A couple of people have asked me how I select the subjects for my blog. I told them the catalyst is usually something I read or information sent to me.
I was recently sent pictures of my high school, Allidina Visram HS, in Mombasa, Kenya (thanks Prem Saint) and it brought back a flood of memories as well as a chance to reflect and ruminate on four critical years I spent there before I left for England to pursue Chartered Accountancy. AVHS looking at the pictures appears to be in remarkably good condition and exactly like I remember it from almost 50 years ago!
AVHS, was probably the premier high school for Asian students in Mombasa. Kenya was still a British colony and education like many other facets of life was racially segregated in practice, if not the law. It was a high school for boys since the sexes were also segregated. The school was built by a philanthropist after whom it was named. The only students allowed admission into AVHS were Indians, Pakistanis and Arabs. There were other schools for Africans (the term used to describe the indigenous people) and for Europeans (the term used to describe anyone who was white). Almost all of the teachers were Asians though there were a few who were British, one Canadian and a couple from Australia. My father, AG Joseph, taught English there from the early fifties until 1961 and my brother, George, taught Economics at AVHS from 1960 to 1966.
One of the striking contrasts in terms of the education at AVHS and the schools in the US are the methodologies used and what was deemed the norm. Teachers were not allowed to paddle students but errant students would be sent to the principal where one was “caned” on the buttocks. The severity of the caning would range from one strike to a maximum of six. There was no need for any parental notification and students who were caned were anxious that their parents knew nothing of it – and if they did, it would probably mean a round of punishment at home as well! Teachers disciplinary methods included making an errant student stand on his chair for all or part of the duration of the class while all the other students were seated! If one were the victim of this punishment, it was not so much a humiliation as much as a feeling of sheepishness and concern about not losing one’s balance while standing!
The high school consisted of four grades (to use US parlance) before one graduated. What was amazing, upon reflection, is that each grade had four “streams” (A to D) consisting of about 30 students in each stream. The brightest students were in stream A and the least academically proficient were in stream D! So it was considered to be very much the norm to, in effect, “label” the students as being “bright” or “less than bright” (being polite) from the very start. Once one ended up in a particular stream, it was usually not easy to be “upgraded” because it required someone else to be “down-graded” to maintain class size. Upon reflection, it really was a very retrograde system though we never had a second thought about it. Just as we never had a second thought about the races being segregated.
We were graded on “marks” received out of one hundred. The passing grade was around 40 and anything over 70 was considered to be a “distinction”. Scoring over 70 in any subject other than mathematics was a rarity. If one scored as high as 80 one was considered to be a genius! Very different than the grading in the US! Each month and at the end of each term (semester) the cumulative “marks” obtained in each subject was posted for every student on the notice board in the class and we were all ranked based on those marks from the first to the last! The ranking was something that anyone could view – whether from within the class or from another class! I think part of the thinking was that publicizing the results like this would motivate students by encouraging those who did well and humiliating those who did not so that they would strive harder. Never mind that any such ranking system would inevitably result in someone being ranked first and someone else being ranked last no matter how well the latter fared overall!
The education we received was generally excellent and the culmination was having to sit an exam called the Senior Cambridge which was conducted under the auspices of Cambridge University – the questions were formulated there and the exams were evaluated there as well.
Kenya was still a British colony and the text books were generally by British authors with all of the biases one would associate with a colonial regime. For example, we were taught that Columbus “discovered” America and Vasco da Gama “discovered” India! Never a suggestion that both countries existed well before they were “discovered” and no suggestion that, perhaps, both these explorers were the first ones from Europe to visit these countries. But we students would repeat all of this as a matter of routine.
We were taught British history including British rule in India. The text books referred to the Indian Mutiny in 1857 when Indian soldiers “mutinied” against their British masters. We came to accept that what occurred was this unlawful rebellious group of soldiers acted against the legitimate authority. Never a second thought about its implication that British rule was legitimate. We were taught that the main reason for the mutiny was that “the sepoys had to bite a newly issued bullet cartridge open. It was believed that the paper cartridges that were standard issue with the rifle were greased with lard (pork fat) which was regarded as unclean by Muslims, or tallow (beef fat), regarded as anathema to Hindus” as quoted from Wikipedia. The reasons were much more complex and Wikipedia offers some interesting background. Today the so-called “mutiny” is referred to by other labels such as “India’s First War of Independence”.
