FACTS TO KNOW

Hello friends,

Lalit Narayan has sent in a few interesting facts.
Some like "The quick brown fox.." may have been known to most of us, but the others are good knowledge. You could store them in your brain's computer to impress your friends.
Today would have been the last day of this month but being a leap year, you may enjoy one more day in your life.
I wonder how many of you know the names of people amongst us or famous personality who were born of 29th Feb.
One person whom everybody know is Morarji Desai. Besides him, who else.
And a teaser for mathematicians amongst us. What is the probaility of a person being born on the 29th Feb. Its great, still remaining 25 years old whilst your peers become 100.

Cheers

Radheshyam

A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.
A crocodile cannot stick out its tongue.
A dragonfly has a life span of 24 hours.
A goldfish has a memory span of three seconds.
A "jiffy " is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second.
A shark is the only fish that can blink with both eyes.
A snail can sleep for three years.
Almonds are a member of the peach family.
An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.
Babies are born without kneecaps.
They don't appear until the child reaches 2 to 6 years of age.
Butterflies taste with their feet.
Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds. Dogs only have about 10.
"Dreamt" is the only English word that ends in the letters "MT".
February 1865 is the only month in recorded history not to have a full moon.
In the last 4,000 years, no new animals have been domesticated.
If the population of China walked past you, in single file, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction.
If you are an average American, in your whole life, you will spend an average of 6 months waiting at red lights.
It's impossible to sneeze with your eyes open.
Our eyes are always the same size from birth, but our nose and ears never stop growing.
Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite.
Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated.
"Stewardesses " is the longest word typed with only the left hand and "lollipop" with your right.
The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing.
The cruise liner, QE2, moves only six inches for each gallon of diesel that it burns.
The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.
The sentence: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" uses every letter of the alphabet.
The winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid.
The words 'racecar,' 'kayak' and 'level' are the same whether they are read left to right or right to left (palindromes).
There are more chickens than people in the world.
There are only four words in the English language which end in "dous": tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous.
There are two words in the English language that have all five vowels in order: "abstemious" and "facetious."
Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur.
TYPEWRITER is the longest word that can be made using the letters only on one row of the keyboard.
Winston Churchill was born in a ladies' room during a dance.
Women blink nearly twice as much as men.
Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks; otherwise it will digest itself.

Value of Money

Hello friends,
Here is another of Lalit Narayan's hilarious stuff.
Its a good way to end Valentine Day's exchanges.

Radheshyam

One day, old man Jeetu and his wife Radhika went to the Illinois State Fair.
There is this man selling plane rides in his single prop show plane for $10 per person.
Jeetu looks to Radhika and says, "Radhika, I think I really should try that."
Radhika replies, "I know you want to Jeetu, but we have a lot of bills, and you know the money is tight, and $10 is $10."
So Jeetu goes without.
Over the next few years they return every year, and the same thing, Jeetu wants to ride, but Radhika says no money.
Finally, when Jeetu and Radhika are both about 70 years old, Jeetu looks to Radhika, and says, "Radhika, I'm 70 now, and I don't know if I'll ever get the chance again, so I just have to have a ride in that there airplane."
Radhika replies in the same old fashion, and Jeetu kind of slumps down.
The pilot is standing near by and overhears the conversation... The pilot pipes up, "Excuse me folks, I couldn't help but hear your situation, and I have a deal for you. I'll take both of you up together, and if you can both make the entire trip without saying a word, or even making the slightest sound, I'll give the ride for free. But if either of you make a sound, its $10 each."
Well, Radhika and Jeetu look at each other, and agree to take the ride.
The pilot takes them up, and starts to do loop de loops, twists, dives, climbs and spins. No sound. The pilot lands the plane, looks back at Jeetu and says, "Sir, I have to hand it to ya, you didn't make even the slightest sound and that was my best stuff."
Jeetu looks back at the pilot and says, "Well, I was gonna say something when Radhika fell out, but $10 is $10

Be My Valentine

Hi Friends
This is another present from Partha Sengupta. I really enjoyed it. So did my wife. Most of the words are Bengali words written in English script.
I think those who are connected with Bengal will enjoy it more.
A very apt way of expressing your feelings for your loved one on Valentine's Day.

Radheshyam

Tumi bhugal ami itihaash, tumi Paro ami Debdash;
Tumi Closeup ami Colgate, tumi Romeo ami Juliette;
Tumi Makaibari ami Wah Taj, tumi Shajahan ami Mumtaz;
Tumi Thuja ami Arnica, tumi Clinton ami Monica;
Tumi chiruni ami ayna, tumi Dodi ami Diana;
Tumi bulbul ami tota, tumi Buddha ami Mamata;
Tumi dherosh ami alu, tumi Rabri ami Lallu;
Tumi ucche ami potol, tumi Sonya ami Atal;
Tumi chips ami popcorn, tumi Phulan ami Birappan;
Tumi jilipi ami chumchum, tumi Suchitra ami Uttam:
Tumi hajmi ami toffee, tumi Andre ami Steffi;
Tumi khyal ami gazal, tumi Shahrukh ami Kajol;
Tumi CBI ami greftaar, tumi Sangeeta ami Azar;
Tumi santro ami ciello, tumi Desdemona ami Othello;
Tumi mach ami mangsho, tumi srishti ami dhangsho:
Tumi Ajit ami Mona, tumi Sourav ami Donna;
Tumi elish ami parshe, tumi Pheluda ami Topse;
Tumi dhakna ami shishi, tumi Katthak ami Orissi;
Tumi Sholay ami Bazigar, tumi Minar ami Chabighar:
Tumi boma ami grenade, tumi Mahakaran ami Brigade;
Tumi Omar ami Laden, tumi Salt Lake ami Eden ;
Tumi Only Vimal ami DCM, tumi Trinamul ami CPM;
Tumi Raju ami Gopal, tumi Bharat ami Nepal ;
Tumi galpa ami kobita, tumi Aishwariya ami Susmita;
Tumi OK ami fine, tumi aniyam ami ayeen;
Tumi bangla ami Hindi, tumi tip ami bindi;
Tumi uttejona ami kolahol, tumi cricket ami football;
Tumi jhamela ami gandagol, tumi Pk ami Amol;
Tumi gur ami chini, tumi hulo ami mini;
Tumi gaja ami khaja, tumi Rani Ami Raja:
Tumi botua ami pouch, tumi oof ami ouch;
Tumi babbah ami mago, tumi hyago ami ogo;
Tumi superb ami sorry, tumi lekho ami pori
Tumi sagar ami dheu. Tumi kukur ami gheu

Justice Delayed is Mob Lynching

A few days ago I had written about history repeating.
This time history repeats in Hajipur, Bihar.
In the first item “Lynch bid in cop custody” police had
taken one Ravi Kumar to hospital for treatment
after arresting him for stabbing his roommate.
The roommate died on the way to hospital.
Ravi was caught and assaulted by his neighbors and
the police rescued him and took him to hospital.
But the people, knowing of the connivance between the
police and the criminals, took the law into their hands.
They dragged him from the hospital, tied him with a rope
and beat him black and blue.
Doctors say only a miracle can save him.

