The Jackfruit parade

Prep time after games. Everyone is observing silence in Aniruddha house. The omni present terror of P. K. Jena, Kannango and the House captain and house Vice captain. Not very far from Aniruddha house a different story was unfolding. Danshrang Basumatary (popularly called Jimmy, 3314) and Hirak Jyoti Bora (popularly called Tika, 3367) accompanied by a junior (I think Pema) were heading towards the jackfruit tree near the main ground, bang opposite to the main building. Pema being the junior was asked to climb the tree and pluck the jackfruits and pass them to Jimmy and Tika below.

Now being ex-SSGians we understand better than anyone else how even the best of plans can go kaput. One can never be one hundred percent certain about the success of a mission. And they make the most interesting stories too.

As Pema climbed the tree and plucked the jackfruit P. K. Jena happened to walk toward the narrow road adjacent to the tree along with H. K. Jha. Jimmy and Tika dived into the nearby bushes. Saved ha!

But just as Jena was crossing the tree, a voice appeared from the dark tree above, “Jimmy da, Hirok da” and a jackfruit appeared in the dark. Jena didn’t have to make much effort to bring out the characters hiding behind the bushes and the one from the tree above along with the jackfruit.

The events of the evening unfolded to the rest of the cadets in a curious manner. Arindam was studying in his desk (remember it was prep time). A sound of boots came from the quadrangle. Jimmy, Pema and Hirok were in full khaki dress, marching from end to end. And from time to time, when they reached the other end of the quadrangle, they would stop, do patr ke saath salute and then turn and continue marching. On closer inspection, it was revealed, they were saluting the very jack fruit that was plucked, now standing on the grass.

disclaimer: the names might be incorrect. Suggestions for editing are welcome.

सर्व मे साध्यम:

As years roll by and my batchmates from school gets married one after another. Friends who used to get punished for straying out of the school boundary, have traveled across the globe. Friends who were taught by teachers have doctorate degrees. The PT abs have gone soft and round. And as years roll by, the stories of humour, the shared joy becomes indistinct in our memories. Even going back to school, doesn’t do much good in reviving the old spirit. Time to time when I visit school, I am reminded of a particular year long ago.

I was probably in VIth or VIIth standard. Ms. JSB (Jayashree Shankar Baruah) used to teach us English. In one of the class tests we were asked to write an essay, ‘Our school’. I wrote an average essay, I figured out while writing. On the day, she returned our answer sheet (with marks), she announced/discussed things about the essays we wrote. I had written about the physical details like buildings, classrooms and houses and more things like that. She said, cadet Jyotirmoy (3299) had written the best essay in the class. In it he had mentioned one thing that I distinctly remember, the motto of the school, सर्व मे साध्यम:, which in Sanskrit means, EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE. The words stayed with me, more so now after more than a decade of leaving school. As I quit work and started chasing dreams.

I wish to congratulate Sir, Mr. Dilip Borboruah for winning the National Award for best teacher. Dr. Nicholus Bhattacharjee (3334) for earning his doctorate this year from Delhi University. Mriganka (3351) and Maj. Kingshuk (3345) on their wedding. Keot (3300), Hansraj (3372) and Arindam (3376) on becoming fathers. And most importantly, I want to thank everyone who continue to be friends.

I have a bad memory, so all that I carry from SSG are some jewel friends and a spirit called सर्व मे साध्यम:

The fool's day

I don't think that I will ever be able forget 1st of April in my life. Not just because its celebrated as universal fools day, but due to the fact that almighty chose this day to make super fool of me as well as all my batch mates on this very day 10 years ago. Our last exam of class 12 (biology: which I cleared very narrowly) was scheduled on 31st of March 2001. So according to the custom we were supposed to leave the school on the very next day. The next day school bus was standing near the auditorium to pick us up and drop to Guwahati. So one by one we stared to come out of the hostels and started walking towards the auditorium. Some of us were adamant that we won't cry. We will shout the final hurrah with smiles on our face. The school main ground (also the main football ground) comes in the way to auditorium. Seeing that I could not resist myself running towards the goalpost and give it a final kiss. And after I kiss those two posts I forgot my vow and started crying helplessly like a little kid. The only thing I remember while walking towards the school bus was the voice of Mrs. Krishna Sharma (Courtesy Safiqul for reminding me Tikri mam's real name :))"eitu dekhon suwalir nichinakoi kandichhe."

P.S.: According to the myth Nurul and Kingshuk were the two last persons who started crying.

It's not dead

Its been sometime that several ex-SSGians told me about this blog and how they liked reading the posts in here. I thought I needed to say a bigger and wider thank you to everyone including those who read this blog and liked it and never got the opportunity to vocalize their appreciation.

