Hurrah For Our Home In The Mountains

2008-10-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Spaggies, Loreto-ites (but ofcourse) and Friends,

The North Point Middle East Alumni Association wishes you a

Very Happy Diwali.

May your lives be blessed with Good Health

and

may your 'tijoris' be filled with abundant Wealth.

With Best Regards,

The NP-ME Team

2008-07-29T21:27:00.000-07:00

ALUMNI MEETING 25 JULY 2008 : DUBAI

An Army Cannot march on an empty stomach and YES that IS Vishant in the foreground

A meeting of the Core Group* of the NP Middle East Alumni Association (NPMEAA) was held on Friday 25 July 2008 at International Convention Tower, Dubai

*CORE Group Present: Mr Robert Wilson, Mr. Chogyal Tshering La, Mr. Samir Sharma, Mr. Vishal Subba, Mr. Norden Ghissing, Mr. Steven Gurung & Mr. Vishant Gurung (who had inexplicably gone bald)

Core Group deep in discussion

Before we forget we would like to thank our President, Mr. Robert Wilson for arranging the venue and snacks as usual. Thank You Sir.

A lot of issues were discussed and among them were the following.

COMMUNICATIONS

All communications and decisions on behalf of the Alumni must be discussed with the core committee. No member is allowed to take decisions without first bringing the issue to the table. This is being done in order to protect the cause of the Alumni and to open better means of communication between members.

Mr Wilson & Mr. Ghissing are deep in discussion while Mr Sharma eyes the muffins

SUGGESTIONS OF GIFTS / SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL

It was thought that gifting football boots or such items (as initially planned) would only target a small group within the school and would not fulfill the Alumni’s goals of doing good substantial work for the school as a whole.

Subscriptions to International Reviews and Magazines (Nat Geo, etc) were suggested for the Library as well as an Inter School Sports Event to be held in Darjeeling (Hosted by NP and funded by the NPMEAA).

A Career Counseling Centre was also proposed. If approved by the members and the school, a permanent faculty member would be sponsored and placed in NP as a full time Career Counselor. It would be of great benefit for the students in guiding them for their future studies and career decisions as such facilities are few and very rare among schools in the hills.

A Sports tournament (football initially) was also proposed for the students of the NP Mungpoo school – Samir Sharma to look into cost while vacationing in Darjeeling.

Another proposal was for future funding of Smart Classrooms in the school with each class being equipped with projectors, screens, laptops & internet connection etc. If passed by the committee it would begin with Class12 and move down gradually.

However for the moment it was decided that the Alumni would gift the school INR Rs. 50,000/- as donation immediately.

The Prez & V.Prez at the meeting. "Next meet at my place." says Chogyal da.

REGISTRATION OF THE ALUMNI

Mr. Wilson to look into this as soon as possible. There is no category called ‘Alumni’ in registrations in the UAE. We however need to be a legal entity in order to have bank accounts and organise events. It was suggested we look at registrations as a Club etc.

Mr. Sharma to meet Jorden Norbu (President NPDSAA) and discuss registration with Darjeeling Alumni.

MEMBERSHIP

It was suggested that the Alumni needs to grow bigger and new members need to join as well. Vishal will send an email out requesting for personal information. Replies will be taken as confirmation of registration with the Alumni. All registered people will receive monthly newsletters and information about the Alumni’s activities.

Steve a la The Joker: "Why So Serious?"

WEBSITE AND VIDEO
Mr. Tshering La to send the HTML pages to Vishal for review and suggestions ASAP.
Alumni website to go online as soon as core members have endorsed it.
Mungpoo video to be uploaded to Youtube for ease in sharing with all

EVENTS

DASHAI (16 OCTOBER)

The Core Group decided to organize a Dashai party on the lines of the May Gala Dinner. It will cater to the same kind of people and the Dashai party to have elements of Nepali culture with Tika and complimentary Nepali Topi & Poté being presented to guests on arrival. Need to look into fun games in order to make it exciting and different from other parties. All tickets to be sold atleast 1 week before the event. Door/Gate sale to be avoided- Mr. Sharma will manage the event.

FOOTBALL (19 DECEMBER)
It was suggested that a Pre-Christmas Corporate Football Carnival would be ideal for December. Apart from the Football, it will be organized as a family outing with food & entertainment for all.
Age groups - Below 35 and above 35 for the tournament.
Steven to manage this.

