Amidst the bustling surroundings of Hosur Road, there stands a red brick building of Victorian vintage in all its majestic solemnity. The very name on the main gate which reads “Rashtriya Military School, Bangalore” is unique in its own way. Unique, because of the outstanding training imparted to cadets to excel in academics as well as to inculcate Military bearing. The School is a standing testimony to the illustrious Alumni that includes many Military Generals, Olympians, Asiad winners, Film Actors, Business Magnates, Civil Servants, Political leaders and a never-ending list. This great institution has journeyed through long years and is a testimony to constant growth, expansion, development and above all excellence. Origin Going through the annals of the history of this esteemed institution, one is thrilled to notice that the school is older than the republic since its ancestry dates back to 01 August 1946. Being impressed by the performance of the Indian troops in World War I, King George V set up Royal Indian Military Colleges at Ajmer, Jhelum & Jullundur with a view to educate the children of the Indian Jawans. The King George Benevolent Fund financed these schools. After the end of World War II, King George VI established two more KGRIM colleges in Belgaum and Bangalore in 1945 and 1946 respectively. Rashtriya Military School, Bangalore thus took its origin with the sole objective of facilitating the education of sons of armed forces’ personnel stationed in India. It proved a great boon for South India. Lt Col RHD Ross was appointed as the first Commandant and Maj JW Whitmarsh Knight was the first Chief Instructor. It might be interesting to note that in 1952 the appointment of the Commandant changed to Principal, the Chief Instructor was designated as AO, though the duties remained the same. Right from the inception, School has had a mix of both Army personnel and civilian staff on its roles. The school has also had Principals from both the Army and Civil. Prefectorial System Since inception, the Prefectural system was introduced and the three houses Clive, Cornwallis, and Coot were formed with their respective Colours like Red, Blue, and Yellow. In 1952 the houses were renamed as Rajaji, Nehru, and Mountbatten. Later in 1968 Mountbatten house was renamed as Tagore house, and a new house named Shastri was created in 1972. In 1993, Two Holding Houses Cariappa and Vishweshwariah were created to cater to the cadets of VI and VII classes. However, in 1997 these two Houses were dissolved. In 1999, an additional house called the Fifth House was created. Initially, it housed the cadets of class XII. Later on, in 2002 the class XII cadets were re-distributed to houses. The Fifth House has since been accommodating only the new entrants of class VI. The Transition Change is continuous and inevitable. The School underwent a gradual transition in many ways to keep pace with the changing times, requirements and in its attempt to grow as an institution of reckoning.
1952: The School was renamed as King George School with the motto “Play the Game”. 1952 to 1963: Boys prepared for Senior Cambridge Examination. 1966: All King George Schools were renamed as Military Schools with a prefix of their locations. Our school became “Bangalore Military School”. The School also got affiliated to ICSE. 1967: The School adopted the CBSE syllabus and had Classes from V to XI. 1969: The school’s motto was changed to “Sheelam Param Bhushanam”, a Sanskrit sloka which means ‘Character is the highest virtue’. 1977: 10+2 system was adopted and entry-level to Military School was class VI, which is existing to date. Fresh admissions also in Classes IX & XI. 1998: The School came to be known as Military School, Bangalore. 1999: The School allowed entry for girl cadets for the first time. However, the entry has been stopped since 2004. 2007: The School was renamed as Rashtriya Military School. One could seek admission to the school as a day scholar since inception but in 2003 this stopped and the school became a Boarding School. Innovation then and now A manually operated bell and sounding of the bugle was the only alarm or the indicator of time in the school then. Subsequently, it changed to a hand-driven siren, then to the present day automatic hooter. Conclusion The cadets have not only excelled in all activities be it in academics or sports or adventure while at school, but the training at school has helped them to scale enviable heights in different spheres. The school established with limited resources today stands on an unshakeable, firm and formidable foundation. The School has witnessed fame, struggle, success and failures as part of its history. Notwithstanding these, it has remained firm in its objective for which it was established, as a provider of quality education to children of defense personnel as well as a major feeder institution to the Defence Services. Over the years, yet another aspect has continued to remain constant i.e. the school has prepared its cadets to be worthy citizens of our motherland. True to the spirit “once a Georgian always a Georgian”, the cadets who have passed out of the school have kept the school flag flying high. Long live the School and long live the Georgian Spirit! (Above information is compiled from the school website)
Sl. No. ROLL No. NAME HOUSE 1 1040 K.Ravi Shanker RH 2 1041 Shyam Ravada TH 3 1045 Nasib Singh NH 4 1049 H.S.Bhasin (Tipu) RH 5 1083 Dhananjaya Pandey NH 6 1094 Dilip Dass TH 7 1098 Jassi Marwah TH 8 1099 N.V.S.Murthy NH 9 1100 P.P.Sukumaran TH 10 1102 Nalin Kant NH 11 1103 Prabhu Dayal Patiar RH 12 1112 Muralidharan Nair TH 13 1113 Jaichand Wilson TH 14 1125 Yogi Thami NH 15 1131 Nand Kishore TH 16 1133 Kishan Mandanna TH 17 1137 L.S.Ravichander TH 18 1145 Thomas Mathew NH 19 1163 Shyam Kumar NH 20 1192 Ran Singh Kadian RH 21 1193 Jose (Jopu) RH 22 1194 Jai Prakash RH 23 1198 Ravinder Singh Rawat RH 24 1205 Narender Singh Samant RH 25 1217 Anil Tallam TH 26 1235 T.Amarnath TH 27 1264 R.S.Menon TH 28 1334 Saroj Bhushan Tiwari TH 29 1570 Ajaey Sem NH
K. RAVI SHANKER - 1040 - RH (1968) (2020) After leaving school in 1971, I joined the Govt. Science Collage. My collage mates were PP Sukumaran, TK Murali and H Davies (late) from school. After graduation, I did my Post graduation in Business Administration. I then joined Vijaya Bank and later Allahabad Bank as a Probationary Officer. On 10 Dec 1982, I got married to Rema. In 1983, I was selected by the British Embassy as their Market Officer in Doha, Qatar. After 13 years in Qatar, I moved to the British High Commission in New Delhi. Worked in Delhi for 13 months and got an opportunity to move to the British Deputy High Commission in Chennai as their Management Officer. During my stint with the British Govt, I got a chance to meet two British Prime Ministers and all members of the Royal family, including Princess Di. I also got the opportunity to visit many countries. One visit was to a place called Ashkhabad, the capital of Turkmenistan for three weeks. It is when you go to such places you realise how lucky you are to be an Indian citizen. In 2007, I retired and settled in Bangalore. I am now living with my 10 year old grandchildren (twins, a boy and a girl), my daughter and Rema.
SHYAM RAVADA (Bunny) - 1041 - TH (MBH) - Joined in 1963 Zindagi ka Safar (1963 to 2020) 1970 2020 Some are lucky to have an extra year of strong educational foundation, I was one of them, if not I would have been from 1970 batch. After finishing school in 1971, took a sabbatical for one year, since my father was posted in Bangladesh during the Indo-Bangla war of 1971, was not sure as to where I would be located. After dad's retirement, I moved to my native place to be with him and started my graduation. After having graduated from College in Commerce, I decided to do Law. While studying Law in Jamshedpur, took up a Management Trainee job at a Luxury Hotel. The owners took a liking and were to send me to The Taj Hotel Management Institute, however, due to the hindu-muslim riot in Jamshedpur that fell through. During this tenure in the hotel, I managed to get acquainted with a very Senior Executive, who offered me a job in Hyderabad, who later became my first boss and thus my working career began.