Much of what we learned had a Euro-centric focus. All the great discoveries in the sciences, mathematics and the arts were attributable to the West. I don’t recall a single discovery being taught to us as having emanated from a non-Western country, whether it be China or India or Middle Eastern countries. My brother, George, wrote an authoritative book called “The Crest of the Peacock” which focuses on the Euro-centric slant with regard to mathematics that exists to this day and the lack of recognition of the considerable contributions of other countries and cultures.
A recent blog entry regarding a speech by Dr Karl Paulnack about the contribution of the Greeks to music brought forth these comments in an email from a friend:
“Whether it was the Greeks or the early Indians ( Saraswats) who considered music as an integral element of life is I suppose a position one may take depending on their upbringing but in my childhood I was told those many stories about early Indian holy scriptures, Goddess Saraswati was the one who was revered as embodying the value of art, music and knowledge. Her images are always shown as holding a musical instrument.
Then of course we have Krishna and his flute. Some of the stories I have read, the effect of his flute playing had on ‘ gopies ‘ in essence is what appears to be the key thrust of Paulnack’s speech.”
But these thoughts about Euro-centrism, text books authored with a decidedly colonial bias, etc were things we never even thought about. It was a much simpler time in many ways. We were wonderfully happy in our school which overlooked the Arabian Sea. There was never a thought about integrating schools or fighting the system. Our fondest hope was to complete the Cambridge School Certificate with a First Grade and, at the least, obtain a Second Grade!
Muru, thanks for your comments.
I am glad to have set up the forum – just sorry it took so long.
Let me join you in encouraging everyone to register at the forum and start by entering your pertinent information in the “Introduce yourself” section of the forum. Also, please make other former Allidinians aware of the forum so that they can participate.
Forums like these, once they get going will become self-sustaining as we post our recollections and experiences. But it needs a few people to start posting………..
Also, if anyone has a problem registering let me know and I will register you – you can thereafter change your password. You can email me at the contact information shown on this blog.
Happy Independence Day to all Allidinians living in the USA.
Muru
Hi, I am gald I got this page. I was in AVHS from 1962-1964, still remember Mr. Uppal our class teacher & PT sir. Our class won the annual PT competition all the 4 years. I still remember our Principal Mr. W. C. Devis & before that Mr. Sadiqqe.
I came to study medicine in India got my MBBS & MS (Gen. Surgery) from Medical College Agra. Now I’m in Mumbai working as Gen. Surgeon.
Pl. do send a mail any body of my batch or school.
Dr. N. Vyas
I am a frequent visitor to Mumbai where I have a flat in Palli Hill. Let us meet for a chat about the good old days at AVHS. I live in UK.
Hello All,
I was an Australian AFS-Exchange student to Mombasa in 1983 and had the honour to attend Form 5 of AVHS for one year. An amazing experience: the history class I did there was THE BEST history class of my entire education. My hardest class was, surprisingly, English! If any of my former class mates are here, please contact me.
Steve Smith
It was a student at AVHS at Mombasa in 1981, it was a great school I enjoyed acdamically, the social life their, and the environment of the school. I missed delcious foods. please incontact reuion could be good idea.
I was a student of AVHS at MOmbasa in 1981, It was a great moment at beutiful city of Mombasa. I have a great respect for my old school. now live in San Diego,CA. can someone any physical change on the school? or any kind development? Not being there for the last 20 years I greatly miss it. I love Mombasa.
Thank You for any update news Zolfikar,Givean,charles and Nassir keep intouch
Hi reading Rana’s Reminiscences about Allidina Visram, Mombasa, I noticed a name that sounds familiar Anver Jeevanjee. I left Mombasa in 1966. I am in Lancashire (UK) The school looks a bit shabby last time I was there 2010 June. Mombasa is not what it used to be! It is congested with tall buildings and too many Somalies who are upto no good. But I still love the place where old friends are still in and around the Island of Mombasa. Anyone remembers Makkan Singh? Was there a Raseek Patel? In AVH!
Kutten Nair
It is unlikely we could have met as I finished schooling in 1948. Nevertheless I am anxious to form a reunion of all past pupils and meet either in London or Mombasa. Many old school pupils do that to share the joys of their school and link up to aid the school in whichever we can.
How about it you young boys. Get something going.
Send me an email anver.jeevanjee@virgin.net
I was at AVHS from 1961 to 1965 did my O levels and A Levels.
