Student days in Jaipur – with sports on my mind

St. Xavier'sRajasthan University

Chittur Veer Vaidyanathan was born in Churu (Rajasthan) in 1948, and grew up in Jaipur. After a successful corporate career, during which his work with his company led to an Export Promotion Award from the Indian Ministry of Textiles, he is now a developer of real estate near Mumbai http://www.universalbuilder.co.in/.  He lives in Mumbai with his wife Hemlatha; his son and daughter, both married, live in the U.S. His hobbies are swimming and traveling.

Before India became independent in 1947, Rajasthan had 22 Princely States, under British control. Some of these States had established good educational institutions. Jaipur was one of them.

St. Xavier's School for boys was founded in July, 1941 under the name of St. Mary's Boy's School. In 1945, it was transferred to the present site, and renamed St. Xavier's School in January, 1945.

There were some other reputed public schools in Rajasthan. For instance, Sadul Public School established in 1893 (earlier it was known as Noble School) by the Maharaja of Bikaner. Mayo Public School Ajmer was founded in 1895 by Earl of Mayo, Viceroy of India. Mayo's curriculum was similar to Eton College. BSP and BHS (Birla School) Pilani, Rajasthan founded in 1944 had a huge campus covering 100 acres, presently ranked amount ten prestigious institutions in India. Maharani Gayatri Devi (MGD) Girls school was the first public girls school in India. MGD was established in 1943. Ms. L.G. Lutter, a Scottish, was the school principal. She was awarded a Padma Shri by the Government of India.

Main entrance, St. Xavier School, Jaipur

Xavier's  was a good school academically.

Some of the notable alumni from Xavier's Jaipur are:

• Admiral Madvendra Singh former chief of Naval staff
• Former chief of Airs Saff Mr. S.P. Tyagi
• Mr. Piyush Pandey Executive chairman of Ogilvy &  Mather India
• Mr. Rakesh Hooja, Director General Indian Institute of public Administration
• Mr. Goverdhan Asrani Bollywood Actor
• Mr. Sidhant Vyas entrepreneur and Inventor of first Android watch
• Mr. Subhash Mathur- former chief commissioner customs.
• Mr. Vijay Bakaya former chief secretary J & K
• Mr. Parthsarthy Sharma former Indian Test player
• Mr. Satish Mathur Director General Maharashtra Police
• Mr. Promod Tiwari former Director General of Rajasthan Police.

My mind was equally on sports.  At Xavier's, students who were interested in sports were attended equally well by teachers so that they do not suffer in studies.

The senior staff members I recollect were Fr. Gerald Grace (rector for school for 8 years) Fr. Cosgrove, Fr. Pinto, Fr. Extross, Fr. Williams, Fr. Francis, Mr. John, Mr. Brandon, Mr. S.N. Misra, Pandit Hukumnarain, Mr. A.A. Sayed, Mrs. Sarkar, Mrs. Alexander, and Mrs. Barar.

First Place, 50 metres run. 1956-57.

First place, various events. 1957.

At Xaviers, Fr. H. Birney was in charge of basketball. He literally gave his life for the game; he died on the Basketball court. He was also the Games Superintendent. Fr. Birney picked me for three field events for our 1957 annual school day sports. It was here I got the opportunity to record my performance led in three events. The three certificate of performance bearing Fr. Birney signature remains one of my most precious possessions.

I have a vivid and memorable recollection of a two-day cricket match fixture. It was a special event organized some fifty nine to sixty winters (in 19xx) ago on the grounds of St. Xavier High School between the Xavier's team and selected players from cricket clubs of Jaipur and Ajmer.

Cricket field, St. Xavier School, Jaipur.

The school team was led by Shamsher Khan. He was an elegant athletic all-rounder, who also excelled in Basketball, Hockey and Sprint. The rival team was captioned by S.K. Zibbu, a regular Ranji Trophy player for Rajasthan and Central Zone. Zibbu was also one of the probable for the Indian Test team during the tour of Australia, led by Richie Benaud, of India in 1959-60.

Our school team batted first. By tea break, Shamsher had scored a century, supported in batting by Manoj Sharma, Subhash Prohit, Dutta and Rafiq Khan. They faced the hostile attack of Zibbu, Maulana and Shekar (first class cricketers).

