th February at Chandigarh.

Amit Anand on his marriage to Namita Suri on May 4th, at Bareilly.

Harkaran Grewal (Garry Junior) who married Shanoo Radhakrishanani on Saturday, March 23, 2002

Sandeep Raj who married Svetlana on April 6th, 2002.

The boy comes home. It was homecoming of sorts for Alexander Souri (O.S. A.D. '25) who visited with his two American friends, Josh and Lester. He says, "It is a complete joy to be back after twenty-two years, a feeling that is difficult to describe."

Looking back on his visit, for Alexander there were unresolved issues in his past, perhaps, with which he needed to come to terms - Sherwood had been a challenging, even a frightening experience for someone more accustomed to the more liberal American system of education. We hope after his stay here he has laid old ghosts to rest. Talking with the students of all ages, eating with them and playing with them, he and his friends were enthusiastically and warmly received. His introduction of the game 'Ultimate' to the boys won him fans and admirers in this sports-mad community. He was interviewed by the secretary of the newsletter, Mayank Kumar, and Angad Marwah. This is published elsewhere in this issue.

Subby writes in his usual warm sentimental way: "What a surprise!. I picked at the gate the green-covered 'Sherwoodian Times' and found your letter dated March 6th, 2002. Your handwriting, too, has not changed; so, too, your expression. 20 years have rolled by since I left Sherwood. Its memory is ever-green. As I turned the pages of the 95th issue of the Sherwoodian Times, the article REFLECTIONS caught my attention and at the end of my reading I found it signed by Natasha Mountford. Hats off to her for the excellent article which has enriched the issue.

The Campus News starts with the obituary. What a shock! K.L. Dua is no more. I particularly remembered him. It was he who got my passport for me at Lucknow without my having to go to Lucknow and that helped me to go to the USA in 1984 (1st trip) and he was the one who took a lot of interest in getting the two trophies designed and made before they were sent to my place in Bangalore. They are preserved. My condolences to the bereaved family. Then another obituary is that of Nabi Baksh. He was my first bearer whom I found to be very sincere. He was trained by Rev Llewelyn (then Principal) to serve the master in the British style. He used to bring me bed-tea and while I sipped my tea he used to shine my shoes! Later even when my wife lived with me in Sherwood, she was impressed by his sincere service. I read your letter over the phone to Geeta and she said that she would be writing to you. Geeta lives at E-35, Professors Qrtrs. Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore - 560012. Her husband Dr. Raghavendra Gadagkar is in Berlin. (Geeta taught at Sherwood for a brief period - Ed.).

Please convey my hearty good wishes to historic Bahadur Bisht, biological Simeon Kerr, mischievous (just joking!) Henry Grundy and short-statured but perfect office assistant J.P. Sah.

Close on the heels of his first letter came the second enclosing a letter from Preeti Abraham, Vice-Captain of Bishop Cotton Girls' College Bangalore. She says of the last issue of 'The Sherwoodian Times' "It was an amazing read. The quality of the reports was very high and they painted a vivid picture of the spirit of the college. The amount of activities that they have on their calendar is simply astounding. And I thought we had a lot of extra-curricular activities in our school! They seem to have several very well-organized societies. I read the report you wanted me to - 'Reflections'. The style was excellent and was in itself sufficient incentive to read the article through, but I was also very fascinated by the idea of students being able to stage a play as complex as "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest' and so successfully as to elicit praise from a professional actor Amitabh Bachchan's stature. And that, too, in Mumbai, a place so far away from Nainital.

The transcriptions of the two best speeches were also an eye-opener. In my school, and most others that I have heard of, there exists this rather implicit censorship which means that even in articles and debates we are not allowed to touch on controversial topics, like teachers. But one of the speeches was on the perfect teacher. The speaker was actually given the freedom, or at least believed that he had the freedom, to speak about what a teacher should really be. He has even cited examples of situations, when teachers whom he has named did not do what he thinks they should have. I think it shows that the teachers and the Principal are being very broad-minded in letting students have their say.