I started my job at the new company, which was the first steel rolling mill company in South India (part of a very large group). Started from a Materials / Purchase Officer and became an executive for the Import & Export division in the company. Met and married my life partner in 1982. Immediately after the marriage, I was asked to move to a new company that the group was establishing to supervise their Materials department as its head, during my tenure in the previous company and the first two years at the new one, travelled extensively in India from one end to the other. Set up the entire distributor network for the company, which I did successfully. My first daughter was born in 1983. The company was moving towards the introduction of the latest technology in the packaging industry, and collaborated with one of the world's leading packaging machinery companies from the United States and was asked to head one of its products as a Business Development Manager. Visited the US and Europe for product and application training. Upon return, set up a new division with Sales and Marketing staff directly reporting to me in all major cities in India as its Divisional Manager. The company having seen my contribution and success, decided to send me to do my Executive (Fast Track) Management course, called MEP from Indian Institute Of Management, Ahmedabad. Upon completion, the company decided to make me the International Marketing Manager for all its manufactured products, since I was one of the two in the company who knew about all the products that it was manufacturing and selling. During this tenure, traveled to all the SAARC countries and established distributors and set up partnerships. My second daughter was born in 1993. When I reached a level and thought that there will be no more growth, moved from that company to a larger group as its Group General Manager for Exports. Simultaneously was a CEO of a granite company which was owned by the group, was trained on Granite Cutting Machinery in Italy. During the tenure with this group, traveled extensively to the Far East, Middle East, Europe and The United States, developing a market for the export of Dyes & Dye Stuff, Granite and Yarn, simultaneously identifying resources for import of raw material. Meanwhile, my wife had trained herself in IT and was successful in getting a work permit to the USA.I was also in possession of a Green Card from Canada. However, we decided to move to the USA in 1997, with whatever experience and educational qualification you have in the past, when you arrive into the US, you have to start all over again, which I did. Became a dependent Visa holder, became a homemaker and then slowly got myself a work permit and started overseeing the working of a consultancy firm, which I had established for my cousin in the US. When my family got our Green card, I took up a job in a bank, grew to the level of a Senior Branch Manager, then decided to do something on my own.
The real estate and the market meltdown of 2008/2009 was very severe, lost most of my equity in all the properties I had owned and my savings and was not able to start what I wanted to. Took up employment again in IT and did business development for a startup as their Vice President Business Development until 2014. My older daughter got married in 2014, I then moved onto a new assignment with A Global Shipping Company as their Country Head for USA, which required me to deal with various federal agencies and large scale shipping companies and procured huge shipping contracts. The job also involved identifying buyers and sellers all over the globe. My headquarters was in HK. In all the years gone by, I obtained a Graduation degree, A certification in Business Management, A Certification in Materials Management, A Certification in Supply Chain Management and a few more, which did not have much relevance in my professional career. In 2018 decided to hang my boots and call it quits, which I did. My family (wife Asha, who is a full time employee, works for a very large IT firm as one of their leading Global Support Analyst)daughters (Rohini, who is presently at home and taking care of her son & Pallavi, who is working for Capital One as a Senior Manager) son in law (OM, who is a Design Director in a leading on-line education software manufacturer) and grandson (Laksh) all of us live in Washington DC Metro area, we are all US Citizens. I always look for an opportunity to meet our Georgians, going forward, will make every effort to attend all future OBA's in Mana Bengaluru, FRCS is my present activity. I will be glad to be your host, if anyone wishes to visit Washington DC. In closing, a small thought. Having had opportunity to see and be part of many Institutions, having worked at many companies, met various people from different walks of life, visited many countries, the sense of belonging to a entity and the pride we all have, being a Georgian, is a gift we all possess, for having acquired our basics of life there at school.
NASIB SINGH - 1045 - NH (Self, Raghu Ananthan & Ashok) (Receiving the Champion House Trophy) I joined King George School from a remote border village in Jammu. My experience at the school was life- altering and it moulded me into the person I am today. Having had very little exposure in my hometown prior to this, I developed leadership and communication skills via my appointments as Prefect and was the House Captain during my house’s run as Champion House 1970-1971. I participated actively in hockey and dramatics. My self-confidence grew as a result of being bestowed the award for ‘Best behaved Boy’ and ‘Best Actor- Hindi’ in 1971. These contributed to some of my fondest memories as a Georgian. The school taught me everything I know and enabled me to transcend my humble roots and grow into a successful business executive later. After passing out from school in 1971, I completed my B.Sc. and subsequently, M.A in English Literature from University of Jammu. I started my career with a tobacco company in 1976 and worked my way up to the post of Dy. General Manager, thereby gaining experience in various critical business aspects such as administration, planning, purchase, new product development, brand launches, sales, marketing, new market development and public relations. Subsequently, I completed successful stints at multinational companies such as PepsiCo and Securitas/ Group4 as Vice President and Sr. Vice President respectively, during which I travelled through the country, as well as globally. I was the former
Managing Director/ Board Director of Europa Strategic Partners Limited, Ireland. I was able to continue and pursue my interest in hockey through my appointment as Sr. Vice President of All India Indira Gandhi Gold Cup Hockey Tournament Committee from 1993- 96. I also acted in a T.V serial- ‘Chand Grahan’ produced by Robin Khosla. I also judged several beauty pageants in different states. After superannuation, I have adopted the role of advisor/ consultant with various companies. I currently shuttle between Delhi and my hometown Jammu. I am happily married to the wonderful and talented Meera, who superannuated as the first woman Sr. President of J&K Bank. My daughter is a senior Clinical Psychologist settled in Goa and my son is a first- generation entrepreneur in Delhi. Gardening and playing with my grand-daughter give me immense joy these days.