NEWSLETTER
Vishal to look into starting a monthly / bi monthly update. Samir to look into probable e-book software

LUNCH
The core members then adjourned for a well deserved lunch break at the Crowne Plaza where the food was great but the service left a lot to be desired. However being North Pointers, and with Mr. Wilson as President, we managed to win the waitresses around and by the end of the meal they were all smiling like Cheshire cats with a certain Mr. Sharma blushing like a new bride.

The Waitress finally consented to Samir. To take the photo I mean.

and White is the new Black

If any of you have any suggestions then please feel free to write in to us by clicking on the link under QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS on the left side of the page. We welcome your suggestions and comments.

SURSUM CORDA

2008-07-27T22:33:00.000-07:00

OBITUARY.
Mr. Chandan Singh Rawat

Olympian and veteran football player Mr. Chandan Singh Rawat died on Friday. Mr. Rawat who would turn 83 on 27th July was ailing from heart problems for the past one year and was bed ridden since February after he fell down and cracked his hipbone. He was admitted to a Siliguri nursing home on Thursday when his condition grew serious.

The octagenerian sportsman born and brought up in Dehradun played in the Indian football team at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952. He settled down in Darjeeling in 1957.

“It is a great loss for the nation. Though he was invited to play for many foreign countries he just wanted to play for his own country. We are proud he was our father, ” his daughter Mrs Manju Rawat said.

Aditional Note by Mr. Robert Wilson (President: NP ME AA)

“Mr Chandan Singh was a part of the North Point staff for many years in the early sixties and he was responsible for handling the Rector’s office at times when he was not on the field doing what he like the best.

He was instrumental in bringing out the best in the St. Josephs’ Team which included the likes of PC Wong, Paljor Tsarong, Hishey Basi,Deb Mukerjei, Ravi Thapa, Father Arroyo and many may more all under the stewardship of Father Burns. A great force to reckon with the NP team was instrumental in setting high standards of football led by Mr. Chandan Singh.

As a football player he will always be remembered by is great playmaking skills in the midfield but above all his ability to beat any opponent be it many years younger than him, in the air and his heading prowess is something which can never be forgotten.

After securing his NIS from Patiala, he then took up several coaching opportunities, but then his love for Darjeeling eventually lured him back to hills where he devoted his time and energy to coach and develop Darjeeling Dynamos, a team which won many laurels, however suffered from the ignominy of never being able to beat the North Point team, a team which was always close to the heart of the late Mr. Chandan Singh Rawat.

I will also remember his exploits in venturing to officiate in the final of the Herlihy Cup between Singamari Lions and Darjeeling Police, when all other officials were petrified to do so and his bold and brazen decisions earned him great respect, especially from his linesman one of whom happened to be me!”

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.
We pray that they may have the strength to bear this loss and and we pray to the Almighty that his soul may rest in eternal peace.

2008-06-10T02:40:00.000-07:00

ALUMNI PROFILE

STEVEN GURUNG

A Perfect Host. A Proud Father. A North Pointer.

NP 1987 -1997

Steve, Steven or simply Ritt-hé.

Apart from the initial education at Himalayan Nursery, he studied in NP and then was the first batch of the +2 Commerce batch in school and finally completed his studies in NP College.

So he is a Himalayan-Josephite through and through.

A sports enthusiast, he is probably one of the few to have played football in all divisions from ‘F’ right through to ‘A’. (His grades meanwhile travelled the other way round and went from 'A' to 'F' )

He was also in the first 4’10” NP team to play in the “Goethals 4-10 Tournament” and they beat SAS 4-1 in the final. (Wow with so many numbers in that last sentence it’s a wonder he didn’t top the class in maths too).

Anyway, SAS have never been good losers and as any North Pointer knows we are always magnanimous in victory. After the final when the SAS bus broke down the good ol’ NP bus (with good ol Bharat daju at the wheel) gave them a lift back, but as Steve mentions, only upto Jorebunglow. (why only jorebunglow you have to ask him)

A Blue Coat holder in Football, Steve was a vital member of the team who won the Phagura Cup and was also the first NP team in 10 years to reach the Quarter Finals of the Hurley cup.

Steve is currently working in Dubai but he still manages to play football. However I am not sure if it is still in the 4’10” category or if he has moved up.

While in class 9 he was selected for the [fSports Authority of India (football camp] but quit after just 5 days.

Don’t get me wrong, his football skills were still good, the food at the camp however sucked. And that’s why he quit.