The College Captain's speech was controversial in quite another way. He spoke about traditions and choices and about how he felt some students did not make the right decision by trying to defy tradition. It must have taken a lot of courage to turn around and tell classmates that they were wrong.

All in all, it was an excellent magazine and I read it through in one single sitting, which shows how good it really was."

If this sound like patting oneself on the back, it is meant to be. How often do students get from peer students in others schools this generous outpouring of praise ?

Q. Qumam Ahmed (ICSE 2002) that quirky coiner-of-phrases and feisty writing tells of how he is filling the long hours before the results are declared. "I am working on something called 'A Seminar in Rhyme' (Title by Daniel W. Hoyt.) He asks "What do you think? Does it have to be in American English ? The story unfolds in a New England village". Doubts assail him: "Beggar that I am, I am ever poor in thanks". Apart from 'writing my time out' he says he is photographing the wild life in his garden including dragon flies and lizards (!). He thinks nostalgically of school.

"Have you noticed the sun shines brighter when the spectators chant Sherwood Sherwood!
Rah! Rah! Rah! ?"

I am sorry to have missed Mrs. Ruth Sherred (formerly Principal of All Saints' College) over the Easter weekend. She sends her greetings and also greetings from Canon Reg Messenger (a one-time member of the Governing Body of the College) who, despite his years 'still runs on the shore of a morning' according to Mrs. Sherred. Memories return of Reg's early morning runs in Nainital in the bitter-cold of November, followed by an even colder bath!

Mr. and Mrs. Alexander write of their new island home, their new job and of the high-tech gadgets in every classroom. They speak glowingly of this small island where the people are very friendly. There is no crime or theft and there is no need to lock your doors. However, the cost of living is very high as everything is imported from the U.S.A.

It was good to meet with Akash Joshi (Add: T-1 Yamuna Colony, Chakrata Road, Dehra Dun 248001) and to learn that he is all set to write his medical entrance examination. Our good wishes for his success.

Mohit Ruwali, a brand new officer by the time this goes to print, is full of excitement and high expectations at the prospect of his first trip along the Indian coast and the glamour of a foreign cruise. He would like to renew contact with his old classmates especially Kohli, Shweta, Rinan, Bhatnagar and Thapliyal. If any of our readers are in touch we give Mohli's address:

Sea-Cadet Mohit Ruwali
INS TIR/INS KRISHNA,
C/O Fleet Mail Office, Kochi - 682004.

Another letter from the forces, this one from Dhanraj Cheema serving somewhere in the Thar. Congratulations to Dhanraj who has picked up his rank and is now a Captain. He tracked down the troupe of dancers who were referred to in the last issue of 'The Sherwoodian Times'. He met Mr. Khetaram Mangmijar (sp?) who had him and his friends spellbound till three in the morning. Mr. Mangmijar clearly remembered his trip to the school and was fascinated by Milman Hall. Cheema writes with appreciation of Ayan Dutta's speech 'A Boy, A Choice and a Tradition' which he say was an outright winner'. Dhanraj threatens to be here over Founders.

And a newsy letter from Anurag Bahadur. (Add. Oracle India Pvt. Ltd. 4th Floor, Cyber Towers, Madhapur, Hyderabad). He is currently with 'Oracle' in Hyderabad which he says is more in sync with his functional experience'. He gives news of Razat Gaurav still in the USA, Braijesh 'Petha' Pandey, a high-flier with the Citigroup in the Phillipines, Danny Abaye in Delhi and Anuj Upadhyay in Germany. They keep in touch via group email. Talking of the play staged in Mumbai, he says that his sister Anupma 'couldn't stop yackety-yacking about her days on the Sherwood stage'.

Angus Robertson has been having several setbacks on the medical front. We hope he has recovered and is on his feet again. Despite all his problems, he is still head-hunting, especially for Jim Irwin!