The second item is about our President Mrs. Pratibha Patil, blaming the judiciary for the delay in justice, which is resulting in the people taking the law into their hands.

The third item is about the Chief justice of India, joining issue with the President, and saying that the finger should rather be pointed at the lack of good governance. That was the chief factor behind the scourge of delay in justice, he said.

I agree with the chief justice.
Where you have government by the corrupt, of the corrupt and for the corrupt, how can you expect justice?
The judiciary is also to be partly to be blamed.
They allow criminals, rapists and extorters to roam about on bail because of the money and political backing and the police conniving by not filing foolproof charge sheets.
One Somen or Himadri Sen Roy may have been arrested but many more will rise if this injustice and corruption continues.
Who is Somen?
He is supposed to be CPI (Maoist) Secretary, a top Maoist leader in Bengal.
Justice Delayed is no longer justice denied.
Justice Delayed is Mob lynching.
Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
There is no point is passing the buck.
The buck stops here, Mrs President.

Radheshyam

Messages from Old Boys 10

Msgs from Pat Peirce

Thanks Radheshyam!
I have the m/t plastic container, but I'm sure he can find another.
Was expecting to hear from him earlier, as he said his email would
soon be ' up and running. '
Pl. thank him very much for being so helpful, and for being a good friend.
Got back home on the 10th, after 2 glorious months in Hawaii with my
daughter and grandson, Evan, who turned 2 on the 2nd of Feb.
Will send some pics when I get organized.
Will be spending tomorrow in Vancouver with my old pal, Chick Lee,
who finished a year before me, 1956. He then did his Apprenticeship at
Greshams, and went out to sea.
Chick is very excited, and eager to see all the GMS photographs, etc..
Poor chap does not get around much, as he takes care of his wife, who has
Alzheimer’s.
C U later - Pat.

Hi Pat,
I have just spoken to Arjun.
He did not send the chip as he was afraid that it would have been damaged in post.
I have now advised him to pack it properly, may be with some hard plastic cover and cotton wool and send it.
He said he will do so this way.
I will inform you as soon as it is sent.
Are you still in Hawaii or have you come back to Canada?

Warm regards

Radheshyam


Hi Radheshyam!
Would you be so kind as to ask Arjun Biswas which address he sent my 256 mb San Disk chip to ?
I believe he mailed it.
Here is my addr. for verification:

238 - 34313 Forrest Terrace,
Abbotsford,
B.C.,
V2S 7L2,
Canada.

Many thanx !

Pat.
PS I see you have my name as Pat Pierce.
' Peirce ' is the correct spelling.
Not my fault. I was branded!!

Msg from Keith Wallace

Sorry Keith,
Your info has not reached me.
You have to save what you entered in a separate file and then attach the file to your email.
Just by entering in the form I sent and sending it back will not come to me.
The data being collected cannot be accessed directly.
If you would like the data of anybody, it will be made available to you immediately if you give me the Name and Year of Passing or last year in school (provided I have been given the data).
I can also tell you year wise, the names of all the boys whose data I have.
It will take some time to collect all the data.
I have so far collected only 35.
At the rate boys are sending their data, it will take me about a year and half to collect all the data.

Regards

Radheshyam

Congratulations on turning 60, make the most of any privileges you are given.
I have filled in my personal details but have forgotten how to access info by others. I need to see an example so I make as few errors as possible.
Keith W

Msg from Keith Hayward

Hello Keith,

Goethals does not have E-mail address. but Bro Beddoe the Principal does have one. It is MRBEDDOEATYAHOODOTCOM.
Mr. Lobo and Clifton will reply in due course. Different people take different time to reply. Since I am always with a computer, both at home and work, I try to reply immediately. Did you try the coriander chutney and chili pickle?
Have you read the 90/10 Principle I posted a few days ago?
Try it. It is beneficial.
I have explained the principle to my family.
Now whenever anybody gets angry, others immediately remind the angry person about the 90/10 principle.
This cools down the angry person instantly
I have not yet received your personal data in the form
Warm regards

Radheshyam

Hello Radheshyam
I have a Email Address for my Mobile
Phone ”KEITHHAYWARDATTHREEDOTCOMDOTAU” can you answer my Email to check it
works?
Also do you have an Email Address for Goethals?
Thanks,
Keith.
PS.I have sent Email letters to Matt Lobo & Clifton D'Aubney, but so far no
replies
Keith


Msg from Saibal Basu

Dear Saibal,

The souvenir is being sent to the address given by you.
I have not yet received the Personal Data Form, duly filled from you.
Do take some time, fill and send it.
This time during the centenary GMS did not give any personal invitation as they had not formed a data base.
We can excuse the school since they did not have the technology when we passed out.
But now they should not have that excuse.
The data will be collected and a copy sent to the school, according to surname and year of passing.
This time, who ever attended did so, by word of mouth and self invited for love of the school, not through any personal invitation from the school.
After the database is given to them, I hope they do not make this gaffe again.

Cheers

Radheshyam

Dear Mr. Sharma

Thank you for your assistance in procuring the centenary souvenir for me. I had literally given up all hope to ever obtain it. If possible, the souvenir can be sent to the following address in Kolkata

Saibal Basu
C/O Ms. Sucheta Chatterjee
7E Ballygunj Station Road
Kolkata – 700 019

Phone: 24611150

Warm Regards

Saibal



Msg from Manish Anand
HI....
I’m glad that such a work is being done...certainly I must say good job well done..!!! I definitely would like to say to all the Goethalites around the globe.....Lets serve our Alma Mater after all that’s what has brought about this feeling of pride....

HAPPY NEW YEAR...and DO ALL THINGS WELL!!

CHEERS....
Manish

Lessons in Logic

Hi friends,

The following lessons in Logic have been sent to me by Lalit Narayan (1991)
Lalit stays in Siliguri.
The logic is good and should be shared amongst us.
Lalit sends snippets & jokes quite often.
Those that I feel should be shared I shall put up.
Thanks Lalit for sharing.

