I am in India now as most of you possibly know already. I made a trip to my high school - Montfort School, Yercaud after like 6 years! I was stunned and shocked by the number of changes in school - both Physically and in the culture. There were new structures at every possible place - in my sister's words, a "Concrete Jungle". Bro. George for sure is a visionary leader but he is now lacking in space to put up concrete structures. As we enter school now, they are putting up a statue of Montfort 100 feet above the ground! Now that's gotta be a landmark of some sort! I wonder if he's got permission from the Civil Aviation ministry for that - We gotta warn the planes bout that thing. They're also in the process of building what will become Asia's largest indoor stadium at a phenomenal cost. The new 400 m track is amazing! Being maintained like it were fit for use in the Olympics. All this apart from a number of other statues and structures around school. Ah yes... They're also building another floor above the dormitories. Apparently, they are moving the Junior school classes here. Junior school is to become another school for Montfort - Montfort ICSE! Whew.... too many changes.
On a cultural note, I felt kind of disappointed when I first walked through school. I hardly could meet anyone who knew me! Most of the staff in the office had changed. Bro.Augustine couldn't remember me (That was disappointing) and Bella (Robert Bellarmin, my Physics teacher and dorm warden) had moved out of school since he was now married. It was also Bro. George's birthday and hence I couldn't find the time to meet him. So, I wandered around aimlessly in school for about half an hour before I went to SHY (Sacred Heart Convent, Yercaud) - my mom and sister studied here. It's a girl's school just opposite to Montfort. The welcome we got here was so overwhelming! All the nuns (including the Principal and the Provincial head) were out to fuss over us. They took us to the parlour, gave us tea, biscuits, bread, butter and guava jelly and even put out some cake for us. I really had no words - I was disappointed with my school but let it pass.
Here are a few pictures, will upload more when I get the time!
Here are a few pictures, will upload more when I get the time!
However, I went over the next day and met Bro. George. It was a pleasure as he welcomed us whole heartedly (I presume!) and actually took us to the parlour for some tea too! Look at me getting so excited over a damn tea! ha ha... I did meet Bella, ID (Irudhayaraj - My Maths Professor) and Bio (Francis - The Biology Professor). Was glad to see that there were few of the old faces still in school. They all remembered me very well and were glad to spend time speaking to me! Felt nice to be back at school.
Have a couple of very interesting and exciting posts lined up. Coming up right after will be one on the Yercaud Mafia, which is no doubt more interesting than any soap on television!
8 comments:
Hi,fellow Montfortian,i had a chance to read your blog, while searching for things around yercaud.
i was there at montfort from 68 to 76 and had my sis at shy from around that time.
U sure have similar feelings to what i had,when i went up last.
I was there when the guave tree was cut to dig up for the swimming pool we had Bro basilio then and his lovely natural chamaths.
u have touched me this morning
i still sing "our school song"and" farewell song " when i feel lonely.
Hi Venkhat... Thanks for sharing your views... I feel Montfort should do something to be more welcoming towards its alumni.... However, I still always love to visit school... There is a get together happening for the Older Montfort and SHY folks... Pre- 76 if I'm right... I think you will be eligible... It's sometime this month.....
hi there , i came across your blog and let me tell you i share the same thoughts as you do . Montfort has lost its past elegance and is now just another boarding school . I do fell pity for the boys studying there currently , that they have not been blessed enough to have the life that i had in montfort.
Well Montfort should make its alumni feel glad to get back... And then funds and everything else will flow... The school feels so rigid and strict... that I get the jitters at times as I walk around....
I had my 25th Reunion in July-August 2009. My first visit in over 17 years. Needless to say, but may I mention, the school now is as you describe it. Although we did get a special welcome as a group. The warmth was missing, although the weather was pleasant.
I was there until 1977 and I got the same feeling when I went there in 2005. The only two brothers from my time were Bro Anselm and Bro Wilfred. The school was going through major changes with the bandroom and auditorium demolished. I met the principal Bro. George and told him that I was an old boy. Well he didn't have much to say but instructed Bro Anselm to take me to the parlor and give me cup of tea. I spoke to a few of the students and got the impression that their English teacher must have taken an extended vacation. Montfort has really lost its charm. Why are they erecting these colossal statues?? Some little man with a huge ego must be wanting to make his mark.
Good read. I dread to visit the place now with all the new changes I've been hearing about from everyone. Will I even recognize my alma mater? From a Talofa batch, class of '99.
lovely pictures of the school and u in the foreground , thanks for sharing the spirit and the weather.
venkhat
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