The 2009 The Cathedral & John Connon Alumni Magazine Contents Editorial 3 Presidents’ Message 4 150 Years 7 School Update A Message from the Principal 8 On Location Learning on the Job 11 Rocky Bell-boa 13 Spotlight Shiamak Davar 14 Changing Tracks Sonali Sachdev 15 Out of the Box Looking Back, Looking Forward 16 GAIA: A Response to Climate Changed 17 A Toast to the Amul Girl 19 SOAK in the City 21 Reflections Alyque Padamsee with Cyrus Broacha 22 Piloo Hakim 25 Vijaya Gupchup 26 Off the Shelf Editorial Team Amit Chaudhuri 28 Miel Sahgal (ISC 1989, Palmer) Teacher Updates 31 Udita Jhunjhunwala (ICSE 1984, Barham) In Memoriam 34 Shyla Boga Patel (ISC 1969, Savage) Ragini Ghose (ISC 1972, Savage) Reunions 39 Business Class Notes 42 Rohita Chaganlal Doshi (ISC 1975, Wilson) Crossword 64 Design and Printing Rishita Chandra, Nikunj Parikh Spenta Multimedia This magazine is not for sale and is intended for internal circulation only. Any material from this magazine may not be reproduced in part or whole without written consent. Views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the Publishers. Published by The Cathedral and John Connon Alumni Association, 6, P.T. Marg, Mumbai 400 001 and printed at Spenta Multimedia, Peninsula Spenta, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400 013. www.spentamultimedia.com Cover photo: Kunal Kampani, Spenta 2009 The X-Cathedralite 1 GERMAN ANTENNA TECHNOLOGY OF THE HIGHEST STANDARDS FOR INDIA Kathrein is an international Base Station Antennas for enterprise active in Mobile Communications networks such as GSM900, Antenna and GSM1800, CDMA, UMTS communications systems, including special new technology. For more than DUAL & TRIPLE BAND 90 years the group of Antennas. Antennas for WiFi & companies has been WLAN. developing, producing and marketing a wide range of Filters, Combiners, over 4500 different Splitters, Tappers for telecommunications Cellular Networks and Cable TV Networks. products. Always one step ahead in technology, Satellite and Terrestrial Kathrein is one of today’s Antennas Systems and market leaders and the Receivers. Ku Band DTH world’s largest and oldest Systems, Set Top Boxes, antenna manufacturer. Mobile DTH solutions. The Kathrein group has over 4000 employees with Broadcast Antenna several factories located in Systems for Terrestrial TV transmission and Radio. Germany, and across the world. The group contains Broadband Communication over 50 independently Systems for Coax and Fiber operating subsidiaries Cable Networks. RF and either entirely or partially Optical Amplifiers, Cable owned by Prof. Dr. Anton Modems Kathrein. In India Kathrein’s subsidiary is Car Antenna Systems for the automotive sector. Kathrein India Pvt. Ltd. which has been set up to Special Antennas for as a competence center to Trains, Buses, & Ground to cater to the growing Air Communications. regional market consisting of India, Sri Lanka, Test and Measurement Bangladesh, Nepal, & Equipment for RF and TV. Maldives. The Kathrein Group turnover for 2008 was more than Euro 1.1 Billion Euro, 50% of which is achieved outside of Germany. Mumbai – Head Office: 4B-4, 3rd Floor, Industry Manor, Prabhadevi Mumbai 400 025 INDIA Tel. +91-22-66526600 Fax. +91-22-66526699 New Delhi - Branch Office: 907, DLF Galleria Tower, DLF City, Phase IV, Gurgaon 122002 INDIA Tel. +91-124-2577411 Fax. +91-124-2577301 Email: [email protected] Web: www.kathrein.co.in Editorial We are delighted to bring in School (On Location) as well at the top of our minds (and the you another issue of our as reminisce about a time gone school ratings). Perhaps, it is the very own, home-grown, by, with Alyque Padamsee, Piloo commitment to education, or The X Cathedralite. All the writing, Hakim and Vijaya Gupchup the exceptional extra-curricular editing and compilation has (Reflections). We share the life opportunities, or the illustrious been done voluntarily, eked out stories of ex-Cathedralites Mirai alumni body. Or perhaps it is the of the spare time of alumni who Chaterjee (Out of the Box) and School’s unique 150-year-old graduated over a range of decades, Shiamak Davar (Spotlight)… and history that no new mega- from the ’40s to the 2000s. a short story from acclaimed budget project can acquire. A