Mrs. Indu Budhwar, the wife of Maj. Gen. Viru Budhwar, writes to update to update us on the progress of the family:

Maj. Gen. Viru Budhwar, a serving general, has had vast combat experience at Nathu La, the Bangladesh War of Liberation, Kargil and also with the I.P.K.F. in Sri Lanka. He is at present Director-General, Resettlement, in New Delhi.

His brother, Lt. Col. Ravi Budhwar, having taken voluntary retirement from the Army, is now Manager of the Golden Greens Golf and Country Club, Gurgaon.

Col. Ramu Budhwar ('69), a nephew of the brothers, is serving with the mechanized infantry.

Amit ('89,F.T.), Viru's son, is a director of a software company in Vancouver BL, while Rohit Budhwar ('92), who completed his schooling and graduation in Delhi is at present at Nash University, Melbourne, where he is reading for an M.C.A.

And finally a letter from Johnny, giving news of the Hill Schools Reunion Luncheon held in West London at the Clay Oven on Wednesday 27th March:

"The Hill Schools' Reunion was held on the 27th March in the Clay Oven Banqueting Suites at Apperton in West London. Once again it proved to be a very successful occasion, with 400 Old Pupils from about 35 different schools. There was ample time given at the start, so everyone was able to get around and meet friends from other schools. I went around to meet the Berys sitting at the St. Paul's table, the Turners at the Gora Gully table, the Ashbys from Oak Grove, many old class mates from Wynberg-Allen, friends from Dow Hill, Goethals and Dr. Graham's Homes - the list goes on and on. It was a wonderful two hours spent just going around the hall meeting so many people and exchanging news.

Sherwood was well-represented. I guess we had the largest number, though I must say they were all from the early 40's and 50's our younger set seem not to be able to find the time to attend our reunions. I was able to have a talk with Stan Burrett, who was at the table with Sir Martin Garrod.

The meal was also excellent, in fact, I shall enclose the programme, which contains the menu, so you can see just what we had - a real "Burra Khanna".

We had the usual after dinner speeches, which was followed by dancing and once more we all moved around meeting friends.

Our grateful thanks to the organizing committee who did a magnificent job once again.

Oh, yes. I must thank you for the copies of 'The Sherwoodian Times' received earlier in March. I have passed them on to Paul Dickson to be circulated among our members. The envelope was well-re-enforced with tape, well done the office. The play must have been really well appreciated in Mumbai, what a feather in young Natasha's cap. It was good reading her article in The Sherwoodian Times. There were also two very good. articles written by the boys. Nikhil Sinha's 'The Perfect Teacher', and 'A Boy, A Choice and A Tradition' by Ayan Dutta. It is also good to see that the boys and some staff are still keen on going out on treks. I can still see all the places mentioned in the trek to the Pindari, Kaphni glaciers and also up the Sunderdunga Valley. How I would love to go up to Dhakuri and watch the sun come up over those snow-covered peaks. Reading through the Old Sherwoodian section is always very interesting: I get Quite a few new contacts that way.

During Easter, I was thinking of our great Easter Monday picnics. Those were grand days, when the sun was warm on our backs, lost of noise and much activity. The games of rounders followed by a cold bottle of Golden Eagle and plenty of hot food. Do give my fondest regards to all Sherwoodians, both old and new."

The reunion is a wonderful bonding experience and the back page of the programme (given below) reflects the strong ties with India that those who had their schooling in India, (all or part of it), have with this country, despite the passage of years. We give it below:

HIMALAYAN HILL SCHOOLS
(With apologies for any omissions)