Iqbal Khan (school bowling coach) and Rafiq Khan were Shamsher's brothers. The three Khan brothers were handsome lean and athletic. Their presence in the field evoked confidence. It was a period of classic cricket. There was more emphasis on technique and exerting skills to retain the crease. Judging the deliveries before stroking the ball all along the ground was the responsibility of a mature cricketer.

The combined team had two star players: Zibbu and a tall dark man nicknamed Maulana. He strode briskly to the crease on the fall of a wicket, bat tucked underneath the arm, brown cap and a white scarf around the neck.

Right there, cricket started for me.

I liked the paraphernalia. There was a masculine touch of massive power. Maulana clobbered several sixes battering three window panes of the rust colour stone school building beyond the square boundary. Fr. Cosgrove, one of our teachers, stopped abruptly while on his way to his quarters, and grimly mumbled "Thank heavens the school is on recess."

The match ended in a draw. We witnessed a memorable game. Several of my school mates and I remember this match even after 60 years.

For a long time, our school cricket was under the mentorship of one of India's former Test player, N. D. Marshall. Julian last name and his brother Hermen were sports coaches and teacher. Both of them represented Rajasthan state for the "Rovers Cup" and "Durand" national football competition. Dalpat Singh, Hanumant Singh, senior student of the school were first rate State-level football players of the state.

Football was a popular game in India during the 1960s. The Indian team under Chunni Goswami won the Asian games gold medal in 1962. I think 1951 to 1962 was the golden era of Indian Football. Our school used to engage playing with team of much higher level either with colleges or even team from other states in the country.

I attended the Mt Abu summer coaching camp for cricket for two years.

Participation in Mount Abu cricket coaching camp. 1964

Then, I got selected to play on the Rajasthan University cricket team in 1966.

Later in 1967-68, I represented North Zone combined university team at Chandigarh.  I continued to play cricket even when I was studying for my law degree (LL.B.) in Rajasthan University.

Rajasthan University Circular calling for a meeting to discuss the sports schedule. November 1970.

Epilogue

As I look back, I feel those days in school and college were full of both sports and academics. We did not have much by way of modern gadgets - phones, TVs. We traveled on our bicycles in the searing heat of Rajasthan. Still, it was a golden time to be young, and I loved it.

“SIXTY WINTERS” AGO

I have a vivid and memorable recollection of two days cricket match fixture a special event organized some fifty nine to sixty winters ago on the grounds of St. Xavier High School between the Xavier’s team and selected players from cricket clubs of Jaipur and Ajmer. The school team was led by Shamsher Khan an elegant athletic all-rounder who also excelled in Basket Ball, Hockey and Sprint. The rival team was captioned by S.K.Zibbu, a regular Ranji player for Rajasthan and Central Zone he was also one of the probable for the Indian Test team during Richie Benaud tour of India in 1959-60. Our school team batted first and by tea break Shamsher scored a century supported in batting by Manoj Sharma, Subash Prohit, Dutta and Rafiq faced the hostile attack of Zibbu,Maulana and Shekar (first class cricketers) Iqbal Khan (school bowling coach) and Rafiq Khan were Shamsher’s brothers. The three Khan brothers were handsome lean and athletic, their presence in the field evoked confidence. It was a period of classic cricket more emphasis on technique and exerting skills to retain the crease, judging the deliveries before stroking the ball all along the ground was the responsibility of a mature cricketer. The combined team had two star players Zibbu and the other tall dark nick named “Maulana” who strode briskly to the crease on the fall of a wicket, bat tucked underneath the arm, brown cap and a white scarf around the neck this is here CRICKET STARTED FOR ME, I liked the paraphernalia there was a masculine touch of massive power, Maulana clobbered several sixes battering three window panes of the rust colour stone school building beyond the square boundary. Fr. Cosgrove stopped abruptly while on his way to his quarters grimly mumbled “Thank heavens the school is on recess”. The match ended in a draw, we witnessed a memorable game, I and several of my school mates will remember this match even after 60 years. Our school cricket was also for a long time under the mentorship of former Test player N.D. Marshall and Basketball was infused by Fr. H Berney who literally gave his life for the game died on the Basketball court. Fr. Berney picked me for three field events for our 1957 annual school day sports, it was here I got the opportunity to record my performance led in three events, Amjad did well in long distance running (we both represented the Green team of the School) the three certificate of performance bearing Fr. Berney signature remains my most precious possession.