Radheshyam

If your father is a poor man
It is your fate but,
If your father-in-law is a poor man,
It's your stupidity.

I was born intelligent -
Education ruined me.

Practice makes perfect.....
But nobody's perfect......
So why practice?

If it's true that we are here to help others,
Then what exactly are the others here for?

Since light travels faster than sound,
People appear bright until you hear them speak.?

How come "abbreviated" is such a long word?

Money is not everything.
There's Mastercard & Visa!!?

One should love animals.
They are so tasty!!?

Behind every successful man, there is a woman
And behind every unsuccessful man, there are two.?

Every man should marry.
After all, happiness is not the only thing in Life.

The wise never marry.
And when they marry they become otherwise.

Success is a relative term.
It brings so many relatives.

Never put off the work till tomorrow
What you can put off today.

"Your future depends on your dreams"
So go to sleep.

There should be a better way to start a day
Than waking up every morning.

"Hard work never killed anybody"
But why take the risk.

"Work fascinates me"
I can look at it for hours.

God made relatives;
Thank God we can choose our friends.

The more you learn, the more you know,
The more you know, the more you forget
The more you forget, the less you know
So.. Why learn?

A bus station is where a bus stops.
A train station is where a train stops.
On my desk, I have a work station....
What more can I say........

Love for Fellow Human Beings

Hi friends,

Here are two touching true-life incidents showing a daughter’s love for her father and how people who are disabled help each other.

Every day we hear and read of incidents where accident victims lie on the road, or ladies are harassed in buses or roads and we healthy people just walk away as if it was not our business.

These pieces should be eye-openers to shake our conscience.

Some time ago a man punished his 3-year old daughter for wasting a roll of gold wrapping paper.
Money was tight and he became angry when the child tried to decorate a box to put under the Christmas tree.
Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning and said, “This is for you, Daddy.”
He was embarrassed over his over-reaction earlier, but his anger flared again when he found that the box was empty.
He yelled at her, “ Don’t you know that when you give a present to someone, there’s supposed to be something inside it?”
The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and said,”Oh, Daddy, it’s not empty, I blew kisses into the box. All for you, Daddy.”
The father was crushed. He put his arms around the little girl, and he begged for her forgiveness.
An accident snatched away the life of the child only a short time later, and it is told that the man kept that gold box by his bed for many years and whenever he was discouraged, he would take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there.

In very real sense, each of us humans has been given a gold container filled with unconditional love and kisses from our children, friends, family, or God.

Don’t Cry, We are with you (Always strive for the benefit of all)

A few years ago, in Seattle, USA, a Special Olympics was organized.
On that day, nine contestants assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard race.
All the participants were physically or mentally disabled since birth, yet they had prepared to run the race.
When the gunshot was heard, they all started out, not exactly in a dash, but with the relish to run the race to the finish and win.
Some limped, some faltered; yet kept racing ahead.
All wanted to see who would reach first.
One by one, all were moving ahead, except one very small boy. He tried hard to walk ahead but then stumbled midway and fell down. And began to cry.
The other eight heard the boy cry. They slowed down and paused. Then they all turned around and started walking back towards the boy, every one of them. One girl with Down’s syndrome bent down, helped him to get up and kissed him and said, ”This will make you feel better.”
Then all the nine contestants linked arms and walked together to the finish line.
Everyone in the stadium stood up and applauded the children. The cheering went on for not less than ten minutes. The audience could never forget the scene.

History Repeating

It is not without cause that I am so much against the creatures called Politicians.
The headings of yesterdays Telegraph will tell you why.
The first one states, “ Cops gang rape girl, smashes her Head.”
The news informs how seven persons first gagged then raped and then killed an 11-year-old girl.
The culprits included were:
· Vinay Rai 45, RPF Jawan
· Pappu Kumar 32, Vendor
· Vinod Rai in 40’s, GRP
· J P Yadav in 40’s, Small time contractor
· Manoj Rai, GRP
Others are yet to be arrested. You will notice that three of the above are cops from the Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police
Seeing the above, I am not at all surprised to see the next Heading

“ Maoists 100 Km from Power hub”.

This describes how about 300 Maoists raided Nayagarh, a small town in Orissa, about 100 m from Bhubaneswar, the capital. They attacked the armoury and carried away 1000 weapons including AK-47’s, light machine guns and carbines, which were loaded on two vehicles they had hijacked. On the way back, they attacked two police stations, killing two more cops.
The rebels entered the town at around 10.30 pm. People were told not to come out of their houses. They were told they would not harm ordinary people. Their target was the police. A total of 14 policemen were killed.
While I sympathize with the family of the killed policemen, I have no sympathies for the police.
The Cops, Criminal and Politicians have formed a nexus to loot the people
They are now taking away land from the poor and giving it away to rich people in the name of development.
The gap between the rich and poor is increasing.
I had said earlier, when the poor do not find their grievance being attended, Maoism results.
This gap resulted in the propagation of Communism by Marx and Lenin.
Our so-called Communist comrades have now become capitalist after riding piggyback on the poor peoples aspirations.
The cycle has turned a whole round where our government supports capitalism completely.
We are now witnessing the birth of the fight back by the poor.

The 90/10 Principle

Hi friends,
Partha Sengupta has just sent me this piece about the 90/10 Principle.
I really liked it and am therefore sharing it with all of you.
This is exactly what all our Gurus teach us.
Steven Covey has put and explained it nicely.

