VincentianMarch 2009

Tuesday, January 20th 2009 was a historic day for the entire world. It marked the official swearing in of the 44th President of the United States of America at the Capitol Building. An estimated three million people converged on the Washington Mall for the ceremony, undeterred by the freezing cold and the unprecedented security. Breaking away completely from tradition, an African-American child from a broken home became the US President. It was Barack Obama's date with history. Obama's inauguration as President was indeed a defining moment in the country's history. He stands out as a singular event in American history. The world was watching as a great democracy engages in a peaceful transition of power.

The theme slogan of Obama's election campaign was 'Yes We Can'. By winning the Presidential election, he has sent a strong message of hope to the whole world, to all of us and especially to you my dear boys. Martin Luther King in his famous speech 'I have a Dream' dreamt of a day when every American would enjoy freedom and equality……… Barack Obama's election to the Presidency has made this dream come true. Obama has shown us that nothing is impossible. Like him, we need to dream big, see the big picture, have clear-cut goals set before us and with courage and determination work hard to achieve our goal. There is no short-cut or mantra for success. But yes we can.

To all our boys, especially the outgoing students of Grades XII & X, Obama's election comes with a message of optimism and hope that we all can. We all have the ability and potential in us to reach the top. As you leave the portals of this hallowed institution, I hope that Jesuit education will make you truly ' men for others'. In the words of Rev. Fr. Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., former Superior General of the Society of Jesus may you be 'men of c o m p e t e n c e , c o u r a g e , c o m p a s s i o n a n d commitment'. To you and the rest of our boys, I wish you good luck and success in your examination and pray that you may come out in flying colours. As the

saying goes, "Successful people understand that no one makes it to the top in a single bound. What truly sets them apart is their willingness to keep putting one step in front of the other, no matter how tough the terrain."

I wish you our dear Staff and Students and my dear Parents Happy Easter and Happy Holidays in anticipation. Have fun!

Blessings,

Fr. Mario Fernandes, S.J.Principal

From The Principal's Desk

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Professor Thomas Kailath awarded the Padma Bhushan

Professor Thomas Kailath, an ex-student of St. Vincent's High School, was recently awarded the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to science. For the US based Scientist, Pune holds a special place in his heart and of which he has the fondest memories. Prof. Kailath who is an alumnus of St. Vincent's High School, is Hitachi American Professor of Engineering, Emeritus of Stanford University and has supervised around 80 PhD theses.

Recalling his days in the 1950's and 1960's, Prof. Kailath said that though the classes were much shorter the students were exposed to good training in Mathematics and English by the Swish, German and Italian Jesuit Priests at St. Vincent's. He recalls in particular the contribution of Fr. Oesch and his Mathematics teacher Mr. G.M. Joshi. All his classmates remember him as a very studious and humble student who was a topper throughout his schooling career.

A stint at the College of Engineering, Pune and enrollment in one of the then newly introduced programmes in Telecom Engineering fetched him offers from Harward and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dr. Kailath got his Master's Degree in 1959 and his Doctorate in 1961, both from MIT. He was a first Indian-born scientist to receive a doctorate in Electrical Engineering from the MIT. A well known electrical engineer, information theorist and entrepreneur, Dr. Kailath has authored several books, including Linear Systems, that rank as one of the most reputed books in the field. We at St. Vincent's extend our hearty congratulations to Prof. Kailath for being awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India. All of us Vincentians are immensely proud of your achievements.

(Prof. Kailath made a handsome contribution of around Rs. 12 lakhs for the Junior College computer lab and a 40KV genset for the entire school campus. Many thanks once again Dr. Kailath.)

Fr. Mario Fernandes, SJ.Principal

St. Vincent's High School, Vincentian Old Boys Association

& Parent Teacher Association of St. Vincent's SchoolCongratulate our Alumni

(Prof. Emeritus Stanford University)on being awarded the

by the Government of India

Prof. Thomas Kailath

Padmabhusan

1

Honourable Chief Guest, Dr. Rohit and Dr. Mrs.

Sangeeta Deshpande, Reverend Fr. Principal, Vice-

Principal, teachers and my fellow students. It is a great

honour and pleasure to express my thoughts on such

an important occasion - our Republic Day.

This day, the 26th of January, has a specialsignificance in the history of our country. During ourfreedom struggle, it was observed as IndependenceDay. It was on the 26th of January, 1950 that we adoptedour constitution and became a sovereign, democraticrepublic. This is why we celebrate it as Republic Day.

Justice, liberty, equality, fraternity were promisedto all citizens of India from this day onwards. Thesevalues must be reflected in every thought and act of uscitizens.

The Republic Day parade is held every year as aspecial grand event in Delhi. In the parade you can seea display of India’s life and culture, progress andachievement and the strength and spirit of our defenceforces.

Many great Indians are felicitated by the Presidentof India on this day. This event is telecast all over Indiaand in many parts of the world.

It is important on this day that we recall the sacrificesmade by our freedom fighters and martyrs. We standon the free soil of our motherland because of their nobleselfless deeds. May I salute them and pay my highesttribute to them.

The last 62 years have been years of progress inseveral fields like social, economic, political, scientificand technological. Even our mission Chandrayan hasproved a success to the astrological department,creating history for India.

Celebrating our achievements we must never becomplacent. The road ahead is a long one and we mustremain determined to achieve eradication of poverty,illiteracy and poor health from this land.

The patriotic fervour of the people on this day bringsthe whole country together even in essential diversity.Every part of the country is represented at this occasion,which makes Republic Day the most popular of allnational events in India.

But is it enough to bask in the glory of our pastleaders? Should we also not try to achieve greatness tosome extent at least?

Let us students pledge together then, to grow intoworthy and noble citizens of the future, who wouldmake India a stronger, greater and happier nation ofthe world.

To sum it up, I will quote a verse from a poem by

Rabindranath Tagore ....

Where the mind is without fear

And the head is held high

Where knowledge is free

Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by

narrow domestic walls.

I love my country, we all do.

JAI HIND!

Jason Martrys addressed the school on Republic Day - 26th January, 2009

1

2

Listening to the News

While my father would nod over the news being read

over the television, despite my brave attempts to keep

awake, I would be glued to the screen. The news reader

never read her news in vain. Even as a young child I

had an uncanny affinity to the sound of the jingle that

preceded the evening news. I would hang onto my

father’s armchair and listen raptly to the events of the

day as they were unravelled over the air. It was

comforting to say the least. That monotone however

was the cause of my father drifting off to nodland each

time he sat down in his favourite chair.

I realized that I had become an addict. I would wait

impatiently for the day to end, so I could join my father

for the best time of the day - the news. How I would

savour the jingle that would send shivers of anticipation

down my spine. I was about to meet the greats of the

world. I saw places, visited forests, deserts, islands,

mountains and soared over the skies with pilots at

breathtaking speed.

As time wore on, so did the news. It changed with

time, choices, fashion and the quirks of the people. Very

soon, sensationalism, violence and Bollywood news did

the rounds. “That is what sells” is what I was told when

I searched desperately for news of substance that my

addiction sought. Then war and terrorism joined the

ranks of the so-called news reports.

Now, each time I hear the familiar jingle, I cringe. I

have nightmares at the very thought of the impending

after-dinner time from which I had no idea how to

escape. The good old newspaper offers no solace either.

It repeats the words I have heard the previous evening

over the television.

Where is that thing

that was once read

over the television

what used to be

called news?

Luke Kale

XII B

The Solace

Dry, torn and brown,

A leaf fell down,

And someone to me did call

With amusement was filled my heart,

When spoke to me that old tree tall,

‘So many I lose, so many each year,

So close to me, so loved, so dear

But yet I rise, hope still so strong -

Spring is sure some day to come.

Sadness is here, but assured I am

These days are not many, just only some.’

When spring came,

The tree bloomed,

New leaves, so green and fresh it seemed!

Once again it spoke to me

‘These moments of happiness, joy and spring

Are seeds of strength, comfort and hope,

That so take root and solace me,

In moments dark, times difficult to cope.!’

I just then thought,

What a message of life,

How true the old tree spoke.

Life is just full of ups and downs!

Moments come, when dark it seems,

Life seems to have stood still,

But yet again let’s get up!

Stand again with a new strong will!

Let’s then with a smile each difficulty face

For only the inner brightness of the soul,

Acts in moments such - A TRUE SOLACE!

Rohit Suresh Patil

X-A

3

No Dream Is Too Big

There are many people in this world who we refer

to as ‘great personalities’ because of the feats they have

achieved. Difficulties obstruct everybody’s lives, but

the ones who overcome these hurdles, are the only ones

who are successful in life. A ‘DREAM’ is the passport

to the destination: SUCCESS. Each and every path to

success starts with a dream.

There is an extraordinary example of the Indian

scientists achieving one of their biggest dreams. The

Indian scientists at Sriharikota, successfully kick-started

their first ever unmanned mission to the moon. And

the cherry on the cake was the fact that they did not

take any assistance from the western scientists, and that

too, with a cost-effective budget of $88 million which

was nearly half the budget of previous moon-achievers

like Japan and China.

The moral of this example is that though launching

an unmanned mission to the moon was one of the

toughest hurdles, India dreamt of crossing it with the

view that no dream was stronger than their will power.

This is just a single example and there are many more

examples which we will come across. We must also

dream to achieve something in life and once our dream

is set, we must go out and give it our best shot, because

“NO DREAM IS TOO BIG!!!”

Ashwyn Udapikar

X-A

Not so long ago, in the middle of July,

At the turn of the millennium, under the

cloud-filled sky,

A brazen face that glowed

atop two shivering brazen knees,

The newcomer was welcomed -

and he likes what he sees.

As some of you may remember then,

I was barely two feet tall,

At this unfortunate altitude,

the classroom looked like the hall!

Outside the window, bloomed undisturbed foliage,

easily centuries old,

The sun ne’er shone irritably,

but glistened like Mayan gold.

My Home Away From Home - A tribute to my beloved school

3

4

A field, which then seemed acres wide,

a sea of pastel green,

Streams of powdered chalk as boundaries,

such symmetry I had never seen.

A gentle tap on the shoulder,

stirs me from that avid scene,

“Why would someone I don’t know,

prohibit me from such pristine?”

“We just thought you’d need some help,

what with you being new and all ...”

“Why thank you, but if I needed help ...”

“Arre, you haven’t written at all!”