Last night I was getting a call from a friend from SSG, who was a batchmate and a fellow Lohitian. We haven’t met after leaving school in 2001. It is only in the last few months that we have spoken once or twice after leaving school. So last night he had called. I was induced into an exhausted sleep after a weekday and thanks to the nightmarish traffic movement caused by the Common Wealth in Delhi. I had gone to the Modern Art Gallery near India Gate from work to attend an exhibition. Galleries are the last place to get exhausted I know. But it was the last day and I was the last visitor. The guard was switching the lights off and I was on the run – running from room to room. So even though I remember seeing his name on the cell display, I probably could not make the effort to press the call and talk.

Today morning another fellow classmate and Lohitian from Delhi, Rajib Hazam (3265) rings me up and tells me…(to be continued)

However, before closing this, I must highlight the beauty of internet (let’s stash the dirt away from the field of vision, like CWG has done hiding the MCD bins behind colorful CWG hoardings with the Shera). I could have never imagined talking to so many of us, with the press of a button. Here is a small something to highlight the spirit of Ex-SSGians and if you like it do thank the internet.
And one more thing. Do watch out for the next episode of my little story about this friend who had called last night. Very soon I promise.

our blog is dead!!

I can understand every ones time constraint but let us keep this blog alive.. Lets keep posting junk or whatever just like i did now. Honestly i really do miss Shisir da's postings,Wish he could continue.

The SSGians' Reunion: Delhi Chapter

The Ex-SSGians' Reunion: Delhi Chapter underwent with superb success last Saturday (28th November 2009) at the Dhruv Army Officers' Mess, Delhi. The evening started with mild excitement as Ex-SSGians reached the venue and got themselves registered at the 'help desk' and pinned their name & number badge. Each badge had the strip of the owner's house colour. The evening progressed and the huge lawn was soon crowded with Ex-SSGians, each greeting each other, lifting and re-reading the other's badge. An inter-house Tug of War culminated with the victory of Lohit House followed by the 'house-songs' and wild 'war cries'.

Whatever little inhibition was left by then, was completely wiped out as the bar opened on one end of the lawn. Exchange of email ids, phone numbers, prmoises to keep in touch followed. Someone even got cooked pork, which we relished at the car parking (Apologies to the ex-ssgian whose car bonnet we had used as the table).

School songs, school videos, mime, Bihu and the 'Mimickry' of teachers followed. It bugs me no end that H.K. Jha stills remains in vogue, as far as the subject of mimickry goes. Without stretching it further, I would like to thank all who worked hard to make this event a superb success and not to mention the memento of a key chain with the school name engraved on it and a catalogue of all Ex-SSGians in the NCR region. Can't wait for the next reunion.

"Sarv Mein Saddham"

Ex SSGian's meet, Delhi 2009

A copy of the latest update by Indranil Roy (without the attachments)

Greetings Everyone!

Thank you for the resounding Confirmation of Attendance for the Old Boys Reunion meet on the 28th of November, 2009. I know I promised to keep you updated on our plans for the gala event, so here goes... Some of the key information you need to know:

Date: 28th of November, 2000 (Yes! it is the 4th Saturday of the month... so no worries about going to office/school early next morning. Be the last to leave the party!)

Time: 6:00 PM (SHARP - no excuses). We will need to shed off our post-school interpretation of IST (Indian Stretchable Time) and be there on time! The day's 2 weeks away, so request all make appropriate changes to your schedules, and make it on time!

Venue: Dhruv, Army Aviation Mess, Airport-Dwarka Link Road (map attached once again!)

Contribution: As this is a contributory gathering, much as we would not have liked to, we still have to take your (extremely nominal) contributions to foot the bills! Therefore the contribution amount has been fixed as:

• For SSGians: Whatever you'd want to contribute, the minimum being Rs 500/-. The good news is - there is no upper limit, so you can dig deep into your pockets and contribute generously for the worthy event.
• For spouses/fiancée/girlfriends/boyfriends/in-laws: Rs 300/-* (SUBSIDIZED FEE!! ON SALE!! - Don't they just love the word!) * for 1 (one) person
• Children below 10 yrs of age: Rs 0/- (Yeah... Absolutely free, no asterix, no fine print, no number limit!)
• Any additional guest (including children above 10 yrs): Rs 250/- for (no limits on number of guests, the more the merrier and the more economically viable for you)

Entertainment and Engagement: Cake cutting, felicitation and introduction, Inter-house competitions (yeah, we are reviving the old traditional rivalries, so gear up everyone and get ready to take the revenges for the unfinished businesses at school) Cultural Nite (be prepared for the feature presentation for the evening!!), Games for everyone (Gentlemen, Ladies, Children), gifts, drinks, dance, dinner, and catching up!