HARJASBIR SINGH BHASIN (Tipu) - 1049 - RH My journey of life (Zindagi ka safar) (मम जीवन यात्रा) Dear Georgians, I am blessed to be a Georgian (1971 batch). I was the centre forward in sports but right back in studies, especially English. In north India, most of the schools were Hindi medium. Our beloved house master, Sir CRM tried his best to improve me, and hammered me a lot after every exam, as I usually failed in English. One of the special moments in school was the cricket match, RH vs. NH. Ran Singh and me, both scored a century. We both opened the innings. The first ever centuries in school and still remain a record till date. Both Mr. Nagraj and Mr. R.S.Rao were the umpires for this match. The match continued on Monday too. The great Mr. R.S. Mani, the Principal, presented both of us the bat with which we batted. I was also the cricket school captain with Chikoo (R.S.Menon) as my vice captain. Chikoo was a better cricketer than me but R.S. Mani felt that a bowler should never be a captain as he will either under-bowl or over-bowl himself. We had great trip to Mysore for the B.T. Ramaiya shield. The second incident was dropping of the relay baton between me and Rawat in 4x100 metres Relay (Ran Singh, R.S.Rawat, Ganesh Jha and me). Ganesh Jha was the last runner, and he ran like hell but could not make up. Both RH and NH were on the same points in the Athletics, as well as in the overall games trophy, and we lost the relay as well as the overall trophy. I played almost all games and was in the house team of all sports, including boxing. I still remember the way we used to give our non-veg to friends and take it back once the weight was taken. Narender Samant and Prabhu Dayal were our homework writers. Thanks to them. In 1971 I came to Delhi, and did my B.Com from Bhagat Singh college and P.K. Parihar was one year senior to me in the same college. I continued my passion with cricket, and was
in the college team as a wicket-keeper cum batsman. In 1973 I went for SSB at Roorkee, but they said you will be better off doing business. In fact, during our college days, we started the first OBA in Delhi with P.K.Parihar, Haridarshan, Rajvir etc. I think there were a few more and I don’t remember their names (getting old !!). We used to meet in Indian Coffee House in Mohan Singh Place near CP. After I came back from Mumbai in 1978, our OBA grew a lot and I remember Lt. Gen. Bhatia was a very active and keen member. He was a Lt. Col. then and used to hold our meetings in his office. SM Sundaram (Blacky) was our Secretary. After graduation, in 1975 I got my first job in Oberoi Sheraton Hotel, Bombay in Accounts Department at a salary of Rs. 450 pm. Thereafter, in 1978 I got married and shifted to Delhi. I started a small company with help of my brother and became Indian agents of a Stainless Steel mill in Sweden. We also worked for a Valve company in MA, USA. But soon, there was a foreign exchange crisis in 1990 during V.P. Singh government, and so all the foreign payments came to a halt. In 1991 I started a Chinese restaurant in Versova, Mumbai, called Stomach. After 3 years, my old business came back on track, and since then I am supplying raw materials from overseas sources for the laminate (Sunmica) industry - first from Europe, then from Japan, and now from China. More than 70% of the companies to whom we supply raw materials, are exporting Sunmica, and better in quality and cheaper in price than the Chinese - worldwide. Some companies ever export back to China. I have a small company with about 6-7 employees. Last year in August I setup a new office. Due to the present crisis, I did manage to keep most of my staff. Family I have two children. Elder one is a daughter, married with 2 children. Her husband is now in NJ, USA, and working for Sapient, a software techie. My daughter works for British Airways as a Manager, Cargo Division. My son has his own business of imports of handbags and clothing from Italy and China - supplying to various stores all over India. LIVED A GEORGIAN AND WILL DIE A GEORGIAN Cheers Contact details: E-180, New Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi–110060 (9868115508)
(Son, DIL, Me holding granddaughter, Wife, Daughter with grandson in front and SIL)
FASHION SHOW Sitting L to R: Unidentified, Myself, Mr. Mitchell, Rajesh Jaggi & Netra Bahadur Standing L to R: Venkat Reddy, Mr. Pandey, Ishwar Singh, Jose & Ramesh Chander
DHANANJAYA PANDEY (Guddu) - 1083 - NH (At School) (With my beautiful wife) Joined KGS in 1965. Passed out in 1971. Did my B.Sc. from St. Joseph's College, Bangalore, in 1974. Joined Visvesvaraya College of Engineering, Bangalore. Passed out in 1978 with Distinction. Joined KPCL. Did a stint of four years. Subsequently, joined a British Company - went to Saudi and Kuwait. Returned back, and since then have been working with various companies. At present working as GM-Constriction, for the last 15 years. Married. Wife is Doctor. Having two daughters - both are married. Settled at Mathura. (Elder daughter & family at Bombay) (Younger daughter & family at Delhi)
DILIP KUMAR DASS - 1094 - TH (MBH) At School At THEKDI with Jopu & family-kneeling rightmost At NATHULA-standing leftmost I had joined School in 5th Standard in May 1964 and left in April 1971 after my 11th. Thereafter I graduated (B.Sc) from Delhi University in 1974 and was commissioned into Indian Army (Artillery) in 1976. Unlike Infantry we keep changing our Regiments hence have served with almost all equipments (120mm Mortars, 105mm IFG, 130mm Med, 155mm Bofors & MBRL Grad BM 21). Along with the equipment profile the theatre of operations also kept changing from plains (Samba, Amritsar) to deserts (Jodhpur) to Mountains (Kupwara) to High Altitude (NEFA & Sikkim). I was lucky to see some action in Kupwara sector (a hotbed of terrorism and frequent artillery duels across LoC). Infantarians who have served in Machhal, Bor & Bugina sub sectors (28 Div) would know. I did my LGSC (a gunnery course) from School of Artillery, Devlali and thereafter went to DGQA (Directorate General of Quality Assurance). This was really a blessing in disguise as it is a Mins of Def (MoD) organisation and could lead a civilian way of life at Jabalpur (CQA-W) and Delhi (SQAE-A). The organisation dealt with lot of important issues like accident/defect investigations, import/export inspections, weapon/ammunition trials, material specifications and component drawings etc. All these pertained to weapons/armaments discipline and hence the tenure was both educative and enjoyable. I would like to mention that as a DGQA representative I was involved in two important projects, one an accident investigation of a Bofor’s barrel at Siachen Glacier that had burst during the Kargil War and another one with CVRDE, Avadi where they had mated a 155mm gun turret of the T-5 SP Gun of Denel (South Africa) with an ‘Arjun’ tank chassis, the field trials for which were held at Pokharan Ranges. I hung my boots a little early after 28 yrs of service and thereafter immersed myself into social work. I have been in the Rotary International District 3011 since 2004 (was President of my Club in 2010- 2011) and done numerous humanitarian projects. I am also running my own registered social organisation ‘Indian Bravehearts’ since 2014 and trying to help the Armed Forces fraternity in a small way. I have a small family - Madhumita (wife), Madhobi (daughter) and Saikat Sen (son-in-law). Son-in-law and daughter are in London and the remaining two of us are in Delhi Self and Wife Niece, Daughter & Son-in-law
JASWINDER SINGH MARWAH (JASSI) - 1098 - TH Joined NDA after passing out from school and in December 1976 I was commissioned into the MEG, that is the “Madras Engineering Group”. I did my Degree in Engineering from the College of Military Engineering, Pune. Left the army prematurely, and since 1987 have served with various multinational companies. I run a business in housekeeping and facility services in Delhi. Now leading a retired life at Delhi. Have two sons - both are independent right now.
NVS MURTHY - 1099 - NH (1972) (2020) Joined school in 1964 in 6th standard and passed out along with 1971 batch. After a year at college, joined Indian Air Force in 1973, in the ranks, in the technical branch . Served for 20 years and took premature retirement in 1993, in the rank of Sergeant . Joined Canara Bank in the year 1994 and served mostly in southern states before retiring as a manager in 2014. Married to Vijaya Lakshmi and blessed with a daughter Preethi and son Rohit . Settled at Hyderabad. Presently staying with my son at Bangalore, since 2016.