And before I could protest any further,

they told me what to do,

Despite me being so crude,

they help me!! I didn’t have a clue.

Made a few friends so generous,

to help me they played their parts,

No sooner did I realize - the vastness of that cloud-

filled sky took refuge in their hearts.

Did not feel the need to return to that scene,

from that first day onwards,

The classroom’s whispers, sounded to me,

just like the chirping of those birds.

The field that then seemed acres wide,

was replaced by the limitless board,

Academics became my new forte, I was,

the “newcomer” who brilliantly scored.

By then I had become one of them,

a member of their brethren,

Wherever the “leader” went

he was to be followed by his men.

And that is how, this fertile mind was dragged

on to the field,

Those milk-white streams I’d noticed

before now acted as a shield.

“You can’t go back unless the game is over,

haha, you are no more superior,

You’ve studied your bit, now kick the ball,

how tough is that exterior?”

As years passed, I discovered every passageway,

every miniscule thing,

This Georgian Palace of stone, St.Vincent’s,

seemed like some fortress of some king,

Oozing out knowledge in royal amounts,

to every eager child who asks,

Through the medium of the wisest teachers,

in the light of knowledge he basks.

I’ll never forget that constant fear,

as a child that I would hide,

“So they know I broke the window pane?

Do they know it was me who lied?”

As I stand at your doorstep, in a fresh batch of men,

all ready to depart,

Towards my teachers I’d like to express

immense gratitude which fills my heart.

And to those who I may have angered,

all teachers and students alike,

All I can do is ask for forgiveness,

for this mischievous little tyke.

Hopefully, when I succeed in life,

I swear I’ll owe it all to you.

And if I take a pauper’s place,

I’ll know there was nothing you could do.

I’ll always enjoy the way people praise me,

when I mention the name of my school,

The world’s a witness, to what you’ve beautifully

sculpted out of such an arrogant fool.

In this house of opportunities, I take pride,

I take pride in my kith, my kin,

I’m facing the world, my laurels stay with me, getting

ready to Dare, Do and Win!!!

Farewell - thanks for everything.

Faizan Ansari

X-C

5

‘ Womancipation ’

Goddess, mother, sister,

daughter, colleague, friend, wife,

lover - who is she? What is she in

the early mornings, when she

stretches her arms with a sleepy

half-smile to prepare for another

day? Who is she in the night,

when she retires after a heavy

day’s routine and looks down at

her lap, the translucent bulb above drawing long spears

on her cheeks with the shadows of her eyelashes? Who

is she, when alone in an elevator buzzing up the shaft,

Recalling the recent instances of terrorism, it has

become a word which has embedded fear in the core of

our hearts. It is the result of just the misguidance of the

powers of the brain in the negative sense. The terrorists

thrive on their determination more than their strength.

A group of disoriented people are transformed into

heartless and fearless devils. Destruction becomes their

sole objective.

However, now, the common man has become more

bold, fearless and is ready to face any obstacle posed

by the terrorists. Time and experience has taught him

invaluable lessons to counter terrorism. The recent

where no one can see or

hear her?

How liberated is the

urban Indian woman

today? Is she still on the

journey to that

destination, that goal

which still eludes her -

where she dreams to be

treated equally at par

with the opposite

gender? The modern

urban woman today is

opening up, breaking

the shackles of classic

traditionality and slowly emerging out of her shell, -

emancipated, liberated and free. She has started to

assert herself in the highly resistant areas which were

once solely a man’s domain.

Physical, emotional and financial freedom are all

very important for her. She has at last broken free from

the shackles of bondage and now has the conviction to

pursue her own dreams and listen to the music in her

heart. We searched for her relentlessly. We have found

her! She has at last arrived!

Mrs. Malavika Chakravarty

(Staff Member)

Terrorism

6

tragic incident which occurred in Mumbai was a huge

shock, however, it had a silver lining. Of course, it

brought to the fore the dark side of human nature, but

it also threw light on many positive aspects. The police

force, the NSG commanders who all came together as

a team and wholeheartedly fought to free Mumbai from

the clutches of terror. The emotions of brotherhood and

love have strengthened.

This sense of unity we owe to the unrelentless efforts

of our police force. We wish to pay a heartfelt tribute to

the ones who sacrificed their invaluable lives for the

safety of the human race.

Kaustubh Nadkarni

XI-B

God created man. He bestowed him with all his

creations. He gifted mankind the world and

differentiated man as a superior intellect, so he may

grow and contribute to the world. But man is man after

all. Prone to lust and greed, he engaged in war right

from the beginning of civilization.

If initially wars were fought using the infantry and

cavalry, the two world wars took the battle to the seas

and skies.

The last century has witnessed mind-boggling

developments in the field of defence. A missile

launched two thousand kms away in an enemy country

can zero in on its target in another country, having

disastrous consequences, if the warhead used is nuclear

or chemical. The sole intention being to kill or cause

mass destruction.

Is this why God created mankind? The answer is a

resounding NO. Every step in defence technology is a

step towards annihilation.

How does it all start? Country ‘X’ under the garb of

protecting its territorial frontiers, invests in defence. The

God’s Blessings on Mankind

7

neighbouring

country ‘Y’

gets alarmed

and seeks to

increase its

d e f e n c e

expenditure

to counter the

threat of ‘X’,

albeit both

c o u n t r i e s

have a peace

treaty signed

on paper yet

i n d u l g i n g

more and

more military might in mock drill exercises. It takes the

tiniest of altercations to commence a war, the outcome

being an officially and internationally accepted

massacre of innocent citizens.

Who then prospers from this hideous war? Certainly

not the citizens of ‘X’ and ‘Y’ countries who have

perished. How can they reap the harvest when they

pay with their lives and blood?

On another dimension, what is achieved by war? Is

there a generation of more living land for civilization

My Last Farewell

or is it a mere shifting of man-made boundaries?

I would like to also state my personal thoughts. Man

is interested in engaging his intellectual power to the

fullest. But aren’t there sufficient fields waiting to be

conquered by man, rather than focusing on destructive

technologies?

The world eagerly

awaits the cure for many

life-threatening ailments

like cancer, or eco-friendly

alternatives to timber and

petroleum. The world

waits for answers on issues

like poverty, global

warming, the ever-

increasing economic crisis

and most significantly the

much wanted Peace.

As said,

For it isn’t enough to talk about peace

One must believe in it

And it isn’t enough to believe in it

One must work at it.

Shalom J. Cohen

XII-B

silly issues ... but one thing we realized was that our

time was limited and we would soon be saying

“Farewell”. Farewell? How final that sounds. Even

though the send-off was close to the H.S.C.

examinations, we knew for sure that this was probably

the last time we would be together, in such a mood,

free from the stress of the upcoming examinations or

the sorrow of us missing each other later. It played at

the back of all our minds, and we knew we would have

to face it.

The evening of 30th January, 2009 saw the boys of

Std.XII suddenly transformed into young gentlemen,

dressed in their Sunday best, assembling with mixed

feelings outside the Gulati Hall. The evening

Today, on the eve of Std.XII farewell function, the

last but grand culminating event prior to our

examinations, I am filled with an array of memories of

the two years I have spent in the lap of St.Vincent’s

Junior College. Some are bitter and some are sweet ...

some are blessings and some are lessons. My mind is

saturated with mixed feelings; the happiness of

finishing one crucial stage of life and going onto

another, but the sadness of saying ‘hasta manana’ to

the ones in whose company I have spent these two

fruitful years.

Whatever we boys did, we did together, together as

brothers, friends and confidants! We cherished each

others company and trust. We fought no doubt, over

8

commenced at about 5:45 p.m. with a very special

prayer service which was efficiently conducted by our

Std.XI juniors, the concept of which was ingeniously

designed by Ms. H. Figuiredo. The service took us deep

into reflection on the days to come. We asked the Lord

for blessings to go through the upcoming examinations

successfully through several intercessory prayers and

two beautiful hymns ‘Shepherd of my Soul’ and ‘In

Moments like these’. The beauty of the service was

enhanced with lit candles, each signifying a student -

the light of tomorrow.

To break the solemnity of the evening, Std.XI boys

arranged a ‘Mr. Vincentian’ pageant for the gathering.

The fun and laughter was endless as each participant

made up his own version of the famous ‘cat walk’ and

presented it before the jury - Fr. Mario, Fr. Andrew and

Mrs. M. Chakravarty. The thunderous applause that

met the pageant was rather rewarding.

No sooner did the pageant end ... than ... Lo! The

school hall was suddenly transformed into a dazzling

dance floor. The boys rocked to the beat of the DJ in

attendance, which played several all-time favourites.

With this note, came the time for our ‘last’ supper

together. Rev. Fr. Andrew Fernandes SJ led us into a

beautiful grace before dinner.

As the end of the evening drew near, the cameras

came out and flashes went off. The farewell finally

culminated with the boys proudly singing the school

song. With choked ‘goodbyes’ and ‘good lucks’ we went

away, pondering on days to come.

‘Time like an ever rolling stream ... bears all its sons

away’ that’s exactly how our two years at St. Vincent’s

have been ... rapid but fruitful. Armed with the values

and knowledge which we received during these

memorable years at St. Vincent’s, we are confident that

it shall always hold us in good stead, and guide us

towards our destiny, as each one of us follows our

dreams, looking to make our lives more enriching, more

meaningful, more productive and more fulfilling.

Thank you Fr. Mario! Thank you dear teachers!

Indeed it is God’s work that you do!

At the end of such a beautiful tenure at St. Vincent’s,

I leave you with one message: Value and cherish what

you have now and live life to its fullest because these

days are limited! Take each situation and experience

and grow up by learning from it.

Thank you St. Vincent’s ... We shall never forget the

values and ideals you stand for! Wish us luck in all

future endeavours!

Good Bye ... God Bless our school and all she holds.

Vincenti Dabitur!

Dean Lobo

XII-B

(Class of 2008-2009)

9

Good Friday

only speak of values but showed us how to put them

into practice.

Today, Christians all over the world can proudly say

that they are happy, thanks to Jesus Christ.

However, with each great teacher, people follow like

shadows, hungry for power and fame. There therefore

arise many Judases who try to thwart one’s good deeds.

However the power of Christ is divine. It is the power

of his holiness and nothingness. Christ wants to make

a transformation in our life. Whosoever knows this truth

are no more interested in materialistic things but

something more than power and fame.

It is only in putting our heart and life into the hands

of Jesus Christ that we will have a powerful victorious

Christian life, as we pass through this materialistic

ungodly world.