writer Amit Chaudhuri (Off the shared history that connects It has been heartwarming to Shelf). We bring you plans for the each and every one of us who see the sheer number of people who have sent in contributions upcoming 150th year celebrations, have walked down those stone- – both editorial and financial. and invite suggestions for your walled corridors. We’re pleased to have been able further involvement with the Editorial Team to increase the number of pages alumni community. And just a this year… and are sorry that we glimpse through the Class Notes still haven’t managed to publish pages provides an indication everything we would have liked to. of what a diverse and dynamic community this is. The issue brings a mix of features and facts to keep you in This is a special year, a good touch with our alma mater and the one for alumni to renew ties with thousands of alumni who’ve spent Cathedral. As new schools with a better part of their youth there. spanking new facilities mushroom Through these pages we update across Mumbai, something about you about recent developments Cathedral continues to keep it Feedback about some of my old teachers I’m extremely proud to be a and got to know what they had Cathedralite. Thank you. I just flew back into Mumbai and been doing… I have learnt so Rajkumar Talreja found a copy of The X-Cathedralite much from them. That each and (ICSE 1990, Savage) waiting for me. Great job! every product from Cathedral I have just seen the latest copy of Anish Trivedi has been so successful in their The X-Cathedralite. The team has (HSC 1979, Savage) own field just goes to speak done an excellent job! I attended my 30 year (ICSE 1978) volumes about how we have been Christopher David reunion dinner yesterday and groomed in our fundamental (ICSE 1984) came home this evening to find years. It was really great to see The X-Cathedralite. Good job, well pictures of my classmates, some We would like to thank the done! Keep it up – Let it Rip, Let it whom I have not seen since following donors for their Thunder! Let me know if I can help we left school. I am definitely generous contribution: for the 150 year celebrations. looking forward to the next Porus Kaka (1974) Salman Noorani reunion. I am currently with (HSC 1981, Palmer) Pankaj Kalra (1983) Merrill Lynch India as Assistant I received the latest issue of The Vice-President with their Private Mitali Anand Kalra (1989) X-Cathedralite magazine which Banking business. Kudos to Naheed Lalkaka - Sorabjee (1974) made me feel as if I had passed the entire team for putting Kalpesh Loonawat (1988) out of school just yesterday. I read together a great magazine. Gaurav Talwar (1994) We look forward to your feedback at [email protected] 2009 The X-Cathedralite 3 Presidents’ Message Dear Friends, attacks in Mumbai on 26th November ISC and ICSE classes! Most of these It’s been almost a year since we left us all paralysed. We lost three students will be studying all over the took over as Co-Presidents and members of the Association – Ashok world at this stage, but we believe a lot has happened in that time. Kapur (1959, Palmer), Sanjay that when they return, they will Little things and big things, happy Agarwal (1977, Wilson) and Sunil make a significant contribution to ones and terribly sad ones. Parekh (1980, Savage), nine parents, the Association. We had a remarkable turnout at our a former teacher and two little boys. On April 16, we had a marvelous Founders’ Day brunch in the Middle There is really nothing one can say evening at ‘Magic’ in Mumbai. The School. With Ernie on keyboard and in the face of such a tragedy; we are remarkable turnout assured us that vocals, a good time was had by all. The truly sorry and our sympathies go out the old school spirit hasn’t faded, Class of 1958 were there in full force to all those affected by this senseless and the camaraderie lives on. and fine voice, and we believe they massacre, wherever they may be. The Eighth Cathedral Summer really enjoyed the morning, as did all The X-Cathedralite was released School was held at Manori at the end the others present. in December 2008 and was very of April. Once again, it comprised The School vs. Alumni Cricket well received. Our thanks to Miel of 45 Cathedral