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED P.P.SUKUMARAN - 1100 - TH Dad being in the Air force, entry into school was like getting back home. I recall being relieved to get out of home and dad's strict regime. Oh! What a disappointment! Induction into school was like jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Well, the cross over actually turned out to be a “Road Less Travelled”. On reminiscing, the life at school has always remained a life changing experience and memory. Though from an academic perspective I was a no good, flunked in 9th and just managed to scrape through with a borderline 3rd class in HSC. Took the motto “Play the Game” seriously and kept playing games seriously, hockey, table tennis, football and athletics, and did well in boxing. However, I learnt all that was not taught in the Military School, Bunking, Fudging, Ragging, getting ragged, innovative mischief-“designed and delivered the lungi party” and also the famous Graffiti on our Masters. Shameful though in all this, I now recall was also an out of norm personality building intervention in my life, which in today's behavioral jargon we calf the ESTJ type or in lay man's term Street Smart. I also seemed to have developed some sort of an out of the box characteristics which turned out tobe my Values and Beliefs - “Giving and Forgiving”. Out of school, college was just an extension of school with a mini-Georgian gang Ravi (1040), Davis (1109), TK (1088) and self. No classes, proxy attendance and chilled out fife - managed to scrape through but this time it was on time with a glorious IIIrd class. PG onwards, it was a game changer - played the game differently which was to get competent and competitive. Stepping into the corporate world was both challenging and exciting. Initial 10 years of PSU, the next 10 years totally family run business and the next 10 years in a totally family run promoter run professional Enterprise. In these 30 years I've learnt to manage large work forces of 1 lakh plus, did end to end HR/IR, re- engineered and transformed businesses, ran a fairly large business and moved out to help organization in a “Good to Great” journey. Given this work Ex. I spent the next 15 years in helping the lesser known organizations and brands to scale up and professionalize. Parallelly, I also managed to devote significant time working for certain social causes both at the strategic and operational level. Come May ‘21, I hope to give 100% of my time and energy for the cause of the society especially in the area of rural empowerment and schizophrenia. Hope to sign off on the note of giving back to society (of which both my schools (PG&BMS) are a part. All excited and anxiously looking forward to meeting our old batch mates at our 50th year celebrations.
NALIN KANT - 1102 - NH Joined the school in 1964 and passed out in 1971. Was the school Captain during the year 1970-1971. Been a sportsman all my life, and excelled in several sports. Did my BSc.(Maths) and M.Sc.(Statistics) from Delhi University and M.Sc. (Defence Studies) from Staff College, where also got the Scudder’s medal for best all-around performance. Served the Indian Navy for 21 years, and left the Navy as a Captain. Commanded two frontline ships which was great experience and had utmost satisfaction. Presently a Director with ARI (Applied Research International) which is amongst the leading makers of Marine Simulators in the world. I head the simulator training division and associated with several shipping companies for their customized training needs. Have worked as an external consultant with the International Maritime Organization, to conduct programs on “Train the Simulator Trainer” at international locations. The love for sports that the school gave us continued throughout my life. I played Squash at Services and was a yachtsman at the National level. With age, shifted to Golf and was ranked no.2 in Indian Seniors. Was in the Indian team for 5 years, playing the Asia Pacific Circuit. I am also a qualified international level referee for Golf and did several Asian and European events. Settled in Noida with my wife, Abha, who is a retired scientist from the field of Agricultural Research. We both are associated with several social projects and run a trust to help street children pushed into drug trade. One such child is an Engineer working in France. Look forward to meeting you all at the Golden Jubilee.
PRABHU DAYAL PATIAR (Moti Billi) - 1103 - RH 1964 Air Wing 1968 In College 25 years old 50 years old .....and now I was born in a fauji family on 15th May 1955 at Gwalior. Joined King George School in 1964 in the 5th standard, and passed out in 1971. Went on to pursue Mechanical Engineering from NIT (erstwhile REC), Rourkela. Awarded Gold Medal for securing highest marks in the University, amongst all the branches of Engineering. Got admission into several Universities in the US to do MS. There was a great tussle in the mind whether to stay back in India or chase the American dream. Eventually, decided to stay back, and did my M.Tech from IIT, Madras in 1978. Worked in the corporate sector at: (a) Macneill & Magor, Chennai (b) Chowgule Matrix, Hyderabad (c) Goodyear India, Delhi (d) Fouress Engineering, Bangalore. I quit my last job around 30 years back, to be on my own. Am still leading a very active professional life by representing 2 Engineering companies, to handle their technical and commercial matters. My family comprises the following:- • Wife, Poonam (from Delhi): Taught at Hyderabad Public School, after marriage. Subsequently became a home-maker. Has passion for Sketching, Painting & Crafts. • Daughter, Namrata (MBBS, MD). Married to Mayank Saini (BE, MBA). Kids - Vihana & Nevaan • Son, Kartik (BE, MBA). Married to Vibhuti (CA). Kids - a pair of twin boys, Aarit & Reyansh I love creating projects out of scrap and left over materials. My granddaughter keeps throwing challenges at me, which has resulted in me making several items for her: Bed with cup-cake head-board, Ear phones, Electric Iron, WC, Racing Car, Refrigerator, TV, Microwave Oven, Kitchen Counter with Sink & Gas Stove, Wardrobe, Dining Table with chairs, etc. etc. For me, life as a Bangalore Georgian in the 1960s and 1970s cannot be complete without acknowledging Mr. C. Ralph Mitchell (our House Master, Scouts Master & English Teacher). The Scout Camps in the jungles, and the ghost stories narrated by Mr. Mitchell, remain permanently etched in my memory. He left an indelible impression in our minds. I am, therefore, tempted to share my marks card and an annual report signed by him. I also wish to pay a tribute to him by posting herewith one of his iconic photos doing the tap dance. I am settled at Bangalore for over 35 years, with life now revolves around the four grand-children.