Sir Julian and his brother Hermen were sports coaches – cum class teacher both of them represented Rajasthan state for the “Rovers Cup” and “Durand” national football competition. Dalpat Singh, Hanumant Singh, senior student of the school were first rate football players of the state. Football was a popular game in India during sixties and the Indian Team under Chunni Goswami won the Asian games gold medal in 1962 and from 1951 to 1962 it was the golden era of Indian Football. Our school used to engage playing with team of much higher level either with colleges or even team from other states in the country. After attending two coaching sessions at Mt Abu coaching camp for cricket, I could get selected to represent Rajasthan University in 1966 and later in 1967-68 represented North Zone combined university team at Chandigarh. Students who were interested in sports were attended equally well by teachers so that they do not suffer in studies. The senior staff members I recollect were Fr. Gerald Grace (rector for school for 8 years) Fr. Casgrove, Fr. Pinto, Fr. Extross, Fr. Williams, Fr. Francis, Sir John, Sir Brandon, Sir S.N. Misra, Pandit Hukumnarain, Sir A.A.Sayeed, Mrs Sarkar, Mrs. Alexander, Mrs. Barar. Also there were some reputed public schools in Rajasthan for instance Sadul Public School established in 1893 (earlier it was known as Noble School) by Maharaja of Bikaner. Mayo Public School Ajmer founded in 1895 by Earl of Mayo Viceroy of India, its curriculum was similar to Eton College and is boarding school houses about 1000 students. BSP and BHS (Birla School) pilani, Rajasthan founded in 1944 huge campus covering 100 acres, presently ranked amount ten prestigious institutions in India. Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls school the first public girls school in India established in 1943. Ms. L.G. Lutter a Scottish was the school principal was awarded Padma Shri by Govt of India.

Few notable Alumni from St. Xavier school Jaipur were :

-         Admiral Madvendra Singh former chief of Naval staff

-         Fromer chief of Airstaff Mr. S.P. Tyagi

-         Mr. Piyush Pandey Executive chairman of Ogilvy &  Mather India

-     Mr. Rakesh Hooja Director General Indian Institute of public Administration

-       Mr. Goverdhan Asrani Bollywood Actor

-         Mr. Sidhant Vyas entrepreneur and Inventor of first Android watch

-         Mr. Subhas Mathur- former chief commissioner customs.

-         Mr. Vijay Bakaya former chief secretary J & K

-         Mr. Parthsarthy Sharma former Indian Test player

-         Mr. Satish Mathur Director General Maharashtra Police

-         Mr. Promod Tiwari former Director General of Rajasthan Police.

Before independence of India in 1947, Rajasthan had 565 princely states termed as native states which were part of British India, few of the native states tried to establish some educational institutions with good discipline and values. 

42nd Amendment " SECULARISM "

A national TV channel selected an elite political panel recently to debate on the occasion of Dr B.R. Ambedkar 125th anniversary that " India is a truly Secular Nation ". Being a political issue the viewers I am sure had no respite from fierce, animated, almost 45 minutes of sheer lung power exhibition of political scoring agenda. I now solemnly swear never to aimlessly surf on TV and get hooked to such TRP based debates. However  decided to express my limited study on the majority religion and the impact of secularism in our country. To me " Secularism " is the most misused word/ term in Indian politics.The framers of the Constitution of India, its main architect Dr B.R. Ambedkar originally had no reference to Secularism and this word was introduced by the then ruling party only in 1976. All along the framers of the  Constitution of India were imbued with the secular spirit, fully aware that this particular word will be misused by the politicians and carefully avoided, but the 42nd amendment in 1976 made it EXPLICIT.