Glory to Jesus Christ and a Happy Good Friday.

Dominic Fernandes

XI-A

All over the world Christians observe this day as a

day of mourning, fast and penance.

Good Friday is supposed to be a a dark Friday, as

Jesus gave up his life to save mankind.

Good Friday is a day of mourning in the church, and

during the services, Christians meditate on Jesus’

suffering and death on the cross. Thus the two most

important events in Christianity are the death and later

resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Jewish prophet, who

Christians believe is the Son of God.

Whatever be the case, Good Friday is called good

because on this day, Jesus was crucified for the

redemption of our sins. Good Friday is also referred to

as ‘Holy Friday’ by some and ‘Friday of Mourning” to

others.

But is it really a day of mourning? It is, but for

humanity, a day of great sacrifice. On this day we learn

how Jesus gave himself up on the cross so that the entire

mankind could be saved. He paved a path for us which

could lead us straight to God our Father. He did not

10

My Poetic Fantasies

If one spends all one’s time on work or study, life

will become boring. After work or study, the mind gets

tired and the body seeks some relaxation. Merely doing

nothing does not relax the mind or the body. Some other

activities are required that fill the mind with pleasure

and satisfaction. One needs a hobby for fun and

relaxation.

Different people pursue different hobbies - drawing,

painting, reading, music, dancing, acting, photography,

stamp collecting and some other common hobbies. My

hobby is writing poetry.

When I was ten, I started collecting poems. I had a

huge collection. Then my mother suggested that I

should try my hand at poetry writing. First I took it as

a joke, but then I started questioning myself “Can I

really do it?” I decided to give it a try. Then I started it

at the age of twelve. It took me time. I took help from

the dictionary and of course from my mother too. When

I succeeded, my mother suggested that I show it to my

class teacher Mrs. Barboza who also taught me English.

She shared this with Mrs. Gharat, my fifth standard

class teacher who encouraged me and inspired me to

write more and more.

As years passed by, studies increased and I had no

time to spare for my poetry writing. The book I had

made was untouched and later misplaced.

Then during my tenth standard vacation, I had

joined a vocational class in Mumbai at the British

Council. There an instructor asked us to make a diary

and write a page of any subject that came to our minds.

This assignment helped me recollect the past memories,

and I started to write poetry again. I had ample time

again.

I usually write a lot about nature. It fascinates me.

My house also has a small garden. It is interesting to sit

there and watch the flock of birds flying in the morning,

the sunset, birds retiring to the nests. I love watching

these lovely things.

I usually write poems when I am happy. But when I

am displeased or angry, I like to forget the world and

escape to a more beautiful realm, which I often find

only in poems.

One of my best poems is :

Life

Life is a word very

difficult to define,

But life is very

beautiful

Cherish it.

Learn how to

appreciate it,

Life has its

moments full of

fun and laughter,

Yet it’s not just a bed

Strewn with roses.

It’s sometimes hard, cruel and demanding.

Learn how to face it.

Be not self-centred or rude

Be humble, polite and upright

In whatever you do.

Climb the ladder of success,

Travel through the long road of life,

With thoughtfulness and intelligence

Then, life is beauty

Beauty is love

And love is life.

Muffaddul Poonawalla

XII-B

11

Muharram

the forces of Yazid. The Umayyad Caliph Hussain bin

Ali’s group consisted of notable members of

Muhammad’s close relatives, around 72 men of which

some were either very old or very young. Hussain and

some of the

members of his

group were

accompanied by

some of the

women and

children from

their families. On

the opposite side

the armed forces

of Yazid were led

by Umar ibn

Saad and

contained at least

40,000 men.

It is stated

that Imam died

to resurrect

Islam. The battlefield was a desert region located beside

one of the branches of the Euphrates river. The battle

resulted in the military defeat of Hussain bin Ali’s

group, the death of almost all of his men and the

captivity of all women and children. This battle also

had significant effects on formation of subsequent

revolts against the Umayyad dynasty.

The battle of Hussain bin Ali is commemorated

during an annual 10 day period held every Muharram

culminating on its tenth day ‘ASHURA’.

Murtaza Mithaiwala

XI-B

Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar.

It is held to be the most sacred of all the months

excluding Ramazan. Some Muslims fast during these

days. The tenth day of Muharram is called Yamul-

Ashurah meaning the tenth day and it is a day of

v o l u n t a r y

fasting. Muslims

stop eating and

drinking during

sunlight hours

and do not eat

until the evening.

The word

Muharram is

often considered

s y n o n y m o u s

with the event of

Ashura. Ashura

which literally

means ‘tenth’ in

Arabic, refers to

the tenth day of

Muharram. The

date is important for all Muslims since Hussain bin Ali

was killed on this day.

On 1 Muharram, the Islamic New Year is observed

by Muslims. On this day, Shia Muslims begin the

observance of the commemoration of Muharram which

marks the anniversary of the Battle of Karbala and the

day that Hussain bin Ali entered Karbala.

On 7th Muharram access to water was banned on

Hussain by Yazid’s order, the grandson of Prophet

Muhammad in the year 61 AH (October 10, 680 AD).

In the battle of Karbala, on one side were supporters

and relatives of Muhammad’s grandson Hussain bin

Ali. On the other side was a military detachment from

12

Farewell Speech to the Students of Class X

on the back, their comforting words at a moment ofsadness, epitomize the love that our teachers stand for.Our teachers taught us these ideas and it is up to us toremember them and continue to judge right fromwrong.

Now let us recall our friends. It is believed that aman is judged by the company he keeps. I feel thatfriends have a bigger impact on the psyche of studentsthan teachers/even parents. Some of you have knowneach other for ten years and some others for fewer. Thisbond of friendship is invaluable. I remember, when Ijoined St. Vincent’s, I’d cry every day, in the first monthof my first standard. Then one day, I spotted a familiarface on the play ground. He was a friend from my pre-primary nursery, a year ahead of me though. I washappy to find a friend in my new school. I continue tobe good friends with him even today. It is so importantto stay in touch after one passes out of the school. I findit so amazing that my grandmother still regularly meetsher school friends, even though they finished schoolingmore than 65 years ago.

I have many friends among you. We have sharedtiffins, played together, competed for our school insports and debates. I would like to wish you the verybest for the Board exams. Several years from now, youwill be in high professional positions. Do visit yourschool and teachers and bring back laurels andcontribute to the betterment of our school.

One year later, I will be in your place, awaiting myturn to pass out. And now that I look at it withintrospection, I realize that I have only one preciousyear left. Then I will be on my own. I sincerely hopethat we can carry the Vincentian spirit of Dare, Do andWin forward.

I would like to conclude with an anonymousquotation ‘Education is obviously of two types. Oneteaches you how to make a living and the other teachesyou how to live’.

I would like to wish you good luck and good health.

Thank you,

Kaustubh Wagh

IX-B

Today is arguably one of the most important days

in your lives. Today is your day, you are the Chief

Guests, the Guests of Honour. You are here with mixed

feelings ... happy to finish your schooling and all set to

start a new chapter in your lives ... and then on the other

hand, you feel sad that you may not continue at this

wonderful institution. Henceforward your teachers,

who have been your guides, mentors and even like

parents to you and have helped you to change your

bad habits and inculcated good values in you, will take

you through life after you pass the threshold of school.

They will no longer be a part of your everyday lives.

But what you carry with you are the fond memories of

the days gone by - the experiences you had during your

formative years.

So today let us recall all the people or things thathave had an impact on your lives these past years,beginning with teachers.

As you have spent so much of your childhood inschool, you may have seen your teachers more thanyour own parents. When I was about five years old,teachers would fill me with dread, but now I know thatthey have the biggest role in moulding our personalities.They are the ones who saw our milk teeth fall, the oneswho comforted us when we felt homesick back in classI. The occasional bruise and tummy ache have beensoothed by the care of our teachers. The most importantlessons of life, taught with a little rebuke, thepunishments, mixed with the encouragements, a pat

13

Farewell Dear Friends

Respected Fr. Mario, Vice Principal, my loving

teachers and my fellow Vincentians,

Words don’t come easy to me when it comes to

speaking on an occasion like this. Throughout our

school life, we have seen batches of students being bade

farewell to, and in all those times we have feared the

day when we will be among those stepping out of this

institution forever. Today, the time has come for us too,

to make a transition from the present to history.

I don’t know if you realize how difficult it is for a

student who has spent ten years of his life, in fact more

than half his life so far, in a school, to step out of it.

Perhaps what makes it more difficult is the fact that

you’re leaving behind the care and guidance of your

dear teachers, the love from friends - only to find

everything shrunk to a handful of memories.

An episode of our life is over, and perhaps the most

important one, but the greatest happiness lies in the

fact that it couldn’t have been more memorable.

Today, as we are here to bid farewell to our Alma

Mater, I’d like to share a few of my experiences with

you.

I was in IInd Std. and was told that I had won a prize.

Like we have now, we used to have rehearsals for prize

giving. A teacher was acting as the Chief Guest. I was

given the school calendar. I thought it was the prize

and started walking away with it when the teacher came

running after me and took the calendar away.

On the Prize Distribution day, the Chief Guest

handed over the prize to me. I remembered the day of

the rehearsal and handed the prize back to the surprised

Chief Guest.

There have been various other memorable moments.

Years passed like a quick roll of drums and soon we

were in Class X. I know we couldn’t bring about very

many changes. Perhaps there wasn’t a need. But what

greatly satisfies me is that we didn’t face any major

problems, not even a single one. The students of St.

Vincent’s proved to be much more disciplined that what

I was prepared to give them credit for.

St. Vincent’s has given us a lot - care from teachers,

love from friends and respect from juniors. St. Vincent’s

has been more than just a school to us. The amount our

teachers have done for us is not possibly quantifiable.

All our teachers have done so much for us. They

don’t just impart knowledge from books. They also help

raising us by teaching us the right values of life. This is

the perfect day to let our teachers know that we do care

about all the things that they have done for us, and

thank them from the very bottom of our heart.

I am wondering if we would get lonely at college,

since we are so used to leaning on the rock solid

shoulders of St. Vincent’s. The base for moulding our

personality has been this institution and the continuous

support of all our teachers. On behalf of all the students,

I thank you.

This day as we prepare to leave, I’d like to thank the

Principal, all our loving teachers, our fellow Vincentians

for all your love and care. We would also like to thank

the office staff and the school peons for all their help

and support.