All Saints' College, Nainital. Auckland House School, Simla. Bishop Cotton, Simla. Caineville House School, Mussoorie. Dow Hill Girl's School, Kurseong. Goethal's Memorial School, Kurseong, Dr. Graham's School, Kalimpong, Hallet, War School, Nainital, Jesus & Mary Conent, Murree & Mussoorie, Jesus & Mary Convent (Chelsea), Simla, Lawrence Memorial School, Ghora Gali, Lawrence Royal Military School, Sanawar. Loreto Convent, Darjeeling & Simla. Mayo School, Simla. Mount Hermon School, Darjeeling. New School, Darjeeling. Oak Grove School, Mussoorie. Philander-Smith College, Nainital. St. Bede's College, Simla. St. Denys School, Murree. St. Edward's High School Simla, St. Fidelis, Mussoorie. St George's College, Mussoorie. St. Helens, Kurseong. St. Joseph's College, Darjeeling, St. Joseph's College, Nainital, St. Mary's Convent, Nainital, St. Michael's School's Darjeeling, St. Paul's School, Darjeeling. Sheikh Bagh & Garden Schools, Srinagar. Sherwood College, Nainital. Victoria Boys' School, Kurseong, Waverley Convent, Mussoorie, Wellesley Girls' School, Nainital. Woodstock School, Mussoorie. Wynberg-Allen School, Mussoorie.

And to get the full flavour, in a manner of speaking, of that Himalayan Schools Reunion Iuncheon we give the programme and more importantly the menu below:

MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Paul Dickson
(Sherwood College, Nainital)

GRACE
Peter Scott
(Sherwood College, Nainital)

TOASTS
Proposed by Paul Dickson
Her Majesty The Queen
The Presidents of India and Pakistan

The Himalayan Hill Schools
Proposed by Lionel Connor
(Wynberg-Allen School, Mussoorie)

MENU
Starters
Papri Chatt Alu
Vegetable Springroll
Vegetable Samosas
Seek Kebab
Chicken Tikka
Assorted Chutneys

Main Course
Murgh Makhni (Chicken)
Karahi Gosht (Lamb)
Mixed Vegetable Curry
Bombay Alu
Dal Masala
Naan Bread and Roti
Pulau Rice
Raita and Salad

Dessert
Rasmalai
Coffee or Tea
Mints

Dancing
To
Bill Barnacle's Jazz Band

On the Roof of the World

Those of us who attended the boarding schools in the various Himalayan Hill Stations were a privileged section of the school population in India, and, after Independence, in India and Pakistan. Our Schools were built during the British Raj and several are now 100-150 years old. Since their founding the Schools have prepared thousands of pupils for service in all aspects of life not only in India and Pakistan but also many countries around the world. The Founders of our Schools, the Boards of Governors, Principals and Teachers, devoted their lives to ensuring that we were given a profound educational experience, incorporating academic excellence, sporting prowess and spiritual and moral development. The esprit-de-corps developed amongst us was nurtured by our living and studying together, competing against each other on the sports field and identifying with the common aims and objectives of our Schools for nine months of every year. This bond persists to this day. Our Schools represent an important and highly proficient sector of the Education Service in India and Pakistan and they are still flourishing. We wish them continued success".

Overwhelming nostalgia is expressed for the magnificent winter-line whose appearance signaled the end of the academic year, home, holiday and good times during the winter vacation:

The emergence of the winter line at sunset and a distinct chill in the air heralded the fast-approaching winter. For some, the extended stay into December to sit for the Senior or Junior Cambridge exams added to the excitement associated with the end of another academic year. Making our fancy luggage labels reminded us that Christmas was on the horizon and we were going home to our families in the plains for three months But some were never to return.

O.S. VISITORS

Vikas Anand with a party of friends from Bangalore.

Alexander Souri and friends from the USA.

Vivek Choudhary (O.S. R.H. '96).

Simronjit Singh (L.J.1988).
(Add: Rudolf Iron Actplatz 3/3,1030 Vienna, Austria).

Trilok Chail (Add: 3 High Street, Eton, London, Birkshire SL4 6AS U.K. Telephone +44 1753670131. email: trilokchail@virgin.net ).

Pankaj Bhargava who bridged the years by doing a reverse 'bunking' back to school from the Rotary Club Meeting he ought to have been attending in town. (Add: Prem Printing Press, 257-Golaganj, Lucknow 226018 U.P.)

Not much later co-incidentally there was a visit from his brother-in-law O.S. Sunil Dasgupta whose sister Pankaj has married. Sunil is reading for his doctoral degree in political science in Washington.