Hinduism has never been a crusading religion.We had about 1000 years of Muslim and British rule; before that there lies two to three thousand years vague but distinguished Indian history. During this period two cities in the eastern end of northern plain- Patna and Benaras were associated, with the heartland of the Indo-Aryans. This period also includes classic age of Indian culture and developed highly religious traditions to which the majority of Indians represent, the genius of the nation. Emperor Ashoka was Buddhists while Guptas were Hindus and most cave temples were of Jains and Buddhists, yet each were part of the same religious tradition. They never used the term Secularism, nor there existed any such concept, Ashoka respected the learned the Brahmins and recognized the caste-varna in the society which was flexible in accordance to ones talent and choice of work.The caste system in Hinduism is essentially more than a religion " A way of Life " Although it was in the North that Hinduism was established but the subsequent growth took place in South. The saints like Sankara Acharya,Ramanuja and Madhavacharya to whom can be attributed the prominence of Shiva, Vishnu and Krishna in the Hindu pantheon never once uttered a word like secularism when Huns,Scythian's,Afghans,Mongols,Tibetans,Khoja, Parsi and indigenous Tribal and Dravidian's all assimilated, possible only because of Hinduism being the most and only practical religion on the planet a real way of life and certainly not due to secularism or the 42nd amendment.  

    

EMERGING DEITY "THE CLOUD "

I counted over 100 Patents ( An exclusive right granted for an invention as an intellectual property right ) created by the staff of "SALES FORCE" in their San Francisco down town head office; the company designed to help you generate leads, get new customers all served through cloud computing, where assessing data and programs are over the internet instead  of computer"s hard drive. Salesforce was founded 17 years ago registering a revenue of US$ 5.5 billion last year having an assets of US$10.5 billion number of persons employing 17000. It is now one of the most valued company in United States of America with a market capitalization of US $ 45 billion. There is no display  inscribed of top management staff or their CEO Marc Benioff but at the entrance visitors attention is immediately drawn to the Patent Contributors on the Metal Board with illumination in 3D letters. These patents were exclusively researched by the staff for further INNOVATIONS on Data Storage.

While in bay area recently I noticed in no time the concern for Research and Development was  profound and aggressive. They employ hundreds and thousands in R &D ,massive program and seminars are launched, scholars are called for brain storm sessions, young, old, strong or feeble have just one and only one agenda INNOVATION !
Historically there are well documented evidence of the clear relationship between Innovation and Economic growth.The significance of research and innovation in attaining the vital growth in developed nation has been revolutionary, recognized in past almost 300 years ago by Adam Smith and critics like Robert Solow in 1960. Adam Smith in 1776 quoted in his most famous essays compiled in his book " Wealth of Nations " which reads " many improvement have been made by the INGENUITY of the makers of machine, when to make them, became the business of a particular trade; and the same for some others so called men of speculation whose trade it is not to do anything but OBSERVE EVERYTHING ( Present day Venture Capitalist ) and who, upon that account are often capable promoting entrepreneurship by way of capital and infrastructure resources. In the progress of society speculation present day i.e.  "Trade Index" becomes, like every other employment- Sole Occupation of a particular class of citizens generating large financial output. This became the focal point among the Western Nations and Japan after Second World War, to usher industrial revolution rapidly by encouraging science and research in university campuses and opening R&D in their Industrial units. The market world over accepted competition via innovation a driving force of economic development, knowledge and gains were shared internationally leading to profound implication as how intellectuals conceive development through "Knowledge Spill Overs" . Basically then I believe when a company increases its investment in capital it is not only increasing its own production level but also those of neighboring companies.
Global economy has now highly interdependent as evidenced by ever increasing exchanges of goods, services, ideas, values, expertise in a manner in which solutions are sought to solve global issues.
The history of life and human culture is a story of relentless probing of the ADJACENT POSSIBLE, each new innovation opening up new paths to explore for instance the Web at the initial stages was only medium of words connected with some links and in a matter of few years expanded vastly into virtual encyclopedias; YOU TUBE became one of the most influential video delivery machine in the planet. I could see all this during my stay with son in law ( vaidya ) who took pains to explain the reason of key development in Bay Area in SFO; this place is the ultimate destination of researchers and innovators. I also noticed in SFO every 4 th vehicle is driven by DESI , in public transport I could hear chaste Indian local languages. They reflect no complexion or fear like the migrants of past since they are armed with science and knowledge.
The ever increasing demand for information and data storage will be (according to vaidya) focus of a new center for training researchers and seeking to develop Innovative Laser Technology to take Cloud Computing to the next level and according to him currently advance research is being done in " Integrative Photonics " and its applicability to Data Storage and information processing. Let this be the theme for Make in India.

