Letter to Fr Hess from a Nobilian

I would like to quote here two instances where YOU have made a mark on me, and I vividly remember the episodes.

One: I must be Standard IX (or probably X). I was the Editor of The Nobilian and The Annual (thanks to Fr H C Bradley). You and I were talking on the subject in the hallway, outside the staff room area. While we were talking, a senior student of St XI passed by, between the two of us. I remember you called him, explained to him it was ill mannered to pass between two people if they are talking. You made him come back, and go around us.

Two: We were the Seniors this time. We had no teacher in the class that afternoon. Those days there was a "hospital-quiet" silence at De Nobili except for the teachers talking and the students participating. But as we had no teacher, we eleven were talking and talking. Surendra Prasad, Surendra Roy, Biswadip Gupta, PK Sinha, Subrata Bose, Rajen Chanchani, Sudip Ray and others (I am deeply sorry if I cannot recall your names, my colleagues. Forgive me, please). You happened to pass by. You stepped in the class, and said something like this, "You are a few months away from your school finals / graduation. You are a bunch today in this class, and in a few months you will all go your ways. These are a few months that you are together. Never again will you be together in a group like this. Enjoy this time together. But keep in mind there are other classes going on. Talk such that you do not disturb others". And so true. We have NEVER met again. Except for one, I have lost touch with all. About 44-45 years have gone by...

I remember those days when Fr Kennedy had written in an autograph book for me, "In memory of the days when De Nobili was young".

I owe a lot to De Nobili though I was a mediocre student. I joined the school when Fr McFarland was the Principal. My mother knitted a wollen sweater for him. There was a ditch at the back of the building. There was no canteen. When I graduated and left in 1966, the school had three floors, and even two football fields! I learnt good English in the school. I owe that to Mrs Rao, Mr Benjamin, and prominently to Fr Jacques; and not forgetting Fr Bradley (he made me write a page everyday). Fr Bradley introduced Drum & Bugle, and made me the drummer!! He gave me his personal camera and made me a photographer. With Mr P C Pandey teaching Hindi and Mr Hadi teaching history, those were good days. The three years of Physics that Father Bradley and you had taught has given me immense practical knowledge and reasoning (why and how). I tried to become an engineer but could never do the calculus. Mr Midde had tried to make a math wizard out of me, but I could not take it. But people are surprised even today how I can speak in details about engines, electricity and hydraulics. Ketan was the smarter of us brothers, and he went on to become a first class student of IIT. I guess he too is happy that we studied at De Nobili; I am.

I have quoted these two incidences to many in my life. Some are astonished that my school principal comminicate! I am myself 60, and am amazed in wonder what an innings you have played, and you continue to play.

Fr Dietrich: "Hey De Nobili, hats off to thee...."

With Best Wishes

Samir

Samir Bhagat (1966)