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!
I was at the school 1964-68. Known as Shoki I played hockey and volleyball for the school ,Mombasa Sikh Union and Mombasa .
Visited the school in 2010 I agree that it is derelict the school will need to abandon this site and move to Nyali. For several years we supported the Old Allidinians in UK Pindi Tamana is still holding functions at the Indian Gymkhana club.
I know a few punjabi exallidinians who are in London and I will be pleased to reconnect with the others. How about holding the first reunion in London !
I was in the school between 1963 and 1964 and did my A levels there. Was head of Kenya House, vice captain of the hocket team, won the table tennis championship and won the Victor Ludurum in athletics for bot 1963 and 1964. Was a prefect as well. But the best thing was that I met my wife, Perminder, there.
Remember Mr G Joseph and if he is around would love to hear from him.Also it would be great if I can reconnect with my class mates Sotantar Sood and Subash Mohan.
Barkit
Barkit re “remember Mr G Joseph and if he is around would love to hear from him”.
George is my older brother. He left Kenya for the UK in 1966 and has since then achieved international prominence in the field of multi-cultural mathematics and is invited to make presentations all around the world. Of course, this is a departure from his background at AVHS where he taught Economics.
If you google “George Gheverghese Joseph” you will find numerous links that make reference to his work.
Incidentally, in addition to attaining his PhD – from Manchester University – after leaving Kenya, he became a barrister from Middle Temple at the age of 60 years!! He spends his time between the UK and Kerala, India in the winter.
Sotantar Sood has commented several times on this blog
Hello Barkit:
Good to hear from you after all this time. We last met in London in 1972. I still have a picture of our Hockey team from 1964, taken with Mr Remedios. We were so keen then. I met Subhash a few years ago. He is in St Louis, Missouri. Renee just lives down the road from us in Mississauga, Ontario. I have met a few other class mates over the years. I will be posting a guest blog on this site shortly – look out for it.
Ashok (Shoki), you do indeed ring some bells, no matter how far back in memory they go. I played hockey for the school, Sikh Union and do remember travelling to Nairobi with Tamana and a few others for a hockey tournment. I am in touch with Jayesh Khotari and Asghar. I live in Birmingham qualified as a Tax Inspector (HMRC)
In the link below, Sotantar Sood, a former alumni of AVHS, who resided in Kenya for many years has contributed an interesting and nostalgic account of his observations, experiences and the changes that have occurred in the 46 years since he left Kenya.
http://www.josephclan.com/tjblog/?p=1625
Sotantar
I had a close friend Kamal Sood at Allidina if he is related to you let me know how I can contact him. I met a cousin of Kamal in London about 20 years ago who told me that Kamal was residing in Toronto it is a coincidence that you seem to be in that city
Hi Sotantar,
I remember fondly our friendship and comradeship in mombasa.
My email is bjolly@btinternet.com
Would love to hear from you and god willing meet you some day
Barkit
Ashok: Yes…. Kamal is my younger brother and also lives in Toronto. His e-mail address is ksood@trebnet.com. I’m sure he will be very happy to hear from you.
Hi Shoky,
Our 1965-68 batch still meets regularly and would love to have you join up with us. Please let me have Pindi Tamana’s number or e-mail address. I have a take away called ‘Pilli-Pilli’ where a lot of old Alidinians come for Mamri Barazi and Bhadali Bhajia every Sunday. Vijay, Raghuvir, Jitlo and Prabhlo went to visit our school last year and they also commented about the state of the school. Please send me your e-mail address. KK
To Ishaq Hawa,
Seeing that you were there till 1969, perhaps you may remember my brother Iqbal, who did his A levels in 68/69. He was better known as Yuli, short for Yul Bryner!
I was at Allidina from 71 to 74, and would really like to get in touch with guys from that period. If any of you know someone, I’ll be grateful for details.
Some of the teachers mentioned in these communications were still there during my time, such as Lucas Remedios, Sabharwal, Uppal, Beg, Taylor, etc.