ARYANS DURABILITY

1. " We are Aryans from the snow clad holy mountains of North, exclaimed my Grandfather settled in a large bungalow (after serving the British Crown in the Customs of the Madras Presidency ) West of Tambaram during early 50s". Next day at the missionary school I stood up from the last row confidently with a raised tone said teacher I am ARYAN, the class blinked for a moment, I was instantly directed to stand up on the bench. The village boys called me Aryan and became a leader of 10- Doraiswamy Reddy Street of Six boys. Grandfather told me about how Aryans had to fight many battles.They were tall, fair and strong in appearance and were capable of winning multiple dual. A foot scale was my combat tool and navy blue cap my head gear. Since then for a year I was happy at Tambaram with my grandparents, hardly felt about the absence of my parents before hastily repacked to Jaipur as I was becoming a nuisance and trouble shooter for the fourteen residents of the 10- Doraiswamy Reddy street. The thought of being an Aryan lingered for few years and finally I surrendered and accepted being a Dravidian Brahman from Pal-ghat.It was a culmination of a  long search of my identity, however, the locals of Jaipur call me Madrasi. Even today many world over, consider themselves as true Aryan, so much so, Hitler tried to prove that pure Aryan blood ran in the veins of the German people alone and consequently they were superior to all other nations. Max Mueller renowned  German philologist maintained that Aryans had originated in Central Asia, one branch migrating to Europe and the other settling in Iran with a segment of the Iranian branch subsequently moving into India. The Aryans of Iran subordinated the indigenous population of Northern India in second millennium BC. They introduced Indo-Aryan language along with vedic culture which became the foundation of Indian culture.This naturally raised a controversy among historians, who were Indians prior to the Aryans in Indian sub continent.It was only after the OLD MOUNDS and ruins in Indus Valley in 1922 proved beyond doubt that a highly civilized community inhabited the regions of North India ( before partition ) about 5000 years ago. There were two centers of Indus Valley civilization, Harappa in Sind and Mohanjodaro near Lahore. The discovery clearly shows that the people who inhabited the valley at that time were primarily URBAN and the Indus valley culture is the off shoot of the Dravidian civilization and had then least relationship with Aryan civilization. The difference is glaring and also amusing. Firstly Aryans were primarily "Rural People". Indus valley people eg Dravidian's lived in big towns and cities and had established trade relations with Egypt, Mesopotamia, while the Aryans on the other hand dwelt in small mud houses in villages and main occupation was agriculture. Aryans were war loving people and often fought battles. Dravidian's had more interest in indoor games, dance, music, painting and writing ( the script has not yet been deciphered ). Indus Valley people worshiped Shiva Pashupati and Mother Goddess; image worship was not prevalent among vedic Aryans. John Marshall British archaeologist and other historians unanimously confirm Harappan were civilized and cultured original inhabitants of the Indian Subcontinent the people were long-headed, narrow nosed, slender mediterranean type ; the South Indian having a blend of mediterranean and proto - Australoid which ultimately got assimilated to the Aryan folk and faith. If North America is predominantly made of new immigrants, India is largely a country of old immigrants, which explains tremendous diversity. People migrate from uncomfortable countries to comfortable areas. India was a veritable paradise for pastoral and agricultural societies having level and fertile land gifted by nature.Till recently it was believed that Dravidian's were the original inhabitants, however, this view has been modified now with The Supreme Court of India judgement 2011 " ORIGINAL INHABITANTS OF INDIA WERE PRE-DRAVIDIAN'S ABORIGINES THAT IS THE ANCESTORS OF THE PRESENT TRIBALS OR ADIVASIS ( Schedule Tribes ) . It has been a long accommodating journey for our ancestors of not less than 7000 years.