The only message I have for our juniors is that if our

batch has done something good - learn from us, and if

we had our faults, discard them. Even though students

must come and go, St. Vincent’s and the Vincentian

spirit must remain forever - shining and smiling in the

hearts of all its members.

It’s hard to put onto words all that we feel, but some

day, we are going to look back to these days and feel

‘GREAT’.

Before we leave, here’s a well-known sher for you

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St. Vincent’s, we will miss you a lot.

Yash Rajani

(Prefect)

X-A

14

A Fond Farewell to Francis Borde

Anthony Borde worked in St. Vincent’s High School

for 40 years. His son Francis Borde will be completing

an astounding 40 years too this year. At the age of 60,

he is still up and about. He has worked for 35 years as

lab assistant in the Physics lab and for five years in the

school office.

When he was asked how the job affected his life he

says, “The good Principals, Staff and students made it

a wonderful experience and it has affected my life in a

good way.” He has worked under the guidance of

Principals like Fr. Schoch, Fr. Romuald, Fr. Tuscano.

Fr. Salvi, Fr. Misquitta, Fr. D’lima and last but not least

Fr. Mario. “I have the highest respect for all the

principals. Fr. Schoch, the first Principal I worked with

was a very good man” says a happy Francis. When

asked about his close companions he had one name on

his lips even before the question was out of my mouth

- “Subhaya”. Subhaya will also be retiring his year. “I

feel good about serving the school for so many years.

After all it was the best time of my life. But now it is

time for me to be at home and help around with

household chores” says Francis while deep in thought.

He will miss the school buildings, the ground and

everything about the school. He shares something

special with us. “I feel really good because I have never

caught anyone cheating in the Physics lab.” And he is

even more delighted as many of our students have

appeared in the merit list. He will miss the study of

Physics the most and feels that St. Vincent’s school is

the best.

Anand Deshpande

who retired four years ago

worked in the Physics lab

and Francis liked him the

most. Our very own Mr.

Naik is his favourite

among all the secondary

staff !

Mohammed Ali

Chherawalla

IX-B

(News Reporter)

Farewell Subhaya

Well-known to all of us

‘Subhaya’ will be retiring this year.

It has been twenty four years since

he started his splendid service to

this school. He worked in the

school office all these years.

It was twenty four years ago

that Subhaya came to Poona from

Andhra Pradesh, where he carried

on farming. His brother helped him to get the job at St.

Vincent’s High School. Though his salary was

insufficient, he and his family survived and managed

with whatever little they had. Soon after that, he got

married. He first worked with Fr. Clement who put him

to work in this glorious institution. He has served this

institution wholeheartedly and one would not mind

saying “His birth is for the institution, his life is for its

progress”. He served under the guidance of Fr. Recklin,

Fr. Edmund D’souza, Fr. Abraham and many others.

But one of them who was a student when he started

working, and soon became his high official, was a very

special person. It is our very own Fr. Mario! When asked

about the principals and the staff members he worked

with he says “Everyone was very good. I have no

complaints about anyone.” The special ones who helped

him in his ups and downs were the Chopra family. Mrs.

A. Chopra was a teacher in our school and her husband

who is a doctor, helped Subhaya and his family with

funds, furniture and medicines. Subhaya wants to thank

them specially as they cured his wife and him. The

helpful staff of St. Vincent’s is just like a family who

cares and nurtures its members. Subhaya now has a

well settled life. His elder son has a government job

and the other is a student. He wishes that all the

students are successful and achieve greatness in their

lives. After retirement he wants to continue farming in

his village. When asked about Subhaya, Mr. Gulhane

says emotionally, “He is a good person. He has always

been a good senior. We will miss him.” For such a

person who served our school and worked hard for it,

it is really difficult to bid farewell.

Shishir Kurhade

IX-B

(News Reporter)

15

With You in Your Moments of Grief

There are times when everyone has to traverse the

path of sorrow. At such times we are with you.

With heartfelt wishes for a hope filled tomorrow.

In sincere and deepest sympathy

1) Vidth Palresha of Std.IV-C at the loss of your

father Vinod Palresha.

2) Johnson Lijo of Std.VI-C at the loss of your dear

mother Cisily Johnson.

3) Tanish Pereire of VII C who lost his father Edgar

4) Constanza Mitchel of Std.IX-A and Godspride

Mitchel of Std.XI-A at the loss of your dear father

Hilary Mitchel.

5) Sally Anthony at the loss of your mother Sheela

Swaminathan.

6) Sanjay Sangle at the loss of your father Paul R.

Sangle.

7) Fr. Robert Das (Ex Vice Principal) at the loss of

your dear father Joseph Anthony Das.

8) Avita Raj (Ex teacher, Primary Section) who lost

her dad Ossie Menesis.

9) Subhaya who lost his mother Guramma.

May it comfort you to know that your loved ones

are with God, and his love is eternal and immeasurable.

The Vincentian Family

Subashchandra Bose

Subashchandra Bose

made efforts to secure

the help of the German

Government for the

liberation of India. He

tried to organise the

Indians in Europe. He

started the Azad Hind

Radio Centre in Berlin.

He appealed to the

Indians to take up arms

against the British for

India’s freedom, the

through speeches he

made from the radio

station from time to time. Subashchandra Bose, after

travelling thousands of kilometres across the seas from

Germany reached Tokyo. There he accepted the

leadership of the Indian National Army. The Azan Hind

Sarkar was set up under the presidentship of Netaji

Subashchandra Bose. The Government was recognized

by countries like Japan, Germany and Italy. In order to

liberate India, the Indian National Army set out with

their slogan ‘Chalo Delhi’. It proceeded towards India.

On entering the provinces of Arakhan and Kohima in

India, the INA gave a tough fight to the British army.

But it became impossible for them to continue their

campaign. It began to rain heavily. It also became

difficult to get help from the Japanese. Due to these

difficulties the INA had to retreat. On 18th August 1945,

the plane carrying Netaji Subashchandra Bose crashed

and he died in the crash.

Yash D. Sontakke

V-A

16

The Sports Day Programme

‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’. This

is true. Sports not only helps us to build our physique

but also strengthens our thinking and intellectual skills.

We also imbibe values like co-operation, unity etc. Thus

sports lays the foundation of a better person. St.

Vincent’s school has correctly understood the

importance of sports. The Annual Sports Day for the

secondary section was held on 29th November 2008.

Mr. and Mrs. Laxmikant Deshmukh were the Chief

Guests. The programme started with a march-past of

the Army, Navy and Air Force. The Chief Guest took

the initiative to unfurl the school flag. There was a

variety of races. Students who were excellent players

all round the year were given awards. The programme

ended with the School Song and National Anthem. Each

Vincentian went home happily with the true spirit of

sportsmanship and satisfaction.

Satyajeet Jadhavrao

V-D

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar - Doctor Babasaheb

Ambedkar was a learned son of India. Throughout his

life, he struggled hard

and worked to improve

the miserable living

conditions of the poor

and the downtrodden.

Right from his

childhood, he had a

liking for books and

reading. He felt that

books were more

valuable than close

friends. He did not

accept that education

was only a means for

getting a job. He

believed that education

should be used for the

happiness of the common man.

Shiv Jayanti

Shiv Jayanti means Chattrapati

Shivaji Maharaj’s Jayanti. He was

born on the auspicious day of the

Phalgun Vadya Tritiya, in the year

1551 of the Shaka era, that is on 19th

February 1630. On the twelfth day

of his birth, with an appropriate

ceremony, the child was named

‘Shivaji’ after the goddess

Shivaidevi whose temple was in the

Shivaneri fort. His mother’s name

was Jijabai, who passed away

twelve days after Shivaji’s

coronation. His father Shahaji died

in a battle. Shivaji became the king

in the year 1674. We celebrate his birth anniversary with

great pomp and reverence. Shivaji Maharaj established

swaraj in Maharashtra. Swaraj means self-government,

our own rule. He passed away on 3rd April, 1680 at

twelve noon.

Abdulaleem Heroli

V-A

17

Shibi, who stays near my house, is blind. We are

good friends. Shibi goes to a school which is specially

for the blind. He reads Braille (a book

for the blind) very well and has even

taught it to me. His mother and father

died in an accident when he was just 3

years old. From then on, his

grandparents are looking after him. He

is just excellent in Maths. He can

calculate mentally faster than I can do

them on paper. He even helps me with

my school homework. Most of the time

I just see him playing the flute. Shibi

plays the flute very well and does so

at local functions such as Ganesh

Chaturthi or Navratri celebrations. He is a very popular

person. No function goes by without Shibi being asked

to give a performance. We feel very sad when he is ill.

I have rarely seen Shibi sad, due to his blindness. He is

always cheerful and even joins us

when we go for picnics. By

looking at him, no one will

imagine that he is blind. Shibi is

an inspiration to all of us. He has

taught us that one can perform

well in spite of serious handicaps.

He also speaks very politely and

sings very beautifully. All of us

in the society love Shibi very

much.

Mohnish Narayan

VI-B

playing Holi sit in the balcony and watch everyone

playing. Some of them get attracted to this and they

too start playing with them. But some are afraid of the

synthetic colours. The best thing is that one should fill

water in a bucket and should pour the water down on

someone who is playing Holi. To have a safe and happy

Holi, we should try to use organic colours. Really Holi

is a festival of joy and happiness bringing people

together to celebrate this festival joyfully.

Kirtisagar K. Sharmaa

VII-A

A Blind Boy’s Story Who is My Friend

Holi

Holi is a festival which is all about expressing

happiness through varied hues. Every year we celebrate

this festival. Holi is celebrated for two days.

The first day of Holi is celebrated by lighting a

bonfire at night and performing ‘pooja’. The couples

go around the bonfire by continuously pouring water

around the bonfire. A coconut is broken into pieces first

and then it is distributed as ‘prasad’.

The next day is celebrated with great fun and joy.

Children buy water-balloons, pichkaris, colours etc

before celebrating Holi. People make a lot of

preparations before playing Holi. In the

morning children fill the buckets by keeping

balloons and colours in water. People in

societies go to each and every house and

apply colour to their faces and wish them

by saying ‘Happy Holi’.

Some people who are not interested in

17

18

Fireflies

In the woods by the lake I stand,

In the darkness of the night,

Like thousand stars come down on earth,

The small little fireflies shine bright.