As Ms. Gladys in a drama Marks Card 1967 Mr. Mitchell (tap dance) GRAND-CHILDREN Vihana Nevaan Reyansh & Aarit
MURALIDHARAN NAIR - 1112 - TH My life after school Passed out in 1971. Joined college in Alappuzha, Kerala for graduation. After graduation, joined IMA in January 1975, did my para jumps, commissioned in July 1976 into AAD at Deolali. Did my courses including LGSC. Tenure with SFF (recently in newspapers being deployed against China) - deployed in central glacier in Siachen, then commanded both Zulu column and Victor Columns of SFF, had a tenure with CQA at Khamaria, Jabalpur, a tenure with Rashtriya Rifles. After retirement, enjoyed getting into tourism using my house as a homestay. Majority of clients were foreigners. Enjoyed playing badminton, boat rides and morning walks with them. Stopped it after 5 years to relax and sit back. I married in 1982, have two daughters, both working in corporates, elder married and have a granddaughter now three and half years old; younger not yet married. Blessing in disguise - because of covid19 so both working from home, hence both at present with me! I suspect serving at high altitude (the Siachen glacier) has affected my memory as I grow older for I find I have to write down things as soon as possible to keep tag. But that is not a problem since I am leading a retired life and now only looking forward to visiting tourist sites. Did UAE, Kenya, Australia, Vietnam, Andamans. Maldives trip cancelled by covid19 after hotel rooms had been booked!! With wife, daughters, son-in-law, granddaughter and mother-in-law
JAICHAND WILSON - 1113 – TH (At school) (Myself, Nandi, Suku, Nirmal & Ravichandra) (Subroto Cup Football Team) (Standing 2nd from right) My life after school Passed out in 1971. Joined college in Jabalpur (MP). After graduation in 1974, I joined Indian Ordnance Factories (IOFS)-Grey Iron Foundry, Jabalpur and served for 40 long years in various capacities in the same organization and finally retired from service on 31/01/2014. In between, I had been trying for transfer to Avadi (Chennai) which didn't materialize. Col. Dass and Col. Muralidharan Nair served in GCF-OF, Khamaria, Jabalpur. I really feel sorry that I couldn't meet them there, as I used to visit both these factories quite often. I was married in the year 1980 and am blessed with 2 sons. Both are serving in the Army. My elder son is Lt.Col. Prem Wilson with 4 Dogra and younger son Lt.Col. Praveen Wilson with 2 Grenadiers - both married and settled . We are blessed with three grandchildren - all going to school. So now, we husband and wife are enjoying a retired life in Jabalpur. (With wife) (Family photo with both sons, their wives and children)
YOGI THAMI - 1125 - NH Even today, if I hear a bugle, I wake up, gosh that morning wake up and get ready for PT. I graduated in 1972, (should have been ‘71 but I had to repeat class 10). I had no desire to join the armed forces, and my dad was really disappointed. It was the sixties, Woodstock, Rock and Roll and there we were with crew-cut and in khaki. I wanted to study Medicine. Ramesh Dalwani and I went and got the application form from St. John medical college. Returned home to Darjeeling, and the reality hit, my Dad’s monthly income was Rs.400. Dream of medical school just dissolved in disappointment. Dad suggested I go to Kathmandu & join college there as there were lots of scholarships like Colombo plan. I did two years ISc. and applied for scholarship. Sadly with the country ruled by Brahmin, rampant corruption and nepotism I didn’t make it though I had the grade. This left me in a total mess. It was the seventies and Kathmandu was full of hippies, so I joined the crowd and spent a year in freak street. That was the best time of my life: sex, drugs and rock & roll. I used to correspond with late BB Arun, 1214. One day I got a letter from him saying not to lose hope and get back to college and finish BSc. That’s what I did. I worked as a croupier in casino at night and attended classes during day. After graduating I took a job as a white-water river guide. Rafting became my passion. Rafted in Nepal and in 1979 I was selected to join a rafting expedition in Papua New Guinea. We did the first descent of Strickland river from the source to the ocean. At one point we lost a raft and were marooned for 3 days, & the Australian Air Force helicopter rescued us. 1980, Back in Nepal, I was assigned as a Manager for Ladakh Sarai, a tourist resort in Stok Ladakh. While there, I
organized a rafting trip down the Zanskar river. Just on the second day, below the Zangla village, both the raft flipped and luckily all the members were able to swim on the left bank. Everything floated down, we found a cave and all of us huddled and spent two nights. On day 3 Indian Air Force helicopter rescued us. Continued working for tiger tops mountain travel in Nepal and India. On one of the raft trips, met my wife. Moved to US in 1985 - married, joined Boston University and graduated with masters in public health MPH. Worked for a year with Dept of Public Health and just didn’t like working in US. In 1987 got job as public health coordinator with International Rescue Committee (IRC) worked for Afghan refugees based in crazy Peshawar. 1990 moved to Malawi and worked for Mozambican refugees. 1992 I joined Save the Children and worked for a year in Somali land as health planning advisor – the craziest and scariest year of my life. After this, took a two year break and travelled around Europe. 1996 joined IRC and worked in Cambodia on rehabilitation of returning refugees. 1998 was hired by WHO worked as provincial health advisor till 2002. Transferred to regional health office Manila worked for 3 miserable in this bureaucratic office. Then moved to Banda Ache and worked on post tsunami relief and rehabilitation of health services. In 2007 posted as PMO program Management officer in Vanuatu. 2008 moved to Samoa then 2009 moved to Papua New Guinea and 2010 turned 55 and took early retirement. Now I am settled in San Antonio TX and enjoying a leisurely retired life pursuing my hobbies painting, poetry, pottery, play guitar and golf. Life been good no regrets.
NAND KISHORE (Nandi) - 1131 - TH - 1964 to 1971 Starting as little droplets (Georgians) fresh and unpolluted, we joined the various streams and rivers working our way to the vast oceans of life. Sure we all had tumultuous, jubilant and colourful experiences along our journey, one of them was mine which I wish to humbly share with you. 1971 – Joined the Training ship Dufferin/Rajendra the first rung of the Merchant Navy, worked my way up through various ranks, criss crossing the oceans and most enjoyably rubbing shoulders with the human race that belonged to every colour, creed and nationality. 1981 – Completed my Captains exams in the UK, carrying on to complete a 2 year marine mgt course in Plymouth. Being a shippy and a Georgean (Ofcourse), was difficult to keep away from the opposite gender,
so met with a beautiful English girl which resulted in an adventurous and joyful married life for 36yrs until she unfortunately had to leave me for a place of intrigue some call heaven. Upon completing my thesis on “Factory Ships” I was short-listed for a two million UK grant, however the professors and their business associates of the Cranfield university did not consider me to be an ideal candidate. Plod on they say – Failed again in my export venture from the Uk to the Gulf, which helped me decide if I was to support my now pregnant wife I better go back to what I know so joined the British fleet and sailed as Captain mainly on high speed catamarans and Passenger/ RoRo ferries. I have to admit being a 36 hour week had plenty of free time so I decided to qualify and run my own Independent Financial Consultancy and successfully sold my company in 1999. Had to spend more time in India due to my elderly Mum, hence changed my tack and joined a dutch company and was contracted to Oil Majors like Shell and Total in Nigeria working as a Pilot. 2007 to 2016 – With the Dutch company I took up the position of Country/Contracts manager and was contracted to Oil Majors , Large Mining companies and ran their Marine dept, in countries like Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leonne, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea. My moment of honour and near death – When the militant attack on the largest Shell Offshore terminal in Africa (Bonny) was underway, I unfortunately happened to be on seat, however successfully managed to negotiate with the militants, reducing loss of life, loss of assets and avoided serious pollution on the west coast of Africa. My boys as I called them very kindly honoured me with a Nigerian Chieftain title and as the British SAS were involved in the final moments of bringing the kidnapped home, they generously commended me for my negotiation skills. Since a number of you are Fauji’s if I may share this story as there was always a niggly feeling in me as what it would be like, as an officer in the armed forces. Whilst in Nigeria there was a moment in my life I truly felt like an army commander, of which I was fearful though relished the moment for a weak. I literally had the Nigerian army and Navy units assigned to the Bonny Island Terminal under my leadership – due to the National Maritime Union strike, who threatened to kill me, block the terminal,tugs and export tankers from operating. My company tugs,pilots offshore crews were in the midst of this hence my involvement. Kudos to the Fauji’s amongst us as I better appreciate the bravery, risks and decision making involved in your job. 2017 to now – Semi retired however carried out freelance work for about 3 months in a year as POAC/Mooring Master conducting Ship to Ship transfer Operations of Oil and Gas offshore worldwide. May I end by saying we are all now bobbing along in the ocean of a mature life and (some amongst us and proudly so) are not shy of shouting out loud to do their best to reunite our young souls bonded by the Georgian spirit of friendship and the least I could do to help is in posting my humble story in the relationship of camaraderie. (All I want to remember is the gulli-danda we used to play, the poly-mangoes at the back gate, the vadas and dosas at Breeze, bunking for cinemas at Rex and many more childish but moments of sheer exultation.) My Salaams and Best wishes to all of you. God Bless.