         

KASHMIR'S ALEXANDER

Despite United Nations removing Jammu and Kashmir from its list of unresolved disputes on Nov 2010 and also the International community significantly is no longer keen to discuss Kashmir or force a solution, nevertheless, militants backed by Pakistan striking the people of the valley at will, leaving the Indian establishment face the brunt of State sponsored cross boarder terrorism. The political leaders are largely to blame by confining the natives of Kashmir and keeping them in isolation by needlessly extending the Special Provision embodied in Article 370 of the Constitution  of India promulgated some 65 years ago. It clearly displays that the State of Jammu and Kashmir cannot be governed without the support of Article 370 of our Constitution. The wail of the valley is unending, how this once a powerful state of BharatVarsha  got reduced to secessionist politics of separatism. The historical book RAJATARANGINI  by KALHANA  tenders the account of the history of Kashmir ( depicts one of the rare authentic chronological account of ancient history of India ) for the period beginning from ancient times till 12th Century AD. In ancient times Indian Rulers had included Kashmir in their kingdom. Emperor Ashoka became the first Mauryan ruler of Kashmir. Thereafter  Kashmir was ruled by many dynasties and the most well known was King LALIT ADITYA, who ruled for about 40 years till 760AD. This powerful King had conquered neighbouring kingdom like Magadha, Tibet,Kalinga,Assam, Rajasthan... later extended his power to Malwa, Gujarat and defeated Muslim rulers of Sind. The kingdom of Kashmir under Lalit Aditya during 730AD became the most powerful state in Northern India. There was peace and prosperity in his state of Kashmir. He could build many temples and encouraged art, education and was renowned for being a great patron of women freedom and even included them in the participation of state affairs. According to historian Ray Chaudhari " Lalit Aditya " was a true patron of learning and his court was adorned by Kshirasvarun,Vaman and several scholars from abroad.

Lalit Aditya was a majestic and powerful ruler of Kashmir who asserted his power far beyond his state and adjacent territories and in that respect LALIT ADITYA was called "THE KASHMIR ALEXANDER " .

Kashmir was never in past a weak or helpless state of India it is up to our political class to bring the people of this state into the main stream treating them normal like any other state in our federal structure instead of safe guarding them under Article 370.The Alexander of India would not have relished a bit.

Admirable RAJUjr

All who have known RAJU Jr ( also Dev, Devraj,Mahadevan,sometimes Iyer ) was a simple, passionate, kind hearted, hardworking, exceedingly charming go- getter, seriously concerned about others well being and still popularly acknowledged to be the funniest person around. He was able to effortlessly have everyone join him for a jolly good time. As many grieving people know about keeping a loved one's memory alive after passing away can be a difficult task, Raju jr passing away so early a decade ago was clearly unexpected causing unimaginable distress to the growing family and his loved ones.The one I fondly remember about  welcome reception which was extended to me and Hema at L A Airport ( Before the Immigration Check) with Garland and Bouquet escorted by immaculately attired airport staff. I and Hema were hardly in a state to react or utter a word of gratitude. I was sure that they had picked a wrong person for never was I close to being a public or social figure nor did anything spectacular during the flight to earn such an ovation; we were infact wondering about the grueling time we had to secure a visit visa from the American Consulate Mumbai office. Raju Jr was endowed with such a capacity and trust that people around him would gladly do a perfect job for him. The  voyage from Chatrapati Shivaji to Los Angeles was nothing short than the dream of Arabian Night folklore.Papered by inflight cabin crew, up gradation, gifts and parted with a bottle of champagne. This is how he used to shower his affection to one and all.
One of the most comforting quotes to me is one by Shakespeare " What wound ever did heal out of Degrees " Death is part of Life, the best we can do is share the grief. Raju Jr to us, admiringly,was like Christopher Columbus ; guided the younger aspirant of the family from one room tenement of Sion to the distant land of prospect and prosperity.
 Kalyaniji ( aunty to others and Ji  to me ) has carried the torch courageously and fulfilled the vision which Raju jr inspired- Kid Varun is now Dr Varun Iyer, Jr Eshan in University , herself a successful home maker, achieved singularly with strength and detemination. Anand, Vaidya, Jasmine and Archana have taken the mantle forward, Nischay cleared the first term of engineering from the Iowa State University, Nishant has a secured job.  We are strongly bonded having our roots fully entrenched at Balaji. " CHEERS RAJU JR  AND MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY" I am for this occasion uncorking the SINGLE MART GLENFIDDICH SCOTCH always remained your brand of present to me.

Best Wishes from Great Grand Mother to the youngest keyaa and Athreya.