Everywhere they go they spread their light,

Like candles in mid-air,

And every traveller lost in the woods,

Can find his way in its glare.

Just like this little firefly,

Who so willingly gives her light,

Through our good deeds and selflessness,

In darkness we can shine bright.

Darius Manuel

VIII-A

Easter

Christmas and Easter are Christian festivals.

Christmas is celebrated on the day when Jesus Christ

was born. Easter is celebrated on the day Jesus rose from

the dead.

Christ was

crucified or

nailed to a cross

by some people

who blamed him

for things he had

not done. When

he died, the

people who

believed in Him

were very sad.

So He rose from

the dead on

Easter, to give

them hope. Eggs

stand for a new life. On Easter, chocolate eggs and hard-

boiled painted eggs are given as presents. Easter is

celebrated with great enthusiasm by all Christians.

Darshit Lalit Jain

VIII-A

My Unforgettable Experienceat the Public Speaking Class

I participated in the

class-wise elocution

competition and stood

second. I was sad as I

wanted to win the first

prize. But soon God gave

me a chance. I joined the

Public Speaking Class.

The classes were held

on Saturday. We were

instructed on correct

posture, having a goal,

clear speech and

overcoming the fear of

speaking in front of a large crowd.

I paid attention to whatever was taught. I practiced

a lot. My hard work and my teacher’s effort, helped me

come out with flying colours, as I won the first prize at

the Elocution Competition organised by the Public

Speaking class. I thank all my teachers for helping me

achieve my aim of winning the first prize.

Faizaan K.

IV-C

Our Helpers

We need many things in our everyday life. It is not

possible for us to do everything ourselves. So we need

helpers to make our life rosy and comfortable. The

milkman brings us milk. The postman brings us letters.

The baker bakes our bread and buns. The cobbler

mends our shoes. The doctor makes us well, when we

are ill. Teacher teaches us our lessons.

Parth Vitekar

I-A

19

Sports Day in my School

The Sports Day in my school was held on 19th

December, 2008 in the morning. It was my first Sports

Day in St. Vincent’s High School. I was excited as our

parents were also invited.

Our Chief Guest

Dr.(Mrs) Sangeeta

Wagh and our dear

Principal Fr. M.

Fernandes inaugurated

the Sports Day

function.

Various drills were

performed by boys

wearing colourful outfits. Races, relays and other sports

activities were held in which I took part and won too.

The events were managed by all the staff members of

the Primary Section. I was very happy and my parents

enjoyed it very much.

Digvijaysinh Thube

I-B

My School Bus

I go to school by the St. Vincent’s school bus. It is

yellow in colour. Every morning I wait for it to pick me

up from my house. It is always on time. The driver Anil

and the conductor take good care of me and all the other

boys in the bus. They take us to school and also bring

us back home safely. I enjoy going to school by our

school bus.

Taj

I-B

Our Helpers at School

In our school there are many people who help us.

They do many things for us.

Our Principal manages the school in a proper way.

Teachers help us to learn many things and also guide

us. The librarian provides different kinds of books

which increase our knowledge. Gardeners maintain the

garden beautifully. Helpers try to keep the

surroundings of the school clean. Peons at the gate

maintain the security and the drivers help us to reach

the school safely.

We must thank them all for helping us.

Indra Kiran Sigicharla

I-C

My Class Picnic

It was Thursday 22nd January, 2009. I was very

excited when my mother woke me up early in the

morning. It was the day of my class picnic.

My classmates and I gathered in school and went

by the school bus to Lakewood Resort. Oh! What a

lovely place it was! Everything there was very beautiful,

the tall trees, the green grass and the beautiful lake.

My friends and I were very happy. We played a lot of

games but I enjoyed playing on the swing very much.

We all enjoyed the magic show. The magician there

showed us a lot of wonderful tricks.

My class teacher and my computer teacher who

accompanied us took good care of us. They also played

with us and made us very happy. It was such a lovely

picnic. In the evening all returned to school and from

there we went home. I still feel very happy when I

remember my class picnic. It was just great.

Kevin J. D’souza

II-A

20

Our Class Picnic

This year our class went for a picnic to Lakewood

Resort. The teachers of II-A,B,C and the computer

teacher accompanied us. Lakewood Resort is a clean

and beautiful place. We enjoyed the idli and chutney

served to us for breakfast. We had a wonderful bullock-

cart ride. Many of us loved the rain dance. In the

afternoon we were delighted to see the magic show,

followed by the delicious hakka noodles for lunch. After

lunch we played on the swings and with our rubber

balls. Very soon it was time to return. Some of my

friends fell asleep in the bus, while others enjoyed

singing songs and clapping to the tunes of the song.

We really had a lovely picnic.

Mervyn D’sa

II-C

Makar Sankranti

Kites fluttering in the skies, bullfights and bonfires.

Makar Sankranti always falls on the 14th of January.

Since it is a solar event this festival matches the English

calendar.

On this day the sun travels from the Tropic of Cancer

to the Tropic of Capricorn. This movement of the sun

is called Uttarayan and it is considered an auspicious

time.

Around this time on 13th of January, Punjabis

celebrate Lohri with a huge bonfire and offer rice and

sweets, while the Tamilians celebrate Pongal by making

different types of rice preparations. ‘Uttarayan’ also

marks the change of winds. In Gujarat the skies are

filled with colourful kites. The rooftops and terraces

are filled with the young and old participating in kite

flying competitions. When a kite is cut, loud cheers fill

the air.

This festival falls during winter. The feast includes

milk, jowar, jaggery and til ladoos made from pure ghee

to produce heat and keep the body healthy throughout

the winter.

In Maharashtra, we celebrate Sankranti by

distributing ‘tilgul’. Elders give tilgul to young people

who touch their feet in respect. ‘Til’ symbolizes love

and ‘gul’ sweetness. Thus Sankranti advises us to have

sweet and loving relations with everybody.

Karan Kulkarni

III-A

21

The Moment I Shall Always Treasure

On the 19th of December, I woke up very excited. It

was my Annual Sports Day. I quickly dressed as my

parents gave me some words of advice. ‘It is not

important that you win, it is more important that you

take part. Do your best and leave the rest to God.’ These

words of wisdom were ringing in my ears as I made

my way to school. I decided that I would do my best

and make my teachers and parents proud. As the race

began I could feel the butterflies in my stomach. Would

I be able to win? As I raced down the track my heart

was beating faster and faster. The only thing I could

see was the finish line. I had done it. I had won the

gold. I could hear everyone cheer.

There was still a greater surprise waiting for me. As

I was getting myself dressed I suddenly heard my name

being announced. Was I dreaming? My name was

announced again. I jumped up to my feet and ran to

the victory stand. I could not believe my eyes. I had

won the award for the Best Athlete for Std.III. This is a

moment which I will always remember as the best

moment in my life.

I will do my best in the years to come and live up to

the motto of St. Vincent’s to ‘Dare, Do and Win’.

Vincenti Dabitur!

Ansel Mendonca

III-C

Facts Are Fun

Forget earbuds. Did you know that giraffes clean

their ears with their tongues that are 21 inches long?

Try as you might you just cannot lick your elbows.

Try it!!

Camels have three eyelids to protect themselves

from the blowing sands in the desert.

Did you know that a Joey (a baby kangaroo) is as

small as a coffee bean?

Mohammed Atheor Rangila

III-C

How Many Words Can You Find ?

A O F I R E S U N D A Y

S L P E E N R E Y V E N

T K J E S U S W T A C O

N A L G U D A M L I A P

C E Y G R H T L L G N C

W A T E R E A E V I D T

A R Y S E V E N O R L S

T T D N C C T T W D E N

L H A R T A N J P T T O

W E U V I G I L R A Y I

N R F E O D E F I L L V

P L I M N L T K E U H M

Clues

1) The Lord my saviour ......

2) Easter is famous for the chocolate ....

3) The midnight prayer service is called Easter .....

4) Easter always falls on a .......

5) .... is the number of readings at the Easter service.

6) Easter ...... is beautifully decorated.

7) ....., ....., ..... are blessed at the Easter service.

8) Easter is the celebration of Lord’s .....

9) .... Sunday is the Sunday before Easter.

10) ..... is the season of sacrifice before Easter.

Anand Mascarenhas

IV-A

22

Republic Day

Republic Day is celebrated on 26th January. India

became a republic on this day in 1950. The constitution

of India was drafted by a committee headed by Dr.

Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar.

There is a grand march-past in New Delhi at the

India Gate. The preparation for this starts months in

advance. All the participants of this march-past

assemble in Delhi one month in advance and practice

daily. The Army, Navy and Air Force display their

latest weapons on this day. In the morning the President

is received by the Defence Minister. The President

accepts the salute of each platoon.

After that, there are cultural programs. There is

heavy security for this program. The President awards

eminent persons from the civil and the defence services.

He also gives away awards for extraordinary bravery.

All the expenditure of this program is borne by the

Government of India. Republic Day is a symbol of

national pride, reverence and self-confidence.

Faizaan K.

IV-C

Facts

A tiger’s roar can be heard as far as 2 km away!

A blue whale weighs 150 tons!

A kangaroo can jump 25 ft. high!

A rhinoceros’ horn is made up of keratin, the same

material our hair is made up of!

The smallest bird in the world is the humming bird,

2.5 cm. long!

The black mamba is the most poisonous snake in

the world!

The name of Pluto’s moon is Charus!

Abrik Fernandes

IV-C

Primary School Sports Day

The Primary School Sports, an event much looked

forward to at St. Vincent’s Primary School, was held

on 19th December, 2008. The school stands were full of

the excited participants, their fellow classmates and the

equally excited parents, who were present in large

numbers to cheer and encourage the little ones in their

sporting endeavours.

With the arrival of the Chief Guest, Dr. Mrs. Sangeeta

Wagh, the torch bearers, started their lap round the

massive school grounds and finally handed over the

torch to be lit by Dr. Mrs. Wagh. An oath pledging the

spirit of sportsmanship was taken by the young athletes

and the Sports Meet was then declared open by the

Chief Guest.

The Meet was kicked off with a Yoga Drill and we

were then led through a series of colourful, entertaining

Dr. Mrs. S. Wagh, Chief Guest

23

and impressive drills such as the Umbrella Drill, the

Tango Twist and the Rainbow Dance. The highlight of

the morning was the ‘Charlie Chaplin Drill’ performed

by the youngest of them all - Std.I. The drills were

interspersed with interesting races like ‘Look Before

You Leap’, ‘Jumping Jack’ and ‘Helping Hands’. Of

course there were the traditional never-to-be-missed

sprits, relays, hurdles and obstacle races too. The proud

winners were presented with certificates and medals.