In my Mallu uniform with my other son, Tubby Nathan, his partner, and in-laws (or should I say out-laws)
K.KISHAN MANDANNA - 1133 – TH Studied at KGS/BMS/ RMS from 1964 to 1971, passed out in 1971. Also Known as Robert Clive. At school was Middle Dorm Leader/Prefect. Was an active participant in Scouts, Aero- Modelling, Hockey, Basketball, Football (was a Member of the school team which participated in Subroto Mukerjee Football Tournament at Delhi- (Photo with Chief of Naval Staff attached), was in the Drama Club (staged Play-Man of Destiny-Shakespeare’s Long Play- directed by Sri S. Natarajan). Was a member of The Horse Work Team, Cross country running, Debates/Elocution, NCC Air Wing, and School Band. After passing out from school (was in the Science stream in School, weak in Maths). Completed my Degree in Economics-Major in First Class Distinction. Awarded GOLD MEDAL by Mysore University-(photo receiving the Gold Medal from Governor of Karnataka attached.) Thereafter, completed Post Graduation in Business Management and Marketing Management with Distinction. After completing the course at Air India Staff College, Mumbai, worked with a Travel, Import/Export company for 2 years-was posted in South East Asian countries. In 1981-Joined a Public Sector Giant Paper, Newsprint and Sugar Mill, under the Commerce & Industries Department, as a Management Trainee and rose to the position of Head-Marketing. Was posted all over the country. Managed entire gamut of operations, Production-Plan, Product Development, Recruitment, All India Dealer Network, Evolving Marketing Strategy, Fund-Management, Product Launch, ISO Auditing, and Export. Interaction with Government and Large Newspaper Publishing Houses. Part of High Power committee in Printing of State Govt. Text Books and Note Books .Worked with senior bureaucrats. Opted for VRS in 2010, after 30 Years of Service. Became a Business Advisor and Marketing Consultant-Paper Industries. Presently working as Consultant for various Business Organizations in Paper/Paper Mills in respect of Project Implementation, Evolving Marketing Strategies for various Paper Mills, Production Planning vis-à-vis Market Supply/Demand, Data Bank, Export-Imports etc.
Also Director/Advisor of a Paper Importing Company. Was a Guest Faculty Member/Subject Specialist in Marketing, for MBA Students of a Premier Business School. Travelled across the Globe, on Business and pleasure. As a wildlife enthusiast travelled across the African continent. Hobbies-Travel and playing Harmonica. My wife, Indira, was a School Teacher for over 25 Years, and has been my great advisor, companion and support. We have a daughter, Disha, who is a Software Engineer and pursued a programme at Harvard Business School after her Engineering in India. My son-in law is also a Software Engineer. Both of them work in US and India. We are Bangalore based and keep travelling to Coorg often as we also manage some property at Coorg. Mob - 9008343223 E-mail:[email protected]
L.S.RAVICHANDER - 1137 - TH (Kind Courtesy - Jaichand Wilson) (On the way to Dolma La–Kailash) (Standing at the extreme right, next to Nirmal) I joined school in 1964 and passed out in 1971. School was a indeed great opportunity to develop and grow. We were 4 feet something then. Along the way I developed a passion for reading encouraged by “Shakes”, Ms. Sumitra our librarian who always had a new book during every visit of mine to the library. Memories of various escapades keep drifting by; Each memory triggering a Kaleidoscopic flash of players of/in the game. I participated in the play by George Bernard Shaw, Man of Destiny, along with Nandi (Napoleon) as Giuseppe Grandi, Kishan Mandanna (as the Lieutenant) and our very own Jassi. as the mysterious Englishwoman. I joined NCC Air Wing in 1968. I owe a lot to each of my teachers who had a role in my development. Left school in first week April 71 and seen off by Yogi and Late Ashok Krishna. Joined NDA in June 71 and was commissioned in Dec 1975 in EME. (My first tenure was in North East in Narangi and Meghalaya). I went on to complete my Engineering with MVS at CME Pune and MCEME Secunderabad… Into the great wide open,under the sky so blue a rebel without a clue Within weeks I was lying under the open desert sky filled with stars and the deafening silence! Spent two years packed with work in the desert and plains of Punjab with 140 Composite AD Regt. The work was good, the camaraderie greater… I opted out for a deputation to OIL INDIA LTD. Being a civilian under Army Act !!! I was thirsting for a different experience and got it in spades. This was the time of the Assam Agitation 1979-1984 and we were to revive the sagging confidence of employees of OIL by working shoulder to shoulder with them. Welcome to the land of fermented betel nut and rice beer. English and Hindi were not much of a currency for communication, but betel nut and betel leaf were great items to carry and offer. You chewed and spoke in your turn and nodded sagely to the recommendations before acting. There was a positive glow of acceptance by the workers and executives alike when you were one of them. Fermented betel nut is heady stuff. I learnt a smattering of Assamese and progressed gradually in communication with my team. I was assigned to maintain Gas Compressors (Gas injectors, Gas lifters and Gas boosters) to support the production in OCS (oil collecting stations) and oil wells. The work was hard, but we partied harder. Upper Assam was full of tea
estates and clubs. Club meets started in November and went on till mid Jan. Each trying to outdo the other in invites and offers. Driving back with fog lights with clear skies but fog at treetop level was scary. We managed without a bump… thank god for that!! Switched over from services to operations. I was apprenticed as a Drilling Engineer in 1983. Had to undergo three intense months of working at all jobs including cleaning the drilling deck, working the slips, thribble board, power tongs and the catwalk before I was allowed the control of the brake. Oil Well drilling is a 24x7 operation in 8-hour shifts. If it rained, well you continued drilling. OIL India was going into offshore exploration, so I had the opportunity to be on ONGCs BHN platform off the Bombay coast for two weeks to understand the processes. It was a rich and humbling experience. My deputation ended in 1983. After a training sojourn on Armored Vehicles was with 89 Armored Regt till 1987 in Samba and Mamun. Marriage to Meera in Nov1984. My elder son Gautham born in 1985. I switched to aircraft maintenance as Army Aviation came into being in the Army. After my Training I was initially posted to Bhuj thereafter the flight was inducted into Sri Lanka as a part of IPKF and based in Vavuniya. I was de-inducted from Sri Lanka in Mar 1990 and continued with Aviation in Jallandhar (My younger son Karthik was born in 1991) thereafter, a stint at Fort William, Calcutta. Moved to Ladakh in 1995 and stayed till 1997. Meera and my kids were with me in the high-altitude tenure in Partapur except in Nov Dec & January. They were fully acclimatized. We travelled to the many beautiful areas in Ladakh. The Gompas, the lakes and Passes. Every bend in the road was a divine view. Was able to fly to SG, CG and NG as well as SSN as a part of my Aviation Maintenance functions. The Glacier and the mountain ranges were very picturesque. It was an extremely humbling experience to see our soldiers manage in winters and the shared camaraderie displayed by them. Posted to Nagrota during Kargil ops. Voluntary retirement in 1999. Joined HAL, Helicopter Division in August 2000 in Quality Assurance till April 2007. I joined UNMIS (United Nations Mission in Sudan) in May 2007.Mission life is extremely challenging. A mix of international and local staff. On independence of South Sudan, moved to UNMISS. Travelled to Uganda, Kenya as part of UNMISS. I underwent training at UNLB, Brindisi, Italy. Interacted with UNDP, IRC, WFP(The entire Alphabet soup) in support of the Mission Mandate. I continued till my retirement in 2017. My wife is a Child Psychologist. She worked in the Bangalore University teaching post graduate students. In 1997 she switched track and decided to work directly training children and adults with Special Needs. She is Heading ASHA Centre, Bangalore since 2003. Both my sons moved to Philadelphia after ISC and studied there for Graduation at Drexel. My elder son completed his MIB from Tufts in Boston and is back in India. He is Director, Policy in E governments Foundation, an NGO based in Bangalore. He is married to Devi, an entrepreneur working in the farming sector My younger son is in New Jersey consulting for Axletree Solutions. Completely retired now and am resorting to travelling by road to various places along with my wife whenever the opportunity arises. Done three Kailash Yatras in 2017, 2018 and 2019 with the grace of God.