Radheshyam

Discover the 90/10 Principle
Author: Stephen Covey

It will change your life (at least the way you react to situations).
What is this principle?
10% of life is made up of what happens to you.
90% of life is decided by how you react.
What does this mean?
We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us.
We cannot stop the car from breaking down.
The plane will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off.
A driver may cut us off in traffic.
We have no control over this 10%.
The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%.
How? ……….By your reaction.
You cannot control a red light. but you can control your reaction.
Don't let people fool you;
YOU can control how you react.
Let's use an example.
You are eating breakfast with your family.
Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt.
You have no control over what just happened.
What happens next will be determined by how you react.
You curse.
You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over.
She breaks down in tears.
After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table.
A short verbal battle follows.
You storm upstairs and change your shirt.
Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school.
She misses the bus.
Your spouse must leave immediately for work.
You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school.
Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit.
After a 15-minute delay and throwing $60 traffic fine away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye.
After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible.
As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse.
You look forward to coming home.
When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter.
Why? …. Because of how you reacted in the morning.
Why did you have a bad day?
A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?
The answer is "D".
You had no control over what happened with the coffee.
How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day.
Here is what could have and should have happened.
Coffee splashes over you.
Your daughter is about to cry.
You gently say, "Its ok honey, you just need to be more careful next time".
Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs.
After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus.
She turns and waves.
You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff.
Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.
Notice the difference?
Two different scenarios.
Both started the same.
Both ended different.
Why?
Because of how you REACTED.
You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens.
The other 90% was determined by your reaction.
Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle.
If someone says something negative about you, don't be a sponge.
Let the attack roll off like water on glass.
You don't have to let the negative comment affect you!
React properly and it will not ruin your day.
A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc.
How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic?
Do you lose your temper?
Pound on the steering wheel?
A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off!
Do you curse?
Does your blood pressure skyrocket?
Do you try and bump them?
WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work?
Why let the cars ruin your drive?
Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it.
You are told you lost your job.
Why lose sleep and get irritated?
It will work out.
Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job..
The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day.
Why take outpour frustration on the flight attendant?
She has no control over what is going on.
Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger.
Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse.
Now you know the 90-10 principle.
Apply it and you will be amazed at the results.
You will lose nothing if you try it.
The 90-10 principle is incredible.
Very few know and apply this principle.
The result?
Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress, trials, problems and heartache.
We all must understand and apply the 90/10 principle.
It CAN change your life!!!
Enjoy….

Messages from Old Boys - 9

Gurudev comes to Kolkata

Today, my Gurudev Shree Asharam Bapu came to Kolkata.
My family had gone to get his darshan at the airport.
We then went to our ashram at Garia and stayed there the whole day.
Tomorrow too we will be there.
Shree Asharamji Bapu and his main disciple Shree Suresh Anandji are seen in the picture above.

Radheshyam

Msg from Karanvir Mehta
Hello Radheshyam,
Attaching here my personal details.
Great initiative and look forward to your messages.
Kind regards
Karan
Msg from K T Bhutia

Dear Mr. R. Sharma,
Here is my filled form.
Regards,
K T Bhutia (1984).

Msg from Richard Johnson

Hi Richard,
Sorry for the delay in replying.
It would be good if you and the other boys told us of Australia.
The different states and the political system.
I understand each state has a P.M.
The culture, industries. Universities, capitals. climate etc etc.
There are plenty of things we would like to know of Australia.
I am attaching below the mail I sent to Safiul and Mr. Lobo.
These two should help you to write in the blog
Do try writing.
You will find it is easy.
Regards
Radheshyam


Dear Richard,

Yours is a very good idea and I shall put it on the blog this Sunday.
This is what I wanted, helping each other.
What exactly is tertiary education?
Could you please explain this for me and our other bloggers.
We have such a lot of resources in our power and it was all lying unutilized.
Thanks to technology, we are now able to harness those resources.
Yes, it is fascinating. Mr. Lobo also remarked the same when I told him that both my son's had arranged marriages.
We have strong family bonding.
My marriage in 1973 was also arranged and we are still going strong in spite of all the pushes and pulls in all directions.
For a marriage to last there must be compromise and understanding on both sides and one should throw away pride.
One can never expect and ideal partner.
The girl leaves her parents place like a tree being uprooted from the ground and placed in your house.
In the western system, she does this on her own free will and in our case with the parent's consent.
Just as you expect her to look after your parents, you should also look after her parents.
You must remember, children are great copiers.
They will observe how you treat your parents and they will treat you the same.
Whenever, I face any situation, I always go back and think how was this done in our family and then I also do it accordingly..
Yes, there is a lot of cultural difference.
Writing on the blog is quite simple.
I have explained how in one of my mails to Safiul Huda and Mr. Lobo quite lucidly.
You should have no problem after going through that.
I am always there to help you.
Regards

Radheshyam

Dear Radheshyam,

I know you have given me permission to write in the Blog - I couldn't - I'm sure it's my fault - I must be missing something... Here's what I wanted to say, please add it in, if you don't mind. Sorry to give you an extra job...

The suggestion that this could be a space where recipes may be shared leads to another broader question: What else may be shared in this pace? Radheshyam did suggest in an earlier email: 'if you have marriageable children, you could give some details of the children so that we could help each other. Marriages are made in Heaven, I know. But God uses humans to arrange them.' Why not, I thought, if that's what may be useful, so be it. However, I must say, I found that quite amusing - being away from India (in Australia) since 1969 and also being a grandfather I am two generations away from that agenda! How fascinating though, in this blog I am part of an inter-cultural and inter-generational discussion - a rare opportunity!

So, back to my question about what else can be shared in this space? Reminisces and pictures are great but maybe we could also contribute and nominate an area(s) that we could share. For example, on my last trip to India (for the 07 reunion) I had many requests for information about university courses in Australia.. I have been working in university education in Australia since 1980 (Should I have admitted that?). If ex-Goethalites want information or advice in that area, I may be able to help. Specifically, I am in 'Teacher Education' - undergraduate to PhD levels. I am based in Melbourne. Help in matters to do with 'university education' can be taken quite broadly - I am happy for it to be taken as such. Please contact me directly via my email:RJJATDEAKINDOTEDUDOTAU I am based in Melbourne.
Not new - just an idea

I think there may be an optimum length of a message on a blog I think I have overdone my limit

Regards
Richard

Thank you Radheshyam.

Richard
Msg from Ralph Reeves

Hi Ralph,
I do not have the details of either Leslie or Michael. But let us see. I'll put their names in the blog this Sunday and see if we get some response.
I have given some of the persons in 1968 batch.
You may be interested in contacting them.

1968 AMITAVA DE
1968 Chieh Steve Pan
1968 Farrokh Behrana
1968 Ralph Reeves (Yours)

Happy reunion.

Chimmi’s site, www.goethalsmemorialschool.com has quite a lot of information of old boys of Goethals.
You could go search on it.

Radheshyam

Hey Radheshyam,
I am trying to contact a few of my old friends from Goethals. One of them is Leslie Sealy. Would you know of his whereabouts? Also, please give me the website to obtain a database for all students from the past years with their latest addresses and telephone numbers. Some names may ring a bell and I could be living close to them in Canada. I would like to contact those from here and keep in touch with the others. Your help would be a great appreciation. Robert Wallace has still not replied to my email. I am sure I had the right address in Aussie. Any trace on a Michael Rodrigues as well. He was my batch mate and a close friend.
My best regards,
Ralph Reeves

Msg from Praveer Prasad

Dear Praveer,

I have so far got the details of two boys besides you of 1997 batch.
They are Karan Choudhury and Akash Kushwani.
Their E-mail ID's are:KARAN124ATGMAILDOTCOM and KPPATREDIFFMAILDOTCOM
I will send other ID's as they come.
Happy reunion
Radheshyam

Dear Mr. Radheshyam,

Thank you for your efforts...