Classmates were Harish Rupani, Dilip Gor, Mukund Patel, Praful Patel, Pravin Dhanani, Chandrakant J Shah, Chandrakant H Shah,Osman Miyanji, Raminder Sagoo, Kamaljit Sood, Raman Chauhan, Ghulam Ali Panju, Jayendra Patel, and many other. I still have a photo taken with Mr Begg and Mr Taylor in 1963.
Most of us got separated at the end of 1963. 50 years coming up in 2013 – nice to have a reunion
I came to UK 1966 and went back to Mombasa in 2006 after 40 years .
Happy to participate in a REUNION. I was a student there during the European World war 1939 – 1950
Jayantilal happens to be my classmate in AVHS ( from 1959 to 1963)
Dr.Harish Rupani is ENT surgeon in Nairobi, Dr Osman Miyanji is paediatric neurologist in Nairobi. Gulam and Kamaljit were with me. I am looking for Kirit Amin and Ajit Vyas
Hope to know more about Jayanti ..
Dr Dhanji Patel at present in Dar es Salaam practicing general surgery
wonderful issues altogether, you just received a logo new reader. What would you suggest in regards to your put up that you just made a few days ago? Any sure?
any suggestion how we could make the coming reunion be practical? where will be the most convenient venue for everyone? Is any other ways that can make everyone aware of about the coming reunion? Please pitch any suggestions on this forum your input will be high appreciated please thank you all.
best regards to all AVHS students
Yisha Berhe AVHS former student up198
Where can i find details on the planned reunion?
Thanks.
dilip
Hi Dilip,
We are trying to setup reunion date and venue through this forum like I mentioned, any suggestions will be welcomed. All suggestions should consider that that all former AVHS are now living in different part of world need to informed well ahead schedule. Anyone suggestions or ideas are most welcome. please inform former AVHS students other about this issue.
best regards to all AVHS former students
Thank you
Yisha Berhe
I would suggest reunion at AVHS- Mombasa in 2013- gives us enough time to plan
Reasons- many ex Allidinians still in Africa – they can help us find suitable accommodation etc.
– accommodation cheaper – could be at Hindu Temple or other community building
– chance to see AVHS building for many after along time
– good weather – sea, sun etc.
Union around January/ February after UHURU and XMAS celebrations – rooms in hotels easily availableif need be.
If a reunion is organised I am happy to pass the word around in the UK – there are quite a few ex allidinians here.
Regards
Jayantilal Surti
I would welcome this reunion in Mombasa in Jan/Feb 2013
I too would be interested in a reunion in Mombasa next year.
For an upcoming event I will be in Mombasa in July this year[2012]. Any chance i will be able to meet any Allidinians from my batch [ 1961-1966].
dilip
HI everyone AVHS former and present students,
I am also okay with 2013 reunion in Mombasa either in Jan/Feb, but in order to reach mutual consensus we need more former AVHS students so we can have a very meaning full reunion. Please inform everyone you know.
The best regards to you all
Former student until 1964, I too will be interested in a 2013 reunion.
I came to know of this blog through my friend and relative Jayantilal Surti. I was a student at AVHS from 1961 to 1963. I went to India to get my BE Eng at Sardar Patel University at Vallabh Vidyanagar and left for the US to do MS. I have been in Canada since 1972 and know of a number of Allidinians in the US.
I welcome the idea of a reunion in Mombasa in 2013. Jayantilal has the right suggestions about the timing. I like to get away from Ottawa in January.
I think I know Dhanji Patel. We were desk mates and I think he did his MBBS at MSU in Baroda. Drop me a line Dhanji.
R. Gor
I remember Dilip Gor. He was a good debater. He became a Dr at MSU in India and was in Kenya for a bit. How is he doing? Give him my fond regards.
Am currently in Cochin, Kerala where we come every year to get away from winter in the US.
I see that the idea of having a reunion is drawing quite a few responses. You are, of course, free to continue using this blog as a “meeting place” for planning such a reunion; however, it might be more organized to discuss ideas for the reunion on a forum that I created at the suggestion of several individuals and especially Muru. The link for the forum is http://ranajo.com/AVHS/index.php – and it never really took off after I created it.
If you have any problems registering please feel free to contact me directly.
Hi all. Allidina class 2001
Its amazing to see old Allidinians from as far as 40s.
The sad ugly truth is that Allidina’s academic performance has deteriorated drastically.
There is a group calling itself The Old Allidinians with members in Mombasa, Nairobi and Kisumu.