A complete foodie, he still manages to serve the choicest of morsels to whoever visits his place in Dubai and as his wife, Doma, would testify, people do seem to visit a little too often.

“Guys: No Shirt, No Service - Gals: No Shirt, No Charge” –Sign at a Bar in Sydney

While at college, his was the first batch to reach the finals of the Darjeeling 'A' Div League after 30 yrs but unfortunately lost in the finals 5-0.

The startling loss however, was not due to lack of skills but due to the distractions, as that was the only day that all the girls of the college landed in Lebong to cheer for the team. There are also unsubstantiated rumours that a certain someone had also come down from VVA that day to watch the game resulting in Steve ‘shooting’ many goals towards the stands. But we need to check with Doma for verification on that.

musu musu haasi deuna lai lai, musu musu....

Now if all that were not enough Steve also represented the North Bengal University 97' in the All India University Tournament held in Ranchi. (And for his friends, Ranchi explains sooooooooo many things)

He also represented Darjeeling 11 for the Governors Gold Cup in Gangtok in 97' 98' and 99. (In 2000 however, he was too busy with Governor Doma to play the Governor’s Cup… see details below)

He then represented the school athletics team and just so that All Play did not make Steve a Dull Boy, he decided to diversify his skills and play the role of sexy Fathima in the school drama production of Ali Baba & The 40 Thieves. (Samir and Steve often get together, draped in sarees, reminiscing of those fond school times)

He was in Laenen (yellow) house all the way and also captained it in his final year. Holy Shit!

In the 12th standard he was made the school prefect and keeping in mind the colour of his house, was actively involved in cleaning toilets (his own words I swear).
Again, Holy Shit Indeed!

“Last night I lay in bed looking up at the stars in the sky and I thought to myself, where the heck is the ceiling.” – Anon

Then quite astonishingly he managed to captain the Volleyball team in class 10 with teammate Vishant, and they quite un-astonishingly, managed to prove, that to win at volleyball, you’d need to be a ‘little’ more than 4’10”.
Even today, Steve & Vishant can vividly remember those cries of “purké, purké” still reverberating from the stands (again his own words I swear).

FYI: Vishant has since taken to Gym-ming.

“If I can’t grow vertically,” he reasons practically, “well, horizontal will have to do.”

By the way Vishant when asked to describe Steve in 1 line said “Doma and Ryan his life, Football his mistress and friends his strength but he's highly toxic when doused in booze.............Mind it!!!!”

“24 hours in a day 24 beers in a case. Coincidence? I think not” - Anon

Steve meanwhile met his wife Doma in 2000 and after 2 months “Love Gave Him Wings” and he migrated to Dubai.

Dubai initially was hell (so much to study so little booze) but he did manage to complete his- Masters of International Business from The University of Wollongong, Dubai Campus.

And finally after 6 years of winging it he finally proposed (rumors are that he sang the proposal) to Doma in 2006. She accepted and they got married in April 2006.

And then just to make sure, they got married twice more.
So 3 times in total, Once in Church, Once a Nepali wedding and Once a Buddhist ceremony. Talk of being well & truly hitched.

“He early on let his wife know who the boss was. He looked her right in the eye and clearly said, "You're the boss." - Anonymous

They were blessed with a son Ryan on 18th September 2007.

The little tot has not only grown up to become extremely cute and amazingly fair but also wonderfully well tempered. Almost anyone who meets him can only marvel at his ability to adapt with people and at his lack of crying and tantrums.

“How Come You Are Chooo Calm & Tranquil?” someone once asked him and in reply he lisped “Me Father Makes Up For Both Of Us That’s Why.”

By the way some of his grandmother, Miss Viveka’s, genes surely have passed on as the little guy already knows how to plunk on the piano..Steve in the meantime started his career with shipping and logistics and is currently working as Groupage Incharge (sic) at Swift Freight International LLC in Dubai.

Steve believes that "Nothing is impossible - you just have to find a way"

And as Van Damme once famously said “A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing”

By the way Steve can give Brangelina a run for their money any day.
His Mom Viveka is a Christian, Dad Bhushan a Hindu and wife Doma a Buddhist….
so he just loves to celebrate it all… Loshar, Dashain, Christmas, even Hannukah…

Again as Doma will testify, Steve does NOT need an excuse to party.

Or sing for that matter and while in class 12 he competed in the 1st ISC fest held in St. Pauls and came second in the solo. All present during that fest say he should have come first as he is a truly wonderful singer and he would have too, if only he wasn’t talking as much as singing.