I would like to get in touch with the Goethalites who were there during my time that is from 1989 to 1997. So is it possible that the mail ids and phone nos. be shared within our group

I would be grateful for your help

Regards

Praveer Prasad

Msg from Anuj Malhotra

Thanks Anuj.
Yours is the 19th form received
Radheshyam

Dear Mr. Sharma,

Attached is the form as required by you. Great work being done. Keep it up!!

Anuj
10.2.08
Msg from Bishan Dewan

Hi Radheshyam,
My details attached. I think you’re doing a great job. Keep it going.
Waiting for your updated database.
Best Regards.
Bishan Dewan
10.2.08

A Philosophical Dialogue - APJ Abdul Kalam

An atheist professor of philosophy speaks to his class on the problem science has with God, The Almighty.
He asks one of his new students to stand.
Prof: So you believe in God?
Student: Absolutely, sir
Prof: Is God good?
Student: Sure
Prof: Is God all-powerful?
Student: Yes
Prof: My brother died of cancer even though he prayed to God to heal him
Most of us would attempt to help others who are ill. But God didn't
How is this God good then? Hmm?
(Student is silent.)
Prof: You can't answer, can you? Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?
Student: Yes.
Prof: Is Satan good?
Student: No
Prof: Where does Satan come from?
Student: From...God...
Prof: That's right. Tell me son, is there evil in this world?
Student: Yes.
Prof: Evil is everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything. Correct?
Student: Yes
Prof: So who created evil?
(Student does not answer.)
Prof: Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things exist in the world, don't they?
Student: Yes, sir
Prof: Science says you have 5 senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Tell me, son...Have you ever seen God?
Student: No, sir
Prof: Tell us if you have ever heard your God?
Student: No, sir
Prof: Have you ever felt your God, tasted your God, smelt your God? Have you ever had any sensory perception of God for that matter?
Student: No, sir. I'm afraid I haven't
Prof: Yet you still believe in Him?
Student: Yes.
Prof: According to empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your GOD doesn't exist
What do you say to that, son?
Student: Nothing. I only have my faith
Prof: Yes. Faith. And that is the problem science has
Student: Professor, is there such a thing as heat?
Prof: Yes.
Student: And is there such a thing as cold?
Prof: Yes.
Student: No sir. There isn't.
(The lecture theatre becomes very quiet with this turn of events.)
Student: Sir, you can have lots of heat, even more heat, superheat, mega heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat. But we don't have anything called cold. We can hit 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold. Cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it.
(There is pin-drop silence in the lecture theatre.)
Student: What about darkness, Professor? Is there such a thing as darkness?
Prof: Yes. What is night if there isn't darkness?
Student: You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light.....But if you have no light constantly, you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? In reality, darkness isn't. If it were you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?
Prof: So what is the point you are making, young man?
Student: Sir, my point is your philosophical premise is flawed.
Prof: Flawed? Can you explain how?
Student: Sir, you are working on the premise of duality. You argue there is life and then there is death, a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought. It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life: just the absence of it. Now tell me, Professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?
Prof: If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, yes, of course, I do.
Student: Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?
(The Professor shakes his head with a smile, beginning to realize where the argument is going.)
Student: Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you not a scientist but a preacher?
(The class is in uproar.)
Student: Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the Professor's brain?
(The class breaks out into laughter.)
Student: Is there anyone here who has ever heard the Professor's brain, felt it, touched or smelt it? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, sir.
With all due respect, sir, how do we then trust your lectures, sir?
(The room is silent. The professor stares at the student, his face unfathomable.)
Prof: I guess you'll have to take them on faith, son.
Student: That is it sir... The link between man & God is FAITH.
That is all that keeps things moving & alive.

This is a true story, and the student was none other than
APJ Abdul Kalam, the former president of India

A Mayonnaise Jar and Two Cups of Coffee

A professor teaches his students a lesson about what's really important in life.
By Laura Bankston

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember this story about a mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee...

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. 'Now,' said the professor, as the laughter subsided, ' I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The golf balls are the important things-your God, family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions-things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else-the small stuff.

'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important.'

So, pay attention to the things that are most important. Take care of your health--cook with your kids!-- spend time with those you love.

There's always time to clean the house--it's a never ending job anyway :-).

Take care of the golf balls first, the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.

Wondering what the coffee represents?

No matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple cups of coffee with a friend--or a soda if you're like me and don't drink coffee!!

Please share this with someone you care about!

Radheshyam

Another Politician Convicted

Life in jail for killer MP
- Sobbing Pappu Yadav pleads with court for leniency

Patna, Feb. 14: A sobbing Pappu Yadav was today convicted and sentenced to life in jail for the June 1998 assassination of CPM lawmaker Ajit Sarkar in a rare verdict which signalled that politicians were not always above the law.

“The sentence is okay with me, for I want them to die bit by bit,” Sarkar’s widow Madhavi said about the Rashtriya Janata Dal MP from Madhepura and two fellow convicts.

“A death sentence would have finished things in one stroke.”

Pappu alias Rajesh Ranjan, brought from Delhi’s Tihar jail in a wheelchair because of a leg wound, broke down and pleaded with folded hands after the sentence was read out.

“I have been through severe mental and physical torture in jail and even had to spend time in a mental asylum. Please show leniency and commute my punishment,” said the four-time MP who once treated Patna’s Beur jail as his fiefdom before his transfer to Tihar.

The two other convicts - Rajan Tiwari, a former Independent MLA who is now in Ram Vilas Paswan’s Lok Janshakti Party, and RJD worker Anil Yadav - sat impassively as the judge handed them life terms, too.

“In jail, they will know what my husband’s life was worth. If he (Pappu) has any humanity left, he will realise what he did was wrong,” Madhavi said from her daughter Rima’s home in Madhyamgram, Calcutta.

Madhavi joined the CPI-ML after the murder, accusing the CPM of selling out to Lalu Prasad’s RJD.

Sarkar, a firebrand land activist and three-time Purnea Sadar MLA, was 41 when he was shot dead in his car along with driver Hemant and friend A. Rahman. His movement, which helped 8,000 landless poor wrest 20,000 acres, had brought him into conflict with powerful landlords who may have set Pappu against him.