Mehboob
Hi Kunverji
It will be nice to link up why don’t you send me an email at
aprgx@aol.com. The badala bhajias with the coconut chutney sounds great. If I am right we met up with Premji Patel a few years ago. I will get you Pindi’s email and telephone number from a close exallidinian friend.
Shoki
Hi Sotantar/Barkit
I would love to get hold of the hockey team photo of 1964 Sotantor.
I remember Barkit and his athletic prowess and I will be emailing him shortly.
Sotantor is it possible to send me your email and if possible of Renee’s?
Perhaps Ashok can let us know the next reunion in London.
Satnam Atwal
Hello Sattoo:
Good to hear from you. You can get my e-mail address from Barkit. Or if you prefer, post a reply with your e-mail address included in the id (will not be published)and i can get it from Thomas.
Sotantar Sood
Hi Sotantor
I have id’d my email. You can get it from Thomas.
Satnam Atwal
Hi Satoo,
Oh what a great idea of us meeting here ! I do have the picture of our 1964 hockey team in my lounge. You are indeed in it.
Tari Ranshi who was a couple of years behind us is the father in law of my son, Rushee — would you believe ?
Where do you live Satoo ? Maybe one day next year shall we all get together in London ? Barkit
Is the reunion in 2013 on? Please forward me details
I was at AVHS 1965-68
Good heavens, I was just surfing the net and happened to look up Alllidina Visram High School and stumbled onto this chat site!! Sotantar we had such a great AVHS alumni meeting..was it 10 years ago?…in Toronto we shared some wonderful memories with Mr. d’Costa, Mr. Eddie Soarez, Mr. Price et al. Are there any photos of the event? I saw Kalimuddin Pirbahai a couple of moths ago. We also had a small gathering with Subash Mohan, Abdul Malik, Kalim, Harmesh Bassi, etc organized by Sotantar. We are all from the Form 5 and 6 class of 1963 and 1964. I remember Mr. Joseph well, both father and son, as teachers!! Sotantar and I spent the next 4 years in Leeds University in England. Sotantar I am still in Kitchener, Ontario. So let us get together again. Do you have my email…it is gi-mo@rogers.com.
Hi Murtaza:
Good to hear from you. I will contact you.
You noticed the messages from Barkit and Satnam, I’m sure.
We got in touch with each other through this page.
It is amazing how Rana’s blog is opening up floodgate of fond memories of classmates and AVHS over half a century ago! Thomas Joseph, Sotantor Sood, Kalimuddin Pirbhai, Harmesh Bassi, Subhash Mohan, Satnam Singh Atwal, Murtaza Meghji-I had no idea where you were until each one of us stumbled upon this blog. Hope the number keeps on growing.
Yes Shishir, this blog posting has served as a source for many former students of AVHS to re-establish contact after many years.
When I originally posted my memories and experiences at AVHS, I never thought that it would generate the number of responses it has done.
One of the things I’d like to do is to have a separate entry with pictures taken at AVHS and at activities in connection with the school. I am sure that the multiple readers of this blog have such pictures and if anyone would like to scan them and send it to me I’d be pleased to include them separately and in a way that they can be easily accessed.
What a splendid idea TJ regarding pictures. I have not got that many pictures, but would love to see what others have.
Please let me know if a reunion. Is planned.
Narendra Patel
Class of 1962-65
i was at allidina school 1977 -1982 both 0-level and a-level ant body in that time frame?mr uppal,mr saberwhal,mr okwiya were teachers
I am probably the oldest Allidinian alive – 81 years old now. I welcome that Ashok Sharma above on August 15, 2012 at 6:18 am
has taken my original suggestion of a get together in London. I visited the ld charming building some 5 years ago and feel that it has alot of character and happy memories
I am probably the oldest Allidinian alive – 81 years old now. I welcome that Ashok Sharma above on August 15, 2012 at 6:18 am
– a get together in London is an excellent idea. I visited the charming building some 5 years ago and feel that it has a lot of character and happy memories
the school is no longer derelict due to the new principal
Ex student of avhs. From 1956to1961,having done Hsc. Was in 4 a.i am doctor settle in Delhi. Sharad Ashwin my classmates.