(Meera and self at the Source of the Nile-Lake Victoria) (Retirement 2017) (Gautham and Devi at Loktak Lake–Imphal) (Karthik in ALASKA Jan.2020)
THOMAS MATHEW - 1145 - NH After finishing school I did my bachelors in commerce at St. Joseph’s college, Tiruchi in Tamil Nadu. Was also fortunate to be a member of the college hockey team there. After college moved to Bombay and worked as an assistant stock analyst at JM Financial & Investments Co. for about two years. Since my parents were in Kuwait I moved to Kuwait in 1980. I worked as an Accounts Assistant for a private company for about three years and then moved to a better job in accounts at the Kuwait National Petroleum Co. Got married in 1985. Everything was going good until the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. The Iraqis did not intentionally hurt any of the Indians but there was no law and order in the country and the situation was quite dangerous. About a month after the invasion, we were able to leave Kuwait. The Indian embassy arranged busses for us to depart. The bus was to take us to Amman, Jordan to fly out from there to India. The bus departed Kuwait and took us to Iraq where we stayed a night in a hotel. The next morning they took us to Jordan and put us in camps along the no-man’s land border between Iraq and Jordan. We were about thirty people in a tent.
Stayed in a couple of camps for about eight days in the deserts in Jordan before the UN was able to arrange flights to Bombay. From Bombay they put us in a train to get back to Kerala. In January 1993 the company I worked for in Kuwait called me back. We lost a lot of our stuff but managed to get back to our previous apartment and settle down. In 1995 I moved to the American Embassy as an accountant I was later promoted to the Voice of America (VOA) Station as a Management Analyst. It was an interesting job though I had a lot of responsibilities and was always busy. Since we managed the budgets of VOA Stations in the Gulf area and Africa, I had the opportunity to go on official trips to various countries for training and to clear accounting and other official matters. Was a frequent visitor to Jordan. Couple of trips to Germany, France, US and Morocco. In 2017 after having worked for twenty two years for the VOA under the American Embassy I decided to quit and come back to India. Since I had worked for the US Government for so long we did have the option to get a special immigration visa to move and settle in the US. My wife was not very interested and so decided to return and settle down in Kochi. We have two children, my daughter finished her degree from the US and is now working in Kuwait as a Senior Merchandiser for a reputed company. My son is working in Bangalore for an American financial company called Northern Trust. We are now settled in Cochin since 2017. Trying hard to acclimatise to this place and enjoy our retired life.
SHYAM KUMAR - 1163 - NH (On the right, with Gold Medal, during POP at IMA) (In the centre, with Silver Gun Trophy) I, Col Shyam Kumar (Retd) joined K G School, Bangalore on 20 Jan 1965 in 5th class. I was good in mathematics & therefore took science stream in school. I passed HSc from school in Apr 1971 & continued further studies in Kanpur. Destiny isn’t in one’s hand. My ambition during school days at Bangalore was to become an engineer. I, therefore had declined to appear for NDA Entrance Exam during school days. In 1972 after finishing class 12, I joined Apprentice Training School (ATS), Bhopal. After my training, I applied for commission & was selected in 1977. After four years of training in IMA Dehradun, I got commission in Jun 1981. I stood first in the order of merit in ACC Wing and was awarded Chief of Army Staff’s Gold Medal. I Joined 28 Air Defence Regiment (Army Air Defence) in 1981. During our Young Officer’s course, I stood first and was awarded Silver Gun trophy. It may be highlighted that my unit, 28 A D Regiment was raised on 14 May 1956 and till date I am the only officer who has won Silver Gun in YO’s Course. I served at various postings in Army for 27 years & then took pre-mature retirement on 18 Mar 2008. I did my Executive MBA from MDI, Gurgaon in 2008. I then joined Cairn India Multinational Company (first off shore oil Extraction Company in India) at Barmer, Rajasthan & worked for 2 Years. Later I joined DLF Gurgaon & worked for next 3 years. In 2016 I joined Colliers Company & worked for short instinct of 6 months. Finally in 2016 I took a decision to relax at home. My wife (Sajni) was a regular Hindi teacher in Kendriya Vidyalaya. She taught for 28 years and then took retirement in 2014. I have two children. My daughter who is elder is MA (English), M.Phil and is married to an Air Force doctor. He has done super specialization in Gastroenterology & is presently holding Gp Capt rank and commanding 11 AF Hospital, Hindon. My son has done BTech, MBA and PhD in cloud computing from IIT, Kanpur in 2016. In Jun 2002, he was selected for NDA Course Ser 108 at Khadakwasla. He suffered serious injury on left knee (complete ACL Tear) during a Football match in NDA and was medically boarded out in 3rd Term. Presently he is teaching in Neoma Business School as Associate Professor at Reims (France). Both kids have two children. I am settled at Gurgaon.
(Interacting with Field Marshall Cariappa, at IMA) (From the school archives) (L to R : Son Shivam, Wife Sajni, Daughter Simmi & I) (Wedding of daughter Simmi with Ajay, 2001) (Sitting : Wife, Sajni) (Sitting:Son Shivam, DIL Divanya–with twins-Sanvi & Divit-2019) (Standing : L to R : Son, Daughter & I) (Standing: L to R: Wife, Daughter, Granddaughters, SIL & I)
RAN SINGH KADIAN - 1192 - RH Dear Georgian mates, I passed out in 1971. Graduated from Delhi University. Commissioned in Infantry. Retired as a selection grade Colonel after commanding 4 different units and a stint in Sri Lanka. I earned a gallantry medal there. Was in Bangalore to raise a new unit and that was my golden period. I was fortunate to proudly serve my Alma Mater during this period. Had the opportunity to organise GTGs of our Georgian mates and re-live my childhood. Got married in 1981 and blessed with daughters and son. My wife, Mrs. Santosh has brought good luck and charm in life. I thank my “langotiya” mate for recommending her. Now leading a fruitful retired life in Delhi. Adieu friends, till we meet.