Pappu, then state Samajwadi Party chief, saw Sarkar as a rival in Purnea whose Lok Sabha seat he once held. He allegedly handed Tiwari, then a small-time goon, an AK-47 to shoot the MLA.

Two others, Amar Yadav and Harish Choudhary, too, were found guilty but were not sentenced today. Pappu, Tiwari and Anil - who have also been fined Rs 10,000 each - said they would appeal in a higher court.

“My family has waited for this day for 10 years. We hail the verdict and remember my husband this day with a heavy heart,” Madhavi said.


Pappu Yadav after the sentence. (PTI)
Her elder daughter Rima, 27, is a doctor in Calcutta; son Amit, a 25-year-old engineer, is posted in Australia; and the younger daughter, Nitu, 23, is a homemaker.

The CBI, handed the case in 1999, fielded 61 witnesses but 23 turned hostile. The defence, led by lawyer Majid Memon, produced 27 witnesses. The six-year trial ended on February 4.

Key prosecution witness Ravindra Singh said: “I would have been happy only with the death sentence.”

Pappu claimed he was innocent as he was being driven out of the court, which had turned down his plea for attending the proceedings through videoconferencing from Tihar jail. His crestfallen supporters also shuffled away.

Pappu is the second sitting MP from Bihar to be given a life term after the RJD’s Mohammed Shahabuddin of Siwan.

Yesterday was no ordinary day in India.
At long last the Indian Judiciary is awakening to the menace created by politicians.
One M P, Pappu Yadav was given a Life Sentence for murder of Ajit Sarkar.
Who was Ajit Sarkar?He was a firebrand land activist and three times MLA of Purnea Sadar.At the age of 41, he was shot along with his driver Hemant and friend A Rahman.His movement which helped 8000 landless poor wrest 20000 acres, had brought him into conflict with powerful landlords who may have set Pappu against him.Pappu then state Samajwadi Party chief, saw Sarkar as a rival in Purnea and allegedly handed an AK-47 to Tewari to shoot Sarkar.His wife, Madhavi, joined the CPI-ML, after the murder, accusing the CPM of selling out to Lalu Prasad's RJD.Is it any surprise that the Maoists have many educated sympathisers.When the establishment does not redress the grievance of the poor, the hydra-headed monster called Maoism raises its head.We now have Maoists in Andhra, Chattisgarh, Jharkahnd, Bihar,parts of Bengal and Nepal.This gives a lie to Karat & Companies trumpeting their concern for the downtrodden.They are just power hungry for power without responsibilities, just like any other politician of other parties.Some months earlier, another Member of Parliament, Shahbuddin was also convicted.Long live the Indian Judiciary.Radheshyam

Greatness - Abraham Lincoln

It is always good to read about great people and how they achieved greatness. At least temporarily, while we are reading about them we are elevated to a different plain. I hope this piece about Abraham Lincoln fills you with the same feeling it gave me.
Radheshyam
“America celebrate Abraham Lincoln's birthday annually and they should. Lincoln was one of the few great men who really was great. Before he became president, Lincoln spent twenty years as an unsuccessful Illinois lawyer -- at least he was unsuccessful in financial terms. But when you measure the good he did, he was very rich indeed. Legends are often untrue, but Lincoln was the real thing. George Washington never chopped down a cherry tree, but Abraham Lincoln was honest. During his years as a lawyer, there were hundreds of documented examples of his honesty and decency.
For example, Lincoln didn't like to charge people much who were as poor as he was. Once a man sent him twenty-five dollars, but Lincoln sent him back ten of it, saying he was being too generous. He was known at times to convince his clients to settle their issue out of court, saving them a lot of money, and earning himself nothing.
An old woman in dire poverty, the widow of a Revolutionary soldier, was charged $200 for getting her $400 pension. Lincoln sued the pension agent and won the case for the old woman. He didn't charge her for his services and, in fact, paid her hotel bill and gave her money to buy a ticket home!
He and his associate once prevented a con man from gaining possession of a tract of land owned by a mentally ill girl. The case took fifteen minutes. Lincoln's associate came to divide up their fee, but Lincoln reprimanded him. His associate argued that the girl's brother had agreed on the fee ahead of time, and he was completely satisfied. "That may be," said Lincoln, "but I am not satisfied. That money comes out of the pocket of a poor, demented girl; and I would rather starve than swindle her in this manner. You return half the money at least, or I'll not take a cent of it as my share."
Honesty makes you feel good about yourself and creates trust in others. It improves your relationship with yourself and with others. It's not much in fashion these days to talk about the benefits of honesty and decency, but the benefits are there and they are valuable and worth the trouble.
Lincoln didn't talk much about religion, even with his best friends, and he didn't belong to any church. But he once confided to a friend that his religious code was the same as an old man he knew in Indiana, who said, "When I do good, I feel good, and when I do bad, I feel bad, and that's my religion."
Honesty. It may be corny, but it's the finest force for good in the world, and it always will be.
Do some honest good in the world.
This is Rex Barker reminding you when you are challenged by a situation involving honesty and integrity, first be honest to yourself. In your gut, you know what is the right thing to do, but what you may not know is that you will actually feel good doing the right thing. “

Messages from Old Boys 8

Matt Lobo with James Keir

James Keir with John Hart John Hart
Matt Lobo with John Hart
Mr Yonzon, D"Abreu,J Keir, A Roy, J Hart John & James with St Helen's Staff
2nd field with Sepoy Dhura in the Background
Matt Lobo & Senior Cambridge Class of 1949
Harold Soloman, Sister Agnes,Another sister, George Groove, Beryl Timms
Cricket 1st XI of 1950 with Bro Fitzpatrick
Mr Yonzon,John Hart,D'Abreu,A B Roy, James Keir

All the above photographs have been kindly sent by Mr. Lobo from his vast collection.
He has promised to send more such gems soon. I have also requested him to write in our blog.


I have given below the latest batch of mesages received.
I was really surprised to receive Clifton's mail.
The last time we had seen each other was on the train journey back from Goethals after the Chinese aggression in 1961 (forty seven years ago). We had to vacate the school in early November because of blackouts.
I am posting all the messages being recived so that each of you can connect with your batch mates.