children and 25 Match held at the Hindu Gymkhana Sahgal and Udita Jhunjhunwala for from Manori village. Simply put, was organised by Sanjay Shah (1982), producing the magazine so seamlessly the children had a blast while ably supported by Chirag Doshi and perfectly. And as you can see engaging in various activities like (1990). The school team won, but our from this issue, they have done it kite-making, pottery, dance, art, day will come! again. Our thanks also to Rohita astronomy and magic. The Alumni The 14th Annual Golf Tournament Doshi for working so hard to get Association contributed Rs. 35,000 at the Willingdon Sports Club was the sponsors for both issues and, of and Rohita Doshi Rs. 50,000 from the once again an outstanding success, so course, to the sponsors themselves. Lalchand Hirachand Premier Trust. well organised by Akshay Kilachand In January 2009, we held the Plans are already underway for next (1988), Pushpa Bhatia (1953), Meher school leavers’ tea organised by year’s camp. Amersey (1960) and Kiran Kanwar. Rangita Bhatnagar. The food was Our main thrust this year has been Just a couple of weeks later we very good and we immediately had to focus on creating a new website were sad and sombre. The terrorist about 170 new members from the and updating our database. The idea The Big Plan few years. We look to each of you to make our dream, for this historic year, come true. In November this year our school turns 149. A year A governance plan will be set in place and the fund will later, 150. One hundred and fifty is a lot of years be monitored and managed by the present Co-Presidents, and the Alumni Association wants to do something and Pranay Shah (ISC 1970), Rama Iyer (ICSE 1984) and meaningful and enduring; we want to set in place a Bibhash Asar (ICSE 1986). Health and Medical Benefit Scheme for Retired Further, to enable us to receive contributions from Teachers and Staff who have worked for 10 years or our alumni overseas, we have applied for our FCRA more. This is our tribute to all those who have given this registration. In the meantime, they could help us by institution its formidable reputation. providing funds directly from India. We ask that your Our research tells us there is a crying need for this. contribution reflect the large need and that you will be We would like to ensure that every staff member feels generous based on your means … whether it is Rs. 5,000, secure, and lives and ages with dignity. Our Scheme 10,000, 50,000 or one lakh, five or 10 lakhs or more! envisages a two-pronged approach: First, a Medical We look forward to your help to make this project a Assistance Scheme with a panel of doctors which will success. All donations will be duly acknowledged and give free or partially-free treatment. We already have will receive an 80G certificate. Please make your cheque 80 alumni and parent doctors who have very kindly in favour of: “Cathedral and John Connon Alumni volunteered. Second, since hospitalisation is cripplingly Association Medical Fund” and post it to: expensive, we are working on a group insurance policy The Cathedral and John Connon Alumni Association, for about 30 teachers. With rising medical and insurance 6, Purshotamdas Thakurdas Marg, Fort, Mumbai 400001. costs, our target is to raise at least Rs. one crore towards Shyla Boga Patel and Viral Doshi this endeavour so that we are comfortable for the next Co-Presidents Executive Committee 2009-2010 Office Bearers Co-Presidents Shyla Boga Patel (ISC 1969, Savage) [email protected] Viral Doshi (ISC 1975, Palmer) [email protected] Seated (L to R): Rohita Doshi, Chitra Rajkumar, Shyla Boga Patel, Viral Doshi Standing (L to R): Amit Advani, Ragini Ghose, Miel Sahgal, Udita Jhunjhunwala, Pragni Kapadia, Rangita Bhatnagar Vice-Presidents Rohita Chaganlal Doshi was to revamp the website in time a great dinner and lots of alumni at (ISC 1975, Wilson) for the 150th year celebrations. Blue Sea, Mumbai. We are sure this This was executed by Udita will be a very special evening and a Miel Sahgal (ISC 1989, Palmer) Jhunjhunwala and Miel Sahgal. We fitting start to our 150th year. are having a few teething troubles After years of talking about it, we Co-Treasurers with both the website and database, have finally