As much as you guys are planning the reunion, consider hooking up with the group and finding a way to rescue the downfall of Allidina. Am afraid it is on its way to be like its felllow giant, the fallen giant Shimo la tewa
hi,
am an Allidinian, class of 1998. Went to do Medicine In Moi University. The performance of the school lately is Something to be concerned about. we need to discuss this urgently.
A reunion is a good idea.
Thank you.
Good to know that Old Allidians are all over the World.
I was in Allidina between 1996 to 1999 and now with the Ministry of Livestock and Development in Kenya as a Zoologist or basically Vectors Control Officer after persuing a Bachelor of Science degree course majoring in Biochemistry and Minoring in Zoology at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Juja, Kenya.
Allidina has changed a lot but my major concern is the sinking Performance of the School in the National Examination.
Something needs to be done…..
Ali, Suleiman & Isaiah,
Thanks for your posts. Yes, some of us are old-timers when it comes to AVHS! As will be apparent from the many comments on this blog, many of us look back on our time at AVHS with a sense of nostalgia, affection and gratitude.
Sad to read about the apparent deterioration in the academic standards at AVHS. I am not sure as to the reasons.
My question: what can some of us Old Allidinians do to help rectify the situation?
[…] post that generated the most comments by far was the one that I did on Allidina Visram High School – my alma mater – and they were mainly from alumni of the school around the time frame […]
It seems am the current AVHS member! i was there from 2005-2008, we hd several reunions last year n it was awsome. we are w trying to help the school reclaim its lost glory academically. u guys u should visit the place n check out their performance, we are not even in the top 100 performing schools in kenya, whch used to be case on the yester years.
A new posting I made on the blog should bring back memories for many of my compatriots who attended AVHS or were residents in Kenya. It features the SS Amra and the two voyages I undertook on this ship. If others have recollections of those sea voyages, on the Amra or other ships, please post your comments.
Those voyages were such an integral part of life in Kenya for many Indians in the fifties and sixties.
Here is the link for the post:
http://www.josephclan.com/tjblog/?p=1320
I was a student at AVHS in 1989 to 1992 and just like every one else i feel attached to the school i have been there once since i left in 1992 after my O-Level.
We have a group of X-Allidinians who are professionals the group was formed this year it will be a good thing to get intouch as we organise a reunion in 2013 the group is called Allidina Visram Professional Group and we are on Facebook.
I was a. Student at AVHS 1963 to 1968. I had a wonderful time there. It was a fantastic school.
I did my O and A level exams in AVHS. I was the head prefect in my last year at school and won a number of races in athletics. In 1969 I went to England. I did my first degree in St. Andrews University and then medicine in Manchester . In 1979 I moved to Australia. I am working as a general Practioner in Melbourne
I haven’t been to Kenya since 1975. I would love to see Mombasa again.
Gurcharan
HI GUYS!
On a whim I googled and bumped onto this site.What a surprise to see those familiar names flash across my eyes.A flood of memories,some dim some fresh as ever!
Was at AVHS from 1959-63.I remember Dhanji, Ramanlal,Jayantilal,Osman Miyanji,Sadik,Chandrakant Shah.Our teachers-Mr and Mrs Davies,Mr Uppal, Mr.Taylor,Mr Sood,Mr Lucas Remedios(sports).I did MBBS from Kerala University,did a long stint in the middle east and returned to Mumbai in the nineties.
Presently doing consultancy for a few NGOS in Mumbai.Love to join everyone for a reunion. Love AVHS! Love you all!
Message for Aslam H Malik
I always wondered where you ended up. Your Dad was a doctor and so you became one. You had a younger brother. Forget his name and you must remember Dinyar chubby Talavia.
I am in Ottawa Canada. Retired from a nice job with the Canadian Govt. Would love to hear from you and invite you for a visit.
Saw your message and glad that you remember Jayanti and me. He is in Bham UK.
My home phone no. is 613 824 1651. Do contact me.
Regards,
Raman
Raman
Aslam, the sprinter..!! I am Dhanji General Surgeon in Dar Es salaam. Osman is in Nairobi as pediatric neurologist. Very happy to read your message .
LOVE YOU ALL AVHS GUYS
DHANJI
msg for Raman,
Feel like living the good old school days!My daughter is at Guelph University since past year.Son in US (Washington).Sure to vi
sit US & canada.When? Lets see!! Will call you ASAP.My no.7034456461.
DHANJI,
Delighted to get yr msg. I am no sprinter now! just limping along (only joking) Great to have friends like u. Keep writing.