Msg From Clifton D’Aubney (1961)
Hi Clifton,
It was a pleasure receiving your mail.
I have often wondered what had happened to all of you.
I am happy that technology is assisting in renewing old friendships.
The last time we were together was during the journey back from Goethals after the Chinese aggression in 1961.
We left school early November as Chinese planes had started flying over Darjeeling and we had to have blackouts at night.
Quite a few of our boys did not return to school after that year as they were not sure when the war would stop and they did not want to waste a year.
I think it was sometime in January that the Chinese withdrew unilaterally and we could go back to school normally.
We carry unforgettable memories of the centenary celebrations in Goethals. I have captured some of the moments which you may have seen on our blog.You will get back quite a lot of information in the blog.
Boys are gradually opening up and sending, uploading photographs as they become aware of the blog.
I hope our photographs with you will also soon come up through somebody.
I have given all my details in a form which I had earlier sent and which I am sending to you now. I am also sending a blank form for you to fill up and send back as a record for all the old boys of Goethals.
After filling the form you should save it and then attach the saved file with your mail.

Best regards

Radheshyam

Hi Radheshyam
Stumbled upon your blog during my idle time at work while surfing the net. You wondered what had become of me along with a few others. I have very distant memories but, happy ones from my time at Goethals 1957-1962. I left Goethals in 1962 as we (family) were emigrating to the UK. Having been in England since 1963 I have had no contact with anybody from Goethals and therefore my memory for names and class mates have become a little hazy. I do recall that it was a very pleasant, happy and privileged experience being at Goethals. There are a number of names your blog has jogged my memory with i.e. Mr Lobo, Bro. Walsh, Bro. Fitzpatrick etc. I can also recall colleagues like Johnson, Brady’s, Hayward and many more on your sight.
I did encounter someone from Canada who was visiting a relative during the spring/summer in the UK who attended Goethals (not during my time, he was much younger). I am unable to recall his name, the person he was visiting is called Mick who attended St Vincent’s. I was informed then that there was going to be a reunion of Goethalites. Unfortunately my wallet and commitments prevented me from attending.
I think your blog is extremely interesting and most of the experiences and memories of former GMS pupils fills me with pride and happiness.
I would appreciate if anyone out there remembers me could drop me a email and let me know of some of the experiences we shared together. As I have mentioned before I have had no contact with my own peer group since 1963 from Goethals to share, recall or remind me of those glorious days.
I have been married to my second wife Jackie for 18 years, we have 2 children Robert aged 17 and Jessica aged 16. I also have a son from my previous marriage Stuart aged 24. I am a Civil Servant working as an Immigration Officer at Gatwick Airport London.
Does anyone have a class photo with me in it? My wife and dear mother would love to have sight of it. Unfortunately my late father threw all our old photographs from India away by mistake.
Regards
All the best.
Cliff D’Aubney
CDOTDAUBNEYATBTINTERNETDOTCOM
The above is the E mail ID of Clifton in case any of our class mates would like to contact him. I have intentionally not written it in the normal form so that spammers do not harvest it.
Msg from U L Mehta

Dear Upendra,

Yes, I know you too were in BIT, Mesra.
When I joined in 1966, you were in the final year.
M L Juneja was also with you.
On one occasion, I was almost ragged by Juneja and other seniors but you had come to my rescue.
Thanks, I can say now. At that time I could not express it.
Regards

Radheshyam


Dear Radheshyam,

Attached are my details.

I note with interest that you have also graduated from
BIT Mesra, like me, in Mech. Engg.
I was there from 1962 to 1967.

Your blogs are good and interesting. Do keep up the
good work.

Regards,

U L Mehta

Msg from Dr Santosh Agarwal

Dear RS, thanks a lot for sending all the emails re GMS and really lively ones, here are my details
AGRAWAL Dr Santosh 1959 1969

At present in Kolkata as a Consultant Pediatrician

Santosh
6.2.08

Msg from Jeff Knight

Hi Radheshyam
I was not able to open the original message – I guess the company I work for has put a block on these items sent via email. Anyway my details are added into the table below.
Regards
Jeff
4.2.08
Msg from Graham Hope Thomson

Radheshyam
Many thanks for your various e mails and inclusion of yours old boys excel sheet which I return filled in. Whilst I appreciate the Family tree idea I don’t think my family's details would be relevant hence these are left unfilled
Kind regards
Graham Hope-Thomson
4.2.08
Msgs from Mr. Matt Lobo
Hari Om Sir,

Thanks for the beautiful photographs.
You have really kept them well. I have selected some and am posting them this Sunday on the blog.
We can put the names, but let the boys search for their photos and try to remember he names, it is more exciting, testing your memory.
It is very easy to post the photos on the blog once you get the hang of it.
First try to write some plain text in Word and then copy and paste it. This way you can write and edit as you want and when you are ready with the article, you can post it.
This will also require the minimum net time
Since the blog is in html script, what you write in Word will not appear the same in the blog.
Tables written in Word will come as plain words, not in tabular form.
The invitation you may have received would guide you in entering the blog
For posting an article, you click on NEW POST.
You can paste whatever you have written in the page which comes up.
There are 7 icons on top of the page including Insert) b(bold), i(italic), link, quote, Add Image, Add video.
When you click on Add image, a new page comes with heading Add Image from Your computer or URL.
You browse through the computer files and select the file for uploading.
You can select the layout, left, centre or right and click on Uplaod Image.
When the Image is Uploaded, DONE appears.
When you click on Done, the image comes up on the page you had written on.
When article is completed you click on PUBLISH POST.
For seeing what you have written or photographs uploaded, you can move between edit, compose and preview.
I think this is enough for today's tuition.
I talked to Basant Lama regarding the Video
The official video seems to have been made but Basant is not very happy with it.
It is 3 hours long and not very well edited.
I have asked Basant Lama to send us some copies.
I have also asked Arjun Biswas to make a copy for me of the video you gave him.
A bypass has been done on Nelson but Manos could not contact him as Nelson had changed his residence, post his operation. But Manos says the operation was done well and he is fine.
Manju finally did not go the Bhubaneshwar.
She will wait for Guruji in Kolkata.

Bye for now.