Personal Details Template: I am yet to receive the filled-up personal details form from many among you. For those who need it, please find the template attached here once again. Request you to kindly fill in the sheet and send me the same at the earliest! Please note, you need to send me the filled template whether or not you are coming to the reunion meeting!

Watch this space for more information!

Cheers,

Indranil Roy

Roll: 1934

Ex SSGians' Meet 2009

It gives me immense pleasure to carry forward the news that we are organizing an Ex SSGian's meet this fall-winter (November) in Delhi. The previous year's meet was a significant success and we intend to take it to a higher level. So if you are in Delhi during November 2009 you know where you need to be. Lets recreate those magic moments once again!

NOTE: We would be grateful if you can spread the news of the event through word-of-mouth, telephone, SMS, Mail, Telepathy, Pigeon Message or Just Shout over the window.

For any query, mail me at bshisir@gmail.com or call Rajib K. Hazam at 9990269158

school video part 6

school video part 5

school video part 4

school video part 3

school video part 2

school video part 1

walkman

Indeed a revolutionary invention of all time. No ssgian can deny having an affair with a walkman. What makes it an affair is the scarcity and a banned item in the campus. It was like a forbidden luxury which everyone wanted to have. If caught by teachers it goes to the registrar's store room from where things never return or if you are luckier enough to be caught by Mr Verma, that's the last minute of your walkman. He will not wait untill every inches of it is broken. It is an absolute horror to witness a newly bought walkman costing a thousand k being hurled like a baseball for which you have been saving from ur pocket money . And for a junior, he has to conceal it from seniors too. If gone in the hands of seniors its worse. You can count on getting meets from seniors and your walkman gone for good. Listening to music was special when u had so much risk involved. Borrowing new tapes from friends. Oh yes! I remember escaping to goalpara just to make mixed tapes of our favourite songs. 'Wingo' was the brand of that time cheap, disposable and with speakers while brave ones preferred the likes of aiwa and sony. I wonder what happened to my walkman which felled prey to my housemaster.

In memory of my long lost walkman. I miss you...

School Prayer

O’ God our father,

Behold us assembled here

To thank thee for the place we dwell in,

For the love that unites us,

For the peace accorded us this day

And for the hope with which

We expect the morrow.

As the clay to the potter,

And the windmill to the wind,

We beseech of thee,

O’ Lord, for this help and mercy.

school song Axom Axom

OXOM OXOM O AAI OXOM

MAATRI MUR SENEHI DEX

XEUJI DHORINI RUPERE XUWONI

XOISO SAMALAR OXOMIR BEX

BIJOYOR DHAJJYA AAKAXOT URAI

UDAYGIRIYE PUHOR BILABO

LACHIT CHILAR BIR DEKA DOLE

HENGDANG TULI RON JINIBO

PRAGJYOTIXOR LUITOR PANIYE

NILACHOL DEVIR POKHALE CHARAN

MATRIR PODAT PODJOL DHALI

GLANIR PAP KORILE MUSON

ANENU XUWALA OXOMIR VAXA

XUNILE PELUWA PARAN XAT

JEEBONE MORONE TOJU CHORONE

NIZORA OXOMIR XUWODHI MAT

OXOM OXOM O AAI OXOM

MAATRI MUR SENEHI DEX

XEUJI DHORINI RUPERE XUWONI

XOISO SAMALAR OXOMIR BEX

Abide with me

Now we shall sing "abide with me " ...1......2 the school captain commands and evreyone starts singing.The fun part is even the school captain generally doesn't know the wordings/lyrics properly. So mostly they say "axom axom" .Actually everyone tries to follow the choir party as 90% of us just mumble with the assembly .I was there in the choir party when i was in class VI "hehe".i was so excited as we had a separate space to stand.Anyways am sure most of the ssgians dont know the Hymn properly.so i hope this should help.

School Savdhan.
now we shall sing abide with me
1..............2

Abide with me; fast fails the even tide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide;
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee.

Help of the helpless, O abides with me
Swift to its close ebbs out of life's little day,
Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away,
Change and decay in all around I see.

O Thou who changes not, abide with me.
Come not in terrors, as the king of kings;
But kind and good with healing in thy wings;
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea;
Come, friend of sinners, thus abide with me.

I need thy presences every passing hour;
What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who like thyself my guide and stay can be?

Through cloud and sunshine, Oh, abide with me.
I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;
Where is death's sting? Where grave the victory?

I triumph still, if thou abide with me.
Be thou thyself before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies,
Heavens' morning breaks and earth's vain shadow flee
In life, in death, 0' Lord abide with me.

sainik school goalpara alumni meeting delhi video

ssg video