This was followed by a speech by the Principal Fr.

Mario Fernandes who updated us on the various

sporting events the school had participated in and won.

Everyone cheered loudly as he announced that St.

Vincent’s was the leading school at the Pune School

Athletics Meet for the 61st year in succession. We were

then taken down memory lane by a nostalgic Dr. Mrs.

Wagh who has been associated with the school for a

number of years, first through her late husband and

now her sons. Her moving words left us without a

doubt on our choice of institution for the education of

our boys.

The sports meet culminated with the distribution of

some special sports prizes. The prestigious “Most

Promising Athlete in the Primary Section” was bagged

by Sean Pereira of Std.IV.

It was definitely a morning well spent as we watched

our little boys learning to participate in the true spirit

of sportsmanship and the grounds being laid for further

sporting prowess as they move on to High School. It

was definitely a reaffirmation that with St. Vincent’s

we can expect nothing but “All-Round Personalities”!!

Mrs. F. Fernandes

Mother of Shane Fernandes

IV-C

Holi

Of all the Hindu festivals, Holi is perhaps the most

colourful festival. Coloured powders offered to God are

then smeared on one another’s faces by the devotees.

The legend connected with Holi which actually lends

it the very name it bears is that relating to the demoness,

Holika. She was the sister of the demon-king

Hiranyakashipu, who, defeating the Gods, proclaimed

his own supremacy over everyone else in the Universe.

His son Prahlad was a true devotee of Lord Vishnu,

the Supreme God who pervades and transcends the

Universe. Holika who was reputed to be immune to

any damage from fire, herself carried Prahlad into the

fire to make sure that he was burnt to death. By the

divine intervention, it was Holika that got destroyed

by fire and it was Prahlad who survived the terrible

test. Holi celebrates this burning and cremation of the

evil Holika. Thus Holi celebrates the triumph of good

over evil.

With the annual recurrence of Holi, the lesson of

spiritual and social harmony is brought home to us

more and more profoundly.

Noel Paul

IV-D

24

Easter Day

Good Friday is the day Jesus Christ died on the cross.

Christians all over the world spend this day in fasting

and prayer. Then, on Sunday, which is called Easter

Sunday, Christians believe that on this day Jesus Christ

rose from the dead and went straight up to heaven.

On Easter Sunday, many children wake up to see if

the imaginary rabbit called the Easter Bunny has left

them baskets of candies or Easter eggs.

Aayush Sikehi

IV-D

My Favourite Game

Football is my favourite sport. I like playing it

because it is a game with a lot of activity. It provides

me with exercise and makes me healthy and fit. The

best part of this game is that it teaches me the values of

team spirit and sportsmanship.

My class has a football team named ‘Northern Rock

United’. We are a team of sixteen players and I am the

defender. This sport requires a lot of co-ordination

among all the players, so we have our practice every

day in the morning before school, under the guidance

of Mr. Wilson, our coach.

I love to watch the football matches on television.

My best teams are Manchester United, Chelsea and

Arsenal. My favourite player is Christina Ronaldo,

because I like his football skills, passes and shoots.

On Saturdays my dad and myself sit on the couch

and watch these football matches with a bowl of

popcorn. I will never give up playing football.

Murtaza Harnesswala

V-D

Another World is Possible

A World where Human Rights of all of us are ad-

hered to.

Not a day passes without news on the radio, T.V. or

the newspapers about acts of violence, terrorism, com-

munal tension, racial discrimination and other atroci-

ties being committed, where innocent lives are snuffed

out and the perpetrators of this violence are not brought

to the court of justice.

We were very fortunate to have Mr. Neeraj Jain, an ac-

tive member of LOKAYAT, A Forum For A New World

and Prof. Ram Puniyani, who is actively involved with

EKTA – Committee For Communal Amity, to conduct

a seminar on ‘Human Rights Education in Schools’ for

the Principal and Staff members of the school on the

10th February, 2009.

Mr. Neeraj Jain, gave an introduction to this seminar,

emphasising the difficult times we are passing through,

the crisis looming before us, the cancer of communal-

ism, terrorism, religious fundamentalism, globalisation

– all spreading their tentacles far and wide uncontrol-

lably. He urged us to be vigilant against ‘rumour-mon-

gering’, engage in cultural interaction, build closer so-

cial ties across communities and respect cultural diver-

sities in the world. How best can we achieve this but in

our classrooms and schools after all.

The seminar focused on three issues -

� Majors Problems of Society.

� Have we chosen our Religion?

� Our relationship as Indians – Its Democratic and

Secular Values.

25

The three interactive, open house

sessions were held in close horse-

shoe formation, where Prof. Ram

Puniyani elicited the answers from

the teachers. Each session was en-

lightening, informative and lively

– drawn from the school syllabus

comprising of History, Politics, Eco-

nomics, Geography, Moral Values,

History, Civics and Administration,

Statistics and others. These discus-

sions blew away all the cob-webs

from our minds, clarified many misconceptions

and myths, deepened our understanding of such phe-

nomena, opened our hearts and

minds, and awakened us from our

deep slumber of indifference to the

violation of Human Rights to the

World.

We thank Rev. Fr. Joy Thomas

SVD, Director Ishvani Kendra for

initiating this programme in our

schools in Pune.

- Ms. Elizabeth Coutinho

The Head-Boy’s Speech

Respected Principal, teachers, members of the non-

teaching staff and my dear friends,

As I stand here probably for the last time before you

all, I hold mixed feelings in my heart. I certainly am

excited to enter the brave new world, but I feel intense

sadness to depart from a home - like school. I will no

more experience the pride which I used to, in our school

uniform. However, I am comforted with the feeling that

I’ll be a ‘Vincentian Forever’.

Despite being associated with St. Vincent’s for a short

time, I have gained many things which usually take a

longer period. I wish I were here right from the primary

classes.

The very first day, I entered this college with a

trembling heart, with fear about the completely new

environment. Today as I step out once again, my heart

trembles, this time however not with fear but with a

nagging doubt whether I’ll ever get such an excellent,

warm and loving family.

I’ll forever remain grateful to all those who gave me

an opportunity to lead the student fraternity as Head-

Boy. The past year has provided me with bountiful

experiences and lessons that will last me for a lifetime.

I will never forget the contribution of my teachers.

Their tough words mingled with the rather friendly

approach will warm the cockles of my heart. I

wholeheartedly thank all the teachers for their

dedication and hard labour.

I also take this opportunity to thank all my fellow

students and prefects for the helping hand they lent. A

special thanks to the Principal, the staff members and

the members of the non-teaching staff.

On behalf of all my classmates of class twelve, I wish

to thank you all for your whole-hearted co-operation. I

take this opportunity to beg pardon from those whom

I may have hurt unknowingly.

May St. Vincent’s School grow from strength to

strength, this is my humble prayer.

Vincenti Dabitur!

Master Abhijeet Patil

XII-B

26

JUV§Ì {Xdg

26 OZdar 2009 Ho$ Adga na "C_§J Xoenm§S>o' 10 A H$m {dÚmWu

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_| JUV§Ì h_mam Zmam h¡&

O`qhX!

27

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àUd Hw$bH$Uu

6 ~

28

{H$aU

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JUV§Ì {XZ

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Z¥Ë` H$s ~hma h¡& AmH$me dmUr Ho$ X²dmam Bgr {XZ EH$ A{Ib maVr`H${dg§_obZ H$m Am`moOZ hmoVm h¡& Xoe H$s {d{dY mfmAm| H$s H${dVmE±VWm CZH$m qhXr AZwdmX àgm[aV {H$`o OmVo h¡&

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gM_wM 26 OZdar ^maV H$m gwZham nd© h¡& A^r VH$ h_ XrdmbrH$mo àH$me nd© H$hVo h¡& Wo, na A~ Vmo 26 OZdar amoeZr H$s amZr ~ZJ`r h¡& JUV§Ì H$m {XZ amï>r` ^mdZm Am¡a AmZ§X go ^anya Eo{Vhm{gH$nd© h¡& gM_wM `h {XZ h_mao Xoe Ho$ Jm¡ad Am¡a ñdm{^_mZ H$m à{VH$h¡&

[af^ Amogdmb6 (~)

29

_mPm AmdS>Vm {_Ì

_mPm AmdS>Vm {_Ì dËgb Amho. Amåhr XmoKo EH$mM emioV {eH$Vmo.

Amåhr XmoKo EH$mM dJm©V Amhmo. Amåhr EH$_oH$m§Mr _XV H$aVmo. embm

gwQ>ë`mda Amåhr XmoKo Kar MmbV-MmbV OmVmo. Ë`mMo Ka _mÂ`m KamÀ`m

~mOybm Amho. Amåhr g§Ü`mH$mir EH$Ì IoiVmo. emioÀ`m _Yë`m gwÅ>rV

Amåhr EH$_oH$m§Mm S>~m ImVmo. H$emMr JaO Agë`mg Vmo _bm bJoM

_XV H$aVmo.

Vmo _bm H$Yrhr ZmamO hmoD$ XoV Zmhr. emiobm gwÅ>r Agë`mda

Amåhr XmoKo ~mhoa {\$am`bm OmVmo. nU OmñVrV OmñV Amåhr ~mJoVM

OmVmo. {VWo Amåhr Iyn Iyn IoiVmo. Z§Va Amåhr ~mhoa Oodm`bm OmVmo.

Ë`mMm AmdS>Vm a§J bmb Amho. Ë`mbm nwñVH$ dmMm`bm Iyn

AmdS>VmV. Ë`mbm ^Or Im`bm Iyn AmdS>Vo. Ë`mMm dJm©V n{hbm

Z§~a AgVmo. Vmo Hw$Umbmhr _maV Zmhr. Xa e{Zdmar _r Ë`mÀ`m Kar

H$m°åß wQ>a Ioim`mbm OmVmo. _bm Amem Amho H$s Amåhr _moR>o hmoD$Z

EH$_oH$m§Mr _XV H$ê$ _bm Ago dmQ>Vo H$s nwT>À`m OÝ_r nU Vmo _mPm

{_Ì Agmdm.