I am also an AVHS alumni from 1960-1963. Would love to see if there are any class mates from that period. lots of memories. The best school.
Kirit, I have been trying to trace you for a very long time. What a surprise to find you on this excellent site!! I also have tried to contact Ajit Vyas on Facebook, but so far no reply.
I am in Dar es Salaam, almost retired from general surgery.
Please contact me at – patel.dhanji@gmail.com
Your classmate in AVHS (1960-63)
Hello everyone,
i had googled the school and came across this blog. i am from the class of 2004-2007. The institution is still standing and doing remarkably well.i am in mombasa and if anyone of you would like to get in contact with the current principle of AVHS, then drop me an email at Saeed_saidali88@yahoo.com
Cheers. LIfe is Duty!!
I was in AVHS from 1958-1961. We had our principal as Mr. Sadiq & Mr. W. C. Davis. Mr. Havens was Vice Principal, Mr. Joseph was our English teacher, Mr. Pariera was in History, Mr. Uppal maths & PT, Ejaz Ali was Maths. Mrs. Mac-karall as History, Mr. Uppal was our PT teacher & all the 4 years our class won the PT shield in PT competition. Our Ex-Principal Mr. Basin’s son Satish Basin was one year senior to me, a good friend, playing very good hocky, passed MBBS from AIIMC Delhi but lost his trace from there. I do remember Satish Sachdev very well our senior he was in Delhi too, & was doing MBBS. Any body from AVHS Pl. do mail at navinvyas@hotmail.com
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year to all the readers of this wonderful blog.
Merry Christmas to you, Satnam and to others – from Cochin, Kerala where we are winding up our stay and getting ready to return to the US. A Happy New Year to everyone.
Happy Holidays during this statutory break
I was a student from 1978 to 1982, I love Allidna Visram high and missed it a lot. lets keep the school memories alive, if the school need some renovations lets bring our united efforts together to make it happen.
Best regards to you all
Merry X-mass and happy new year
Moses Ambaisi 1994-1997 long live ALLIDINA
T Chokwe
1981 thro 1986
Life is Duty
ready to serve
can someone send me the numbers which i can contact the administrationl.my phone number is 0725702526.i wanna join this school
Hi Sotantar, Hi Murtaza
Of course I remember well that gathering at your place Sotantar.
Kalim and I still are in contact. We should gather again sometime. Gosh, I sure miss all those wonderfull good old days.
Hi Abdul Malik Premji
It’s good to hear from you and a great idea to organize another get-together. Let us do that. I will see if we can arrange something for this Fall.
Most of the news from Mombasa these days is not good and I’m afraid that the wonderful place we grew up in is gone forever.
Best wishes and take care.
The previous comment was by me – I forgot to indicate my name
I am looking forward to it. Make it as casual as you can, just like the good old days.
Sotantor
I would like to come, but need ample time to arrange logistics.
Thrilled to stumble upon this forum. I am an alumni from 1975-79 for both”o” and “a”. I still remember Uppal as my Mathis teacher and Saberwal geography. Okwiya was the principal then having succeeded mr maneno. I now live in edmonton if anyone is close by would appreciate link up
I am from year 1965 to 1969 and was in 4 science 2. if any one out there please write to vithal34@hotmail.com. thanks
hello
I was it AVHS from 1962-1966
Had a great time
Now in Denmark
Pharmcist from London University
Visited AVHS seertal times – planning revisit in oktober 2015
Renards
Danji
I was at AVHS from 1956 to 1958. unfortunately I had to leave in 1958, came to UK in 1960, I have no contact with any of my classmate, My name is Bhagwanji and My last class teacher was Mr Grewal, English teacher was Mr Kharod.
Any one who remember’s me please contact.
regards to all allidinians.
Hello
To my best friends zulfikar and nelesh
I miss you all a lot