applied for our FCRA Chitra Rajkumar but are working very hard at setting registration to enable us to receive (1956, Savage) these right. donations in foreign exchange to We are fortunate to have as help with our plans for the 150th Pragni Kapadia (ISC 1994, Palmer) our new honorary webmaster year. The papers are with the Home Gautam Shewakramani (2001), Ministry. Bureaucratic wheels turn Secretary who we are sure, will get things very slowly and there has been Ragini Ghose on track very soon. Databases are much delay in getting this through. (ISC 1972, Savage) dynamic, so please get in touch We expect this will happen soon with Gautam at gautam@catalumni. and we will be able to accept these Committee Members com and update your details and contributions. Mrs. Meera Isaacs (ex officio) put your news and views on the Talking about matters of finance: Amit Advani Prakash Thadani website. It is imperative that every Our treasurer Chitra Rajkumar has (ISC 1994, Palmer) (ISC 1969, Savage) member is a part of our database played a truly stellar role this year long before November 2010, so and we cannot thank her enough Anand Shroff Rangita Bhatnagar please volunteer to be class leaders for all her meticulous hard work. (ICSE 1985, Palmer) (ISC 1989, Palmer) or chapter representatives. Also, Our alumnus, friend and Chartered Udita Jhunjhunwala if you or your friends haven’t Accountant, Surin Kapadia (ISC (ICSE 1984, Barham) registered as members, please go 1998) has been equally wonderful. to www.catalumni.com and do so, Co-opted Members Our appreciation also to Amit preferably, NOW! Advani, Anand Shroff, Gopika Rama Iyer M ukeeta Jhaveri As of September we have a Saran, Pragni Kapadia, Prakash (ICSE 1984, Barham) (ISC 1983, Savage) Helpdesk operating from the Green Thadani, Ragini Ghose and Room of the Junior School from Bibhash Asar N ikhil Raghavan Rangita Bhatnagar for being such 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. three times a week. (ICSE 1986,Palmer) (ISC 1992, Savage) supportive committee members. You can call 9930577120 or e-mail And finally, to Mrs. Isaacs, a big Aditya Dhawan [email protected] thank you for all her time, help and (ISC 1996, Wilson) for further information about it. advice amidst her already madly The Executive Committee looks forward to Thank you Mrs. Isaacs, for making busy schedule. your active involvement with the Association. this possible. Please do contact us on the Cathedral Alumni On November 14 we will have Shyla Boga Patel and Viral Doshi Helpline (99305 77120) or through our website www.catalumni.com. a lovely evening with a live band, Co-Presidents 2009 The X-Cathedralite 5 The 150th Year Celebrations Schools don’t turn 150 every day. So what are the plans for our big birthday? One plan, the big plan, is to start a Medical Benefit Scheme for Retired Teachers and Staff (please see page 4). Alumnus Fareed Zakaria, Editor of Newsweek International and host of the international affairs programme, Fareed Zakaria GPS on CNN, will be giving us a talk on Monday, 21st December 2009 and we hope many of you will attend it. Further details on the time and location will be e-mailed to you and displayed on the website. Also in the pipeline is the definitive, exhaustive history of the Cathedral School. Crammed with interesting information with which you may not be familiar - like that when the foundation of the JB Petit School for Girls was laid, it was actually meant to have been for the Cathedral School. Or that through some of its history the school existed in tents. But the book is finally about all of you, the alumni and teachers, and we need your inputs immediately! What absolutely stands out in your mind about your years in Cathedral School? Your spontaneous reflections are, of course, important, as well as thoughts recollected in tranquillity, with the wisdom of hindsight. Please write to the authors Mridula Maluste (1973) and Viral Doshi (1975) at [email protected] We are planning two golf tournaments among other sports events during the year. Please do have a look at the updates on our website. Various items of memorabilia will be on sale and we have created a very special 150th year commemorative tie. Please call the alumni helpline on 99305 77120 for