Radheshyam

Radheshyam
Some oldies to begin with sent via bigpond. You can select those that will be suitable for the blog.
I have the names of my 1949 classmates, if required!!!!
I may need your assistance in posting photos directly on the blog site but truthfully, I’d prefer to stick to letting you select and post what I send you through personal mail.
Dubai was COOL and cold for the locals but ideal for me.
I need to invest in a scanner so that I can send you feature articles .
Any news of the official video?
I tried contacting NELSON FLAVIEN'S Family, on my last day in Kolkata when I was told that he had just been in hospital (heart). Please phone MANOS CHOWDHURY and pass on news of Nelson's condition.
I have arrived in sterile Australia after 5months without a single ailment and I have picked up a cold !!!!!I need my "nimboo pani" !
I say my Hari Om regularly and do think of you and the Family, especially Manju who is an exemplary Woman.
Take care

Matt
Hari Om sir,

Manju has been asking me for the last one week whether you had reached Oz.
Every time she says the Om during prays, she thinks of you.
Having you here with us those three days was a real pleasure for all of us. We can't express how much.
Only thing missing was Guruma (Myrna). Next time you must bring her also.
We are all really pleased to receive your mail and to know you have reached home all safe and sound.
It was a real hectic schedule that you went through.
How was your visit in Dubai? Hope everything was well there too.
Manju has come back from Hyderabad. There too she was lucky this time. She was able to speak to Guruji.
She will be going to Bhubaneshwar on the 7th as Guruji will be coming there and then Guruji will come to Kolkata around the 15th.
We have been really blessed these last two months.
I have sent you an invitation, sir, to join in our blog.
You may have received it.
You can now write directly in the blog and also upload the photographs you have taken.
If you have any problem, I can guide you.
Hope you do write. I would be very happy and so would all our other schoolboys.
I have also invited Jeff knight and Richard Johnson to write in the blog. Quite a few of our boys are from Australia. We should keep connected with them too.
Last 4 or 5 days has become very cold.
We have had to wear sweaters and use blankets at night.
During your stay here, we were lucky to have very pleasant weather.
Namaste to you and Guruma.
Radheshyam,
Manju,
Ajay,
Shalini

Hi ! Radheshyam
I'm back safe and sound (mentally) in Oz after a 10 hour flight and have heaps of people to thank for the wonderful holiday I've had ...not a day's illness which can be attributed to you generous, loving and hospitable family and friends who took such good care of me.
The old cliché...."not enough words to express " Thank You" but thank you again!!

Our home is in turmoil at the moment as Myrna wanted to surprise me by having the interior painted but it is just quarter done with shrouded furniture strewn all around the house...add to this, is the hot spell that shows no sign of letting up.
Human nature is so difficult to please and I should be the last to grumble having just returned from India. BUT !!!
I'll be attempting to send you some photos.. met up with two 1957 batch, last evening.
Warm" greeting to Manju, Ajay, Shalini and self

Matt

Msg from Saikat Sarkar
Enclosed are my details. Must say this is a great initiative....
Cheers
Saikat

Msg from Praveer Prasad

Dear Mr. Radheshyam,
Thank you for bring us (Goethalites) together, otherwise we would have never known about each other. We praise you for your efforts.
Attached below are my personal details.
Regards
Praveer Prasad

Msg from Prashant Koirala

Prashant,
No, I do not plan to have all the info on a searchable database on the net.
These databases may get into wrong hands and create more problems for all of us.
I propose to keep all the data with me to make available to our boys whenever they need the info. If Br. Beddoe agrees, a copy of it will be handed over to the school so that if anybody wants, he could also contact the school for info.
I hope this should help everybody.

Radheshyam

Radheshyam
Thanks for all your hard work.
Are you planning on having all this info. in a searchable database?
Thanks again!

Prashant Koirala
30.01.2008

Messages from Old Boys - 7

Msg from Richard Johnson
Dear Radheshyam,
Thank you for including me on your mailing list.
I think you are providing a great service through your blog - I read it regularly.
I love your piece on your time with Matthew. Yes, Matt taught me too. I was there from 1957 to 1963. I was also there in November at the fantastic reunion.
I wrote a piece (in November 2006) which may be of interest to your blog readers it is called 'A Goat Grazing: 1957 to 1963 Š' It is available at: http://www.deakin.edu.au/~rjj/
under the heading: "Reminisces of school days at Goethals Memorial School"

I am also writing an article which I think I will call 'A Goat Reflecting: Before & After' on my reflections on the 2007 Reunion.
I will pass it on to you as soon as it is ready. Unfortunately, like 'Goats Grazing' it will have a lot of pictures and therefore may not be as portable via email - let's see.

I will pass your blog information on to Bruce Wallace - I see there is a picture in which he features and a question asking whether he is related to Keith Wallace. No, Keith and Bruce are not related, though I am sure there would be many who would like to share some of those athletic genes with Keith. Bruce is also an outstanding human in his own way...

Great to hear from Keith Hayward; Richard was a good friend of mine and one of the memorable characters of GMS around the early 60's.

Again, thank you for what you have done and continue to do.

Regards

Richard
Dr Richard Johnson
Faculty of Education
Deakin University
221 Burwood Highway
Burwood 3125
Victoria, Australia
Phone: +61 3 9244643803.02.2008

Msg from Safiul Huda

Safiul,
I just read in your letter to Jeff that you have blood pressure and other problems. Is Jeff's Id still the fonterra.
Why don't you do pranayam and yoga?
I have explained in details in one of my posts how you go about it.
I do pranayam regularly. My pressure is invariably 80/120.
I had Lumbar spondyitis about 15 years ago. My doctor had advised me to use a belt.
I did not use it. I have kept it in control just by pranayam and yoga.
Last week while working at home, I bent over to do some work. Now bending forward is like poison for persons with Spondy.
I paid for my indiscretion.
The pain became aggravated.
I have again brought is back to normal just by pranayam and yoga.
So Saiful, medication is not the solution.
Only pranayam and yoga will only help you.
Radheshyam
31.01.2008


Radheshyam:

Thanks to you, yesterday I talked [after 48 years] to N.K. Sircar.
Interestingly enough, I already have a gmail account, which I have
never once used. Need to start using it, and more important, get used
to it.

I'll compose something and try and upload it by following your
instructions. In the meantime, I'm attaching my reply to Jeff's
letter.

Safiul

Msg from Akash Kushwani

Dear Mr. Sharma,
It feels very nice mails from you. Thank you very much for providing all the information. I like this idea of making a database of all the old boys. I am attaching my personal details herein.

Regards

Akash Kushwani
Director,
01.02.2008

Nariandas Construction Pvt Ltd,
14/441, Binodpur,
Katihar- 854104,
PH; 06452- 243327, 241828

Msg from Partha Sengupta
Hi RS
Short note to tell you that personally I appreciate very much what you are doing
and the way you are doing it.
I shall be sending you my details in the excel format.
Best Regards/Partha
31.01.2008

Msg from Naranjan Punjabi

Dear Radheshyamji
I would like to thank you for taking the initiative and effort to get old mates together and keep the communication going. In this fast paced times, your effort is really commendable.
I have attached my personal details in the spread sheet you had forwarded.
Thanks once again.

Regards
Naranjan
31.01.2008