Aslam
msg for Jayanti
Hi there! Remember we shared the same desk?I have called up Raman & had a short talk.Came to know about you from him.Do you remember we used to do a lot of leg pulling of two teachers in particular-Mr Soares & Mr Chopra.One day both got rewarded with a slap each,courtesy Mr Chopra!Fifty years have gone by but some
memories of AVHS remain fresh as ever.My email is ah_malik187@yahoo.com Do contact me either on this or email
Aslam
Hi good people, proud to be an Allidina Old boy. After High school I joined University of Nairobi for a Bachelors Degree in Land Economics and am currently a valuer/appraiser.
This is Yashvant p patel , class of 1965 ,with the famous cricketers from Mahesh Patel to Anil Patel to Davendra Patel to Narendra Patel to Pravin Patel . Dilip Kothari , Yusuf Karim ,Subhash Shah , Niranjan Patel , VM etc were all in the same batch. Finalize the date , i will be there . At present settled in New York .
Brings back many memories. I was at AVHS from 1964 to 1969 and left Mombasa and joined Prince of Wales (Nairobi School)but I have fond memories of my time at AVHS. I am in touch with Asghar Kudrati, Jayesh Khotari & Mukund. I played hockey for the school. I live in the UK (Birmingham) and am a Tax Inspector (investigations and Tax Specialsit)with HMRC
Hello friends. I was at AVHS from 1959 to 1964. I taught for a few months at AVHS after completing A Levels and before proceeding to Leeds University to do a B Sc and PhD in Chemical Engineering. Presently residing in Toronto. My wife and I visited Kenya in March 2012 after 46 years. Of course we stopped by to visit the school and take pictures. The surroundings are a sorry sight. The school property is fenced off but the school is still operational, but in need of repair. It would be nice if AVHS alumnni could organize and raise some funds to help the school. We met and had dinner with my ex-teacher Mr R.S. Uppal and with a former classmate. It was great to re-connect.
Sotantar, thanks for the report on your recent trip to Kenya and your visit to AVHS.
Things must have changed considerably in the past 15 years because I visited Kenya in 1996 with my wife and son – it was my first visit since leaving Kenya in 1962 – and I was surprised at how well maintained the school surroundings were at that time. So things must have really deteriorated since then.
I did not know that Mr Uppal was still around otherwise I’d have made a point of visiting him. He must be in his late 70s’ or early 80s’ now – and one of the few former teachers from the 60s’ to still reside in Kenya.
Your suggestion regarding funding improvements is interesting though I’d want to be sure that the funds do get used for the intended purpose. I am not sure how one would make sure that this is accomplished.
Sotantar
Nice to know that you visited AVHS and found it lacking. I visited in 1991 and then in 2007 and it had gone downhill quite a lot.
It is a sad sight. Are you related to Kuldip Sood. If so where is he. He was in my class. I was at AVHS from 1960 to 1963 and have been in Canada since 1972. I am now in Ottawa. I am happy to hear that Mr. Uppal is around. I heard that Mr. Soares, Sabherwal were in UK and have passed away.
I had heard the unfortunate news about Mr Soares, but not about Mr Sabharwal – sorry to hear this. Mr Uppal is in great shape – looks much younger than his age. I do not know Kuldip Sood. Did you by any chance mean Kamaljit Sood? He was the son of Mr S.S. Sood who taught at AVHS for many years. Do you remember the steps that the scouts built down to the beach? There is also a wire mesh fence between the front of the school and the beach – probably for security reasons.
Sotantar
Nice to hear from you. Yes it was Kamaljit Sood. Any connection to him? It has been 48 years since attending AVHS. Names and faces fade. A reunion would be good. Who is planning and how to accomplish it.
I am not a former allidinian but a teacher in the school currently.I have gone through all the comments that I can find on this forum.I have gotten attached to the school and I would be more than willing to give any updates on the school to anyone who would be willing to enquire.All Allidinians are great people in their special way.my email address is free to anyone interested
Let us have a reunion and some of ud are in a position to help our old school and future Allidinians
good to know that this site is still alive!Thanx to mr alex for showing interest.Maybe one day we meet at the reunion or something.
Sad to know about mr Soares.He was my english teacher.I am trying to reconnect after 48 years.I hope some of my School\classmates respond.Some names like Kantilal solanki? Sadik,Amarjit Singh(Ambe},Aziz,Kamaljit Sood.
LET MORE JOIN IN AND MAKE THIS SITE MORE INTERACTIVE.