further information. Our committee member, Rangita Bhatnagar (ISC 1989, Palmer) has been appointed Chairperson of the 150th year committee. We are an integral part of this team and will help in every way possible. The major events will be in the second week of November 2010, when we will be having school concerts, a tour of all the school buildings from 1860 onwards, a church service and a grand finale with a dinner at the Turf Club where a postage stamp, a first day cover and the book on the history of the Cathedral School will be launched. The 150th year commemorative tie will be available at atell P J. d the Zodiac showrooms at the Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai, an m o y a and Khan Market, New Delhi. R o: ot h P 2009 The X-Cathedralite 7 School Update A message from the Principal, Mrs. Meera Isaacs Recently, the U.S. President, Mr. Obama out to be replaced by their successors. So also teachers articulated what we have known for a long time. move on for various reasons. In urging Americans to raise their standards Thanking our teachers of education, he said, ‘We can’t afford our kids to be We thank our teachers who have left, for the dedication mediocre at a time when they’re competing against and commitment that they brought to the School. During kids in China and India.” (He should know, as Indians the past year we lost two dear and well-regarded former are being inducted into his team on an almost weekly teachers in Mr. John Lewis, Mathematics wizard, who basis!). Now that the Indian school system has been was Vice-Principal of the School from 1981 to 1991 validated, warts and all, by no less a person than the and Dr. V. Krishnan, Head of the English Department. President of the most powerful country, let me assure Both gentlemen went on to lead schools – Mr. Lewis as you that our students have lived up to this belief. The Principal of Campion and Dr. V. Krishnan as Principal of proof of the pudding, as the saying goes, is in the Hiranandani School, Powai. Their students and former eating – in this case, the Public Examination results. colleagues came together in a bond of shared grief to pay Outgoing students rich tributes to both these stalwarts who have touched so Of the 145 ICSE candidates who appeared, 56 placed many lives. in the above 90 per cent category, 64 in the 80s, 17 in Stepping out the 70s and four between 64 and 70 per cent. The soft- The global economic meltdown and rising protectionism spoken Akshat Mullerpatan swept to first place with demand that we prepare our students to face change on 96.67 per cent. all fronts and especially in the job market. To this end Turning our attention to the ISC results, 33 placed our Guidance Counsellor, and the ever-supportive parent in the 90s and above, 38 between 81 and 89, 18 in the and alumnus Vikram Uttamsingh organised a School 70s and 4 in the 66-69 bracket. Akshay Sukthankar, Career Fair on January 31 this year, with 33 professionals another modest young man brought laurels to himself spanning 21 careers to give our students an understanding and the School by standing first in Maharashtra with of what is waiting out there for them once they step out of 96.20 per cent. At the College Board our students raised the bar once again to a record high with a mean SAT Reasoning Score of 2034 out of a possible 2400. Compare this to the world mean of approximately 1600. The Advanced Placement Programme is growing from strength to strength with a total of 42 students from Classes 8 to 12 enrolled this year. The US had better look out for here comes the Indian juggernaut to add to Mr. Obama’s consternation, and maybe to some future President’s team! Led by the versatile and multi-faceted duo of Ashwini Kerkar our Head Girl and Dhruv Toshniwal our Head Boy, 95 talented young men and women who contributed in unequal measure to their teachers’ euphoria and heartburn, are now poised to take on the world with youthful exuberance and legendary Cathedral panache, tempered, I trust, with a sense of humility and a sound knowledge of right and wrong. As is the wont of any institution, people come, leave their own special mark, and then, sadly, they have to move on. Each year a group of Std. 12 students pass 8 The X-Cathedralite 2009