JOSE (Jopu) - RH - 1193 (In a school pic – I’m on the extreme right) (Dorothy, Chacko, Ousep, Me & Reena) I didn’t do particularly well in school- they kept failing me in Hindi (it caused a huge mental block against the language) & I also had a torrid relationship with Mr. Rege - both when he was the AO & later the Principal. After leaving school, I took a one year sabbatical, to look after our coffee estate in Sakleshpur, Karnataka & also to be trained in all aspects of coffee cultivation. During this time I did a short course at the Coffee Research Station, Balehonnur, Karnataka - again for a deeper understanding of coffee/pepper cultivation. I then joined the Madras Christian College or MCC, as it is commonly known, to graduate in Economics. (I incidentally did very well in Hindi there). I then went back to the coffee estate & was there till 1977. My father passed away in 1977, & I then had to come back to Kerala to take over the properties here. I have been here since, looking after our Rubber plantations. I still travel to Sakleshpur to check on our coffee plantation, though not as often as I would like. We ran a home stay from 1996 for almost 12 years ( amongst the first to introduce this concept to Kerala, I think). We had guests mainly coming from the UK, who were very well versed on Indian & Kerala history, in particular - so had to study our history. It was like being back in school & I regretted I didn’t take history in school. I am married to Reena, & am blessed with 2 boys. The elder one, Chacko is married to Dorothy & both of them work in Dubai. The younger one is working in Mumbai & isn’t married as yet. Planters can never retire, till the children decide to take over. Both my boys show absolutely no inclination to do so, hence I’m still slogging away. I’m quite a keen golfer & manage to get in a game at least once a week. Most other days I play tennis. I’m presently the President of the Idukki District Tennis Association. Looking forward to meeting up with everyone once the pandemic abates.
JAI PRAKASH AHLAWAT (Jay Pee) - 1194 - RH (Then) (Now) (Self -Portrait) Joined school - 1965 Class - 6th Passed out in batch - 1971 Graduation - 1975 Got commissioned in IA - 1978 Hung boots – 2009 Worked as an Administrator in DPS, Delhi – 2009 to 2016 Got married in the year - 1979 Wife profession - Teacher Children - Two daughters – Married Retired and settled at Delhi JAI HIND
RAVINDER (Ravi) RAWAT - 1198 - RH Joined School in July 1965. Whilst at School, followed the School Motto 'PLAY THE GAME' in true Spirits hence was in School Swimming, Gymnastics, Athlete (Best Junior Athlete 1968) and Football Team that reached the Semi-finals of Subroto Cup in 1970 at Delhi. Joined NDA in Jan. ‘72 and was commissioned on 21st Dec ‘75 in to the most sought after Infantry Regiment...'The Gorkha Regiment:8 Gorkha Rifles'. Joining King George's School, NDA and The Gorkha Regt was like 'Dream Come True'. Enjoyed the Army Life thoroughly by sincerely following the School Motto added with 'Sheelam Param Bhushanam'. Was very fortunate to have served in beautiful hill stations of India like Palampur (HP), J & K (03 tenures), Shillong, Mizoram (02 tenures), Shimla, Dehradun, Kalimpong (Darjeeling) and Gangtok (Sikkim). Tipu visited almost all the places to check whether I was really posted there. Superannuated from the Army, after almost 34 years of service, on 31st Jul 2009. Though, upgraded my education, to ‘Masters in Personnel Management' from Pune University but decided to continue to don the Uniform for 03 more years on Re- Employment. Thereafter, did not feel the desire and the need to opt for a Second Career in the Civil Street. Got married to Miss Anita Rana on 13th Apr 1984 (Tipu again came to check whether I was really getting married). We are blessed with two daughters - Nitasha and Diksha. Settled in our home town at Dehradun, playing Golf almost 04 to 05 times and partying once a week. Looking forward to meet all Georgians, especially those whom I have not met since leaving the School.
NARENDER SINGH SAMANT - 1205 - RH (At NDA) (With wife Sudha) Joined the School on 26th July 1965 in the 6th standard. Performed fairly well at studies, after negotiating the initial hurdle of the English language. Learnt to play all the games that the School offered, though making it to any of the School teams remained a distant dream. Was a Sergeant of the NCC Army Wing and the House Captain, Rajaji House. Left the School in December 1970 to join the NDA. The training at the NDA, and later at the IMA, was smooth-thanks to our School background and grooming. Physical fitness and mental toughness developed at the School, combined with the ability to play games, stood me in good stead. Was commissioned in December 1974 into the 12th Battalion, The Garhwal Rifles. Commenced my Army career at our Regimental Centre at Lansdowne in Garhwal and in July 1975 joined my Battalion, at Ranchi. As a young Infantry officer, did my share of foot soldiering in the deserts of Rajasthan, hills of Uttarakhand, plains of Central India, on the Line of Control in J&K and combating insurgency in Manipur and Punjab. Besides the mandatory Army courses, attended the Defence Services Staff College Course at Wellington (TN) and in the process earned M Sc (Defence Studies) degree, my only academic qualification till date. Also did stints as staff officer in a Division and Brigade Headquarters and as an Instructor at the NDA. Took over the command of my Battalion in February 1994, at Harsil, a scenic place in the high altitude area of Uttarakhand, moved the Battalion to Gandhi Nagar in Gujarat, then
to Kupwara in North Kashmir, and finally moved on in September 1997, after a very satisfying command tenure of over three and a half years. Subsequently I was posted in a Counter Insurgency Force HQ in South Kashmir, from there as a Battalion Commander at the IMA, then at Eastern Command HQ at Kolkata, then as an Instructor at the Army War College, Mhow and finally commanded a Military Police Unit at Kathgodam, before my retirement from active service in Feb 2009. Took up re-employment with the Army for four years during which I was posted at Bareilly and Raiwala (Dehradun) and finally hung my uniform in February 2013. I was married in February 1982 to Sudha, a research scholar, who earned her PhD in Geography from the Kumaon University, Nainital. However, she gave up her academic career to become an Army wife and take care of the family, mostly single handedly, while I remained busy soldiering. We have two children. The elder, a daughter, is a Master in Hospital Administration and is a teaching faculty in a Medical College near Dehradun. She is married to an HR professional. They have a six year old daughter. The younger, my son, is a Major in the EME. My Daughter-in-law is an MBA, but presently busy taking care of their year old daughter. Post re-employment I worked for about four years, during which time I also settled down in a village on the outskirts of Dehradun. My wife and I are now busy taking care of our elder grand-daughter and enjoying a peaceful life in the quiet surroundings of the country side. Looking forward to meeting the Class of 1971, in December this year, at our Alma Mater. Daughter Shwetha With wife Sudha Son Arun SIL Nitendra DIL Himani Grand-daughter Devyani Grand-daughter Aarohi
ANIL TALLAM - 1217 - TH (1968) (Now) I joined the school in 1965 and left in 1969. I went back to Bombay and completed schooling in 1972. Came back to Bangalore (my native place) and completed my BA in 1977. I have been in my own business from 1981 to 1992 & thereafter from 1995 till date. I have 2 children. My Daughter is in US, having 2 children. My son is a CA. He is married and stays with me in Bangalore. .
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