C‚db C§Xao6 dr H$

{X_mJ h¡... Vmo Cn`moJ H$amo

1) BÝgmZ {H$gHo$ AmJo PwH$Vm h¡&

2) dh H$m¡Z gr ~rZ h¡, Omo \y§$H$_maZo go Zhr ~OVr h¡?

3) dh Š`m MrO h¡, {Oggo g^r {MT>Vo h¡ na {\$a ^r Jbo go bJmZoH$mo ~oVm~ ahVo h¡&

4) nmZr ~hZm N>moS>, bwT>H$Vm H$~ h¡?

Odm~ -

1) ZmB© 2) Xÿa~rZ 3) hma 4) ~\©$ ~ZZo na

[af^ §S>mar6~

{ViJwi g_ma§^

ZH$moM AgVmV hodoXmdo,

ZH$moM AgVmV ê$gdo \w$Jdo

EH$mM Vù`mVrb ~XHo$ AmnU,

ZH$moM Hw$R>bo ~maH$mdo,

JmoS> gU hm g§H«$m§VrMm,

{_iyZ gmao EH$Ì oD$,

_r nUmMo gmoSy>Z ~§YZ,

AmZ§XmMo PmS>M bmdy,

ñZoh dmT>Vmo VrimVrimZo,

gh^mJmZo \y$bVo OrdZ

_bm dmQ>Vo `mgmR>rM

g§H«$m§VrMo AgVo à`moOZ

Ðþ[db ehm3ar H$

30

26 OZdar (JUV§Ì - {Xdg)

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{j{VO I§Xma6 ~

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hmobr Ho$ {XZ bmoJ EH$ Xÿgao H$ Jwbmb bJmVo A¡a Jbo {_bVo h¡& Jbo

{_bZo go df© ~a H$m ~¡a Am¡a d¡_Zñ` g_má hmo OmVm h¡& eÌyVm {_ÌVm

_o ~Xb OmVr h¡& K¥Um ào_ H$m ê$n bo boVr h¡& Eogo {_bZ na {_R>mB`m±

~m±Q>r OmVr h¡& hmobr H$m Ë`mohma ào_, gX² mdZm, _¡Ìr Am¡a g_Vm go

OwS>m h¡&

AmH$me nmQ>rb

5 dr (~)

31

_H$a g§H«$m§V

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oVmo, H$maU mM {Xder gy © _H$a amerV àdog H$aVmo. gy © _H$a amerV

àdog H$aVmo Ë`m H$mimbm g§H«$_U H$mi Ago åhQ>bo OmVo d `m H$mbmV

CËnÞ Pmboë`m eº$sbm g§H«$m§Vr Ago åhQ>bo OmVo.

g§H«$m§VrÀ`m AmYrMm {Xdg åhUOo 13 OmZodmar hm {Xdg moJr {XZ

åhUyZ gmOam Ho$bm OmVmo. m {XdgmMo {deof _hÎd åhUOo m {XderMo

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{Xder `m Ja_ Ja_ OodUmMr _Om H$mhr doJirM AgVo.

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gU Va Mbm {_Ìm§Zmo _mÂ`m ~amo~a Vwåhrhr gdmªZm {ViJyi Úm d

gdmªZm gm§Jm ""{ViJyi ¿`m JmoS> JmoS> ~mobm''

AWd© ìhmdi - 3ar ~

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CëhmgmMm gU Amho.

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_mi Ago åhUVmV. VoWo EH$ IÈ>m IUVmV. Ë`mV PmS>mMr EH$ \$m§Xr

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nyOm Pmë`mda hmoir noQ>dVmV. _J bmoH$ hmoir ^modVr ZmMVmV.

JmUr åhUVmV. hmoirV gd© dmB©Q> Jmoï>r OmiyZ OmVmV Ago bmoH$m§Zm

dmQ>Vo.

hmoirMm Xþgam {Xdg Yw{bd§XZmMm AgVmo. m {Xder bmoH$ EH$_oH$m§da

a§J CS>{dVmV. AmZ§XmZo ZmMVmV. _r Am{U _mPo {_Ì gH$minmgyZ a§J

KoD$Z {\$aVmo EH$_oH$m§Zm Iyn a§JdVmo. Iyn _Om oVo. hmoir hm gU _bm

Iyn AmdS>Vmo.

Bñ_mB©b {hamobr6 ~

32

~hrU

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XVr H$Yr BH$S>o AgVo H$Yr {VH$S>o AgVo.

~{hUrÀ`m b¾mV aS>m`Mo AgVo,

nU ~{hUrÀ`m Am wî`mV hgm`Mo AgVo.

~hrUMr XmoZ Kao AgVmV,

_mhoa Am{U gmga

~hrUrZo gmgar Jobr åhUOo {dgam`Mo ZgVo,

CbQ> _mhoaMo OrdZ AmR>dm`Mo AgVo.

AmB©, ~m~m nmdgmV {^OV Agbo,

H$s ~hrU Ë`m§Mr N>Ìr AgVo.

nX²_O àXrn MmonS>o7 "H$'

ào_ AmB©Mo

\y$b Amho Jwbm~mMo,

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ào_ Amho AmB©Mo,

gmoSy> ZH$m Ë`mbm.

\y$b Amho _moJè`mMo,

KoD$ ZH$m dmg,

AmB© Amho åhUyZ

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eod§VrÀ`m \w$bmbm,

qH$_V AgVo \$ma,

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{ZVm§V AgVo \$ma.

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AmnU OmVmo _mohê$Z

H$m_ H$ê$Z-H$ê$Z

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amonQ>o OJV AgVo, \w$bm§gmR>r \$ma,

AmB© OJV AgVo, _wbm§gmR>r \$ma

[af^ §S>mar6 ~

33

ST. VINCENT’S HIGH SCHOOL, PUNE. (X A - 2008 - 09)

ST. VINCENT’S HIGH SCHOOL, PUNE. (X B - 2008 - 09)

33

34

ST. VINCENT’S HIGH SCHOOL, PUNE. (X C - 2008 - 09)

ST. VINCENT’S HIGH SCHOOL, PUNE. (X D - 2008 - 09)

34

35

ST. VINCENT’S HIGH SCHOOL, PUNE. (XII A - 2008 - 09)

ST. VINCENT’S HIGH SCHOOL, PUNE. (XII B - 2008 - 09)

35

36

Primary School Annual Sports Day

36

37

Vincentian Old Boys Association ( VOBA)Alumni association of St.Vincent’s High School, Pune

A General Report

Greetings from the Vincentian Old Boys Association, Pune, India (VOBA).You will be delighted to know that

VOBA is a very vibrant and active alumni and we would like to update you about some key VOBA activities.

Bonding

� VOBA has got the entire member directory (with contact details) online on its website. (Our membership

has passed 1510 members) We have also got the Roll Call list of passing out batches of Std. XI, X and XII

students from the fifty’s till date on the website.

� In order to have meaningful interaction among the Alumni, we organize a Contributory Dinner at the time

of the Annual General Body Meeting.

� We also organize Alumni Day. This year we had an attendance of around 250 ex-students & ex-teachers

for the dinner held on 15th Nov.2008.

� We facilitate reunions/get-togethers of batches. In the past two years, the 1958 and 1959 batches cel-

ebrated their Golden Jubilee, while the 1984 (12th) batch celebrated their Silver Jubilee of passing out, in

the Gulati Hall.

� Achievement Awards are also given to distinguished Alumni. Past winners include Mr. Dileep Padgaonkar,

Business Director, Times of India, Padmabhushan Late Dr. (Mrs.) Banoo Coyaji

� VOBA also has contact details of ex-teachers on the VOBA website and we often interact with them and

invite them for some of our events.

� Gives Book Awards to Toppers of Std. X and Std. XII Examinations.

� Gives Christmas Hampers to deserving students of economically weaker section.

� There are VOBA T-shirts/ Caps/ Ties/Bags available for sale, which foster a sense of brotherhood and

comradeship.

� We also hosted the 1st Pune Province meet of Jesuit Alumni in March 2008 and recently in Jan 09, partici-

pated in the 2nd Pune Province meet held at Sangamner.

Fund raising

� VOBA has a Teachers Fund and plans to utilize the same for the benefit of needy retired teachers of the

school.

� We have also been actively involved in raising resources for the Fr. Schoch and Fr. Oesch funds as well as

for the multipurpose Sports cum Lunch Hall.

� We organize a Family Musical Nite, with leading bands and the proceeds therefrom are shared between

the school and VOBA.

� We have facilitated the raising of funds by different batches for specific projects related to the school/ex-

teachers.

Sports

� In keeping with the St. Vincent tradition of excellence in sports, VOBA sponsors the VOBA Football team

comprising of ex-students. They participate in almost all major Football Tournaments organized by the

Poona District Football Association (PDFA).

� Organizes the K P Jadhav Football Tournament for PDFA (Pune District Football Association) Division I

and Division II Clubs, where more than 90 teams take part. This year (2009) the tournament is in its 15th

year.

� VOBA is an affiliated Club member of the PDBA (Pune District Basketball Association)

38

General

� We have our website at www.vobapune.com.

� The VOBA Executive Committee meets on the second Sunday of the month at 10.30 am at the school

library to chalk out plans for the month.

� VOBA organized the JAAI West Zone Congress on the theme “Water We care” in Oct 2006 and actively

participated in the West Zone Congress at Ahmedabad held in Oct 2008. The concept paper on the theme

‘Many Sparks –One Fire’ was contributed by our President - Bobby Jacob.

� We have also participated in the National Congress in Jamshedpur 2003 and at Trivandrum Sept 2007.

� A sign of our growing presence at the national level is the fact that our current President - Bobby Jacob, is

National Vice President of JAAI and our current Secretary - Imtiaz Lokhandwalla, is President of West

Zone JAAI.

� Currently VOBA is sponsoring and maintaining the JAAI website www.jaaindia.org

Golden Jubilee Reunion of the 1959 batch

Bobby, Imtiaz, Allen, Manoj Sanghvi, Raymond could attend the Golden

Reunion of 1959 batch in Gulati Hall on 8th Jan 09.

About 15 attended, many with their wives. Two came from US, one from

Hong Kong, one from Chennai, two from Mumbai.....

Many T-Shirts, Ties, Bags and Caps were purchased. Already 12 of this

batch were VOBA members, and another 8 new members were enrolled.

Vincentian Magazines, Footprints on Sands of Time, were freely distributed

to attendees. There was dinner at Military Club - R.S.I. We were informed

that a total of 27 attended these two get-togethers.

This photo has 14 of them plus one teacher (Mr Patil) at extreme left, in

Centre of Vincent's Quadrangle

Raymond Rebello

39

VOBA attended the West Zone Congress at the Jesuit run

St Xavier’s School, Ahmedabad,

in Oct 08. From Left to Right are : Asha, Raymond, Fr James,

Fr Mario, Arthur, Bobby, Allen, Saifee, Manoj, Richard, Diago,

Joe, Fr Robert, Bernie, Joe D’Souza

VOBA visit to the Jesuit run Dnyanmata School, Sangamner,

in Jan 09 for the 2nd meeting of Alumni of Pune Province.

Left to right : - Bernie, Joe, Richard, Imtiaz, Fr Robert, Bobby,

Allen, Arthur, Vikram, Saifee, Raymond, Manoj, William.

39

Inter-school Taekwondo Tournament on Saturday, 14thFebruary 2009 at the Fr. Oesch Hall, St.Vincent's High School,Pune. Students of St. Vincent's, St. Anne's,The Bishop's SchoolCamp, The Bishop's Co-Ed School, and students from VidyaValley School, St. Joseph's High School, Ghorpuri, and St.Helena's High School took part in this Tournament. The ChiefGuest for the function was Rev. Fr. Mario Fernandes,S.J. Principal, of St. Vincent's High School.

The winners were as follows :

Category 1 - BoysGold : Moinuddin Kadiwala, St. Vincent's High School of Std. IV-CSilver : Samiraja Mandot, St. Vincent's High School of Std. IV-B

Category 4 - BoysGold : Swaraj Mehta, St.Vincent's High School of Std. VI-C

The Rolling Trophy for the highest points was bagged by theBishop's Co-Ed School, Kalyaninagar who scored 25 points,followed by Runners up St. Vincent's High School, with 17points.Having won 2 - Gold/ 1- Silver.Details of Photograph :The proud Runners up, Team St. Vincent's High School withtheir Medals and Certificates.Along with the medal winners.Left To Right Moinuddin Kadiwala - Gold , Swaraj Mehta -Gold , Samiraja Mandot - Silver.

40

Rev Fr Adolfo Nicholas - Superior General of the Society of Jesus audience with the

members of the VOBA Executive Committee and their wives on 3rd Mar ‘09 evening.

Assembled in Rome for the General Congregation (meet-ing of the Provincials and Province Delegates), the Soci-ety of Jesus on 19th January 2008, elected Rev. Fr. Adolfo

Nicholas, S.J. as the new Superior General of the Societyof Jesus.

Less than a year into his term as Superior General,Fr. Adolfo Nicholas made his first visit to India to attendthe bi-annual meeting of the Jesuit Conference of SouthAsia (JCSA) which was held at Sanjeevan Ashram, Pro-vincial headquarters of the Pune Province of the Societyof Jesus. The meeting of the JCSA held from March 1st – 7th

brought together all the twenty Major Superiors (Provin-cial and Regional Superiors) of the South Asian assistancyalong with the General Counselor and Regional AssistantFr. Lisbert D’Souza and both the old and the new Presi-dents of the Conference Frs. Hector D’Souza and Fr Ed-ward Mudavassery. Besides attending the daylong meet-ings with the Provincials, Fr. General also made his offi-cial visit to the various communities and institutions ofthe Pune province.

We, at St. Vincent’s, were blessed with the visit of Fr. Gen-

eral Adolfo Nicholas on 3rd March 2009. Though a verybrief visit, Fr. General was accompanied by all theProvincials of South Asia. After meting the Jesuit com-munity briefly, Fr. General spent a few precious momentswith Executive Committee (EXCO) of the Vincentian OldBoys’ Association (VOBA). In his brief introduction, Fr.Mario Fernandes, Principal, welcomed Fr. General andintroduced him to the audience. He was also introduced

Photo from Lt to Rt :

Sitting – Bobby Jacob, Fr Mario

Fernandes, Fr Adolfo Nicholas, Fr

Bertie Rosario, Imtiaz

Lokhandwala.

Middle row standing - Madhuram

Ramnathan, Goretti Fernandes,

Asha Jacob, Almas Lokhandwala,

Leela Joshi, Bernie Rebello, Fiona

Martyres, Tasneem Polishwalla,

Andrea Kering.

Back row standing – V

Ramnathan, Farokh Irani,

Sushama Rebello, Raymond

Rebello, Manoj Joshi, Saifee

Polishwalla, Richard Fernandes,

Joe Rebello, Allen Martyres,

Manoj Sanghvi, Diago D’Souza,

Vikram Kering.

to each member of the EXCO who had the joy of shakinghands with him. Mr. Bobby Jacob, President of VOBA thenaddressed a few words to Fr. General. Very briefly Fr.General then addressed the EXCO members and theirspouses gathered for the occasion. He stressed the impor-tant role of the alumni (and their spouses) in collaborat-ing with the Society of Jesus in carrying out its mission.Fr. General was then felicitated with a bouquet of flowerspresented to him by Mrs. Tasneem Polishwala. Fr. MarioFernandes also presented him a gift on behalf of VOBA.Present on the occasion were also Fr. Bertie Rozario, Pro-vincial of the Pune province who was felicitated with abouquet presented by Mrs. Sushma Rebello. Also presentwas Fr. Thomas Ambrose, Manager of St. Vincent’s NightCollege and St. Joseph Night School.

Fr. Mario Fernandes then raised a vote of thanks to Fr.General for sparing his valuable time and giving us anaudience with him. The VOBA EXCO members and theirspouses were delighted to meet with Fr. General and willcherish happy memories of their brief encounter and ac-quaintance with him. Finally, we had a group photo withFr. General. He then went up to the Jesuit Residence wherehe the joined the community and the Provincials to asumptuous dinner. For the members of the Jesuit com-munity, Fr. General’s visit was a moment of grace. Wehave been blessed with his visit. We wish Fr. General‘Adios’ and a safe trip as he returns to Rome. Welcomeonce again Fr. General to the Pune province.

Fr. Mario Fernandes, S.J.

Fr. General visits St. Vincent’s

He was wounded for our transgressions,Crushed for our iniquities,

The chastisement of our peace was upon him,And with his stripes we are healed.

(Isaiah 53:5)

There are times when we feel bogged down by life’s troubles. We may have failed to achieve something or we may have feared a particular happening ... or we may have been hurt by someone ... the list is endless.

I too have had my doses of depression. There are times when I have felt like a ‘nobody’ ... someone who has achieved nothing but a big cipher. But then ... suddenly, my mind goes back into the past ... over 2000 years ago into the city of Jerusalem ... on that first Good Friday ... the day Jesus died.

What makes that Friday a ‘good’ one? Considering that God’s only son sacrificed himself for us on that day, to call it a ‘good’ Friday seems rather unjust and contradictory. However, a deeper retrospection makes the entire idea crystal clear.

“The word became flesh ... and it dwelt amongst us” - what better way to describe the Christ? Jesus brought salvation for all. He healed the broken hearted and set the captives free ... he made the lame walk again and called the blind to see. He was so full of love and mercy, that tax-collectors and harlots found a special place in his heart even though they were the most hated and rejected in society then. Besides, there was a strange kind of dynamism in his voice, that he drew people in mammoth numbers from all over the country. It is no wonder that Jesus was so different, so dynamic and so revolutionary. He was the ‘only begotten son of God’ - very God of very God!

Besides all this, Jesus came for a greater cause, a task which could be fulfilled by no other ... he came to die ... on the cross!

The physical suffering he endured that fateful Friday, is simply beyond comprehension. When late Pope John Paul II viewed Mel Gibson’s ‘The Passion of the Christ’, he rightly said that, what he saw in the film was not even half of what Christ actually went through. It was an inhumane act ...

an act of brutality. A brief illustration of the crucifixion will help you understand the above.

The Romans adopted the ‘art’ of crucifixion from the Phoenicians who first used it. They preferred it to boiling the condemned in oil or even punishments like impalement, stoning, drowning and burning, which all proved too swift for their taste. The Romans wanted a form of execution that was slow as it was painful ... hence the cross. The ritual of crucifixion was rather gory. The cross beam was fitted beneath the prisoner’s shoulders and his arms were extended along its length. Soldiers held them in place while the executioner with his right hand probed the wrist for a little hollow spot where the so-called ‘life line’

He Did It For Me

ended. Once he found it, his movements were swift and sure. Taking a five inch, square cut iron nail, he positioned it, and then he drove it into the hand and into the cross with a single blow. The same was repeated for the other arm. The soldiers then lifted the cross beam into place on the upright which was already planted in the ground. The timber was then lifted until the mortise could be fitted over, thus forming a rugged cross.

Next, the executioner positioned the prisoner’s right foot over the left, being careful to make sure his legs were bent at the knee. With a measured blow, he drove the third spike through both the feet and into the cross. Death was painful and above all very slow. After nearly an hour of extreme torture, death came as inexorably as it must, usually in the form of asphyxiation.

Was Jesus deserving of a death so painful and so full of shame? Was there no other way? However, Christ’s physical sufferings were pale in comparison with the plan his Father had in his death.

God saw Christ’s death as the only way to redeem lost humanity. It was a price Jesus had to pay to redeem EACH one of us. He suffered the Father’s rejection that we might be reconciled to him. That’s how much he loves you and me!When I think of that first Good Friday, I don’t feel low and depressed anymore. In fact I feel rejuvenated with encouragement, victory and love ... because my saviour died especially for me!

Jesus turned the cross - a sign a shame, sin and death - into a sign of hope a n d n e w l i f e .

I will never think of the cross the same way again ... it is a lesson for me ... an act of love and kindness. What message can we take from the Lord’s passion and death? It is very clear ... you are precious to God and that’s why he died for you. Take life in all its strife and move along the path of learning.

Is there a man who has betrayed the trust of his children?Your debt is paid!

Is there a man or a woman who has lot his or her virtue?Your debt is paid!

Is there a son who has broken his mother’s heart, a daughter who has forsaken the teachings of her youth?Your debt is paid!

Is there a junkie who has lost all hope?Your debt is paid!

Is there a religious leader living a double life, a merchant trapped in crooked deals, a politician on the take?Your debt is paid!

Your REDEEMER has paid your debt!

“Though your sins are like scarlet ... they shall be white like snow.Though they are red as crimson ... they shall be like wool.”

Dean LoboXII-B

HE DID IT FOR ME.