Samir when asked to describe Steve said “He is a rabble rouser, gregarious, perfect host, party animal, fun to have around, trustworthy, passionate & extremely friendly.”
(I guess they can’t help but be passionate when sitting beside each other, 1 beer in hand, 4 in the gut and draped in a silky chiffon saree.. but that’s another story for another day and another blog)

Steve also heads a Band here in Dubai called The 11th Hour.

As he helpfully explained, the name is because no party begins before the 9th Hour and no song begins unless Steve has spoken for another 2 hours, hence The 11th Hour.

I could go on but in Steve’s own words, ammamam.. abho bhayo laah da... oberai lamoo bhayo .. so here’s to a wonderful guy, a passionate North Pointer and a loving Husband & Dad.

And I end with a quote which I am sure he would completely agree with “A good friend is one who will bail you out of jail, but your best friend is the one sitting next to you saying, "Damn That Was Awesome".

Cheers to you Steve! Cheers Indeed!

SURSUM CORDA

Steven Gurung can be contacted at steven.gurung@swiftfreight.com

2008-06-07T23:54:00.000-07:00

MESSAGES

Hi,

It was really nice to go through the NP Alumni blog.

We are both very happy for the success of the gala dinner and I must say that it was organised very well and professionally. After a long time it was really nice to have such a gathering in Dubai and especially since it was for such a good cause.

It is very difficult for people in Dubai to take time out for such things because most of the time the people are busy with their daily schedules and yet on that particular day so many of us were there and its really nice to know that there are still some people who are interested in such things.

It is indeed very heartwarming and do keep up the good work.

Fr. Van speech and the Mungpoo school video was very inspiring and while we could not spent much time with Father that evening, we were blessed when we got to meet and escort Father at the Dubai International Airport during his departure. He was genuinely surprised and at the end near the gate, he also prayed and blessed us both.

God bless you all, keep up the good work and we hope to do a lot more in future too.

All the best.

Regards

Mr. & Mrs Pranaya Subba.

--------------------------------- * ---------------------------------

Dear All,

I had a great time on the 29th. Everything was so well organised and I salute you guys for putting all your effort to bring so many people together to put a smile on so many under priviliged children back home.... If we don't do it then who does?

So I hope for more such events in future. You can count on me if there is anything I can do to help.

I'm so glad that i was part of the event..and I would like to thank all the organisers for making a difference in life.

Thats all for today... catch you soon and god bless.

Next time I promise to give you more contacts

Regards,

Rekha Blone

Rekha was the winner of the TV in the auction that night

2008-06-03T02:58:00.000-07:00

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear All,

A very special thanks to all of who mobilized so many donations towards the Mungpoo School Project, the very first venture of the newly set up North Point Alumni Association, Middle East Chapter. It is indeed heartwarming that we have benefactors like you who are willing to not only contribute but also lend your support to a good cause and especially one which involves giving young children a fair chance in life. The NP Alumni remains committed to bettering the lot of the less fortunate in the world keeping in mind the words of our school song – “Here’s a hand to a faltering brother, here’s a lift for the lame and the slow”

A novel enterprise, this School project furthers the educational opportunities for the underprivileged in the society. The aim to make them proficient in English as this is the teaching medium, educate them to become world class citizens capable of integrating into society and further be able to avail of better opportunities in other parts of the world.

This School is being built with treated bamboo, keeping in mind the natural setting and effective use of resources for an environment-friendly construction and along the lines of the Green Concepts which are critical in today’s world. Since most of the students are from nearby plantations, the need for vocational education is high. Students are taught beekeeping, bioorganic farming, planting mushrooms and many more vocations. Your contribution towards this enterprise is critical given the fact that it costs just Dhs. 250 to educate a child for a year and Dhs. 2500 for the entire ten years of schooling, which indeed is a relatively small sum, isn’t it?

So once again please accept our gratitude as well as appreciation for your great service which is truly appreciated,

With kind regards,

Robert

Robert C S Wilson
President
North Point Alumni Association UAE-ME Chapter

2008-06-02T00:11:00.000-07:00

MESSAGES FROM NP ALUMS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE.

Dear All,

I have attached a few pictures from my time in NP - the b&w pictures are from Year 9-10 (1981-2) and from our 43rd HMI Adventure Course (1982). I am the 4th from right front row in the class photo and the 1st from left front row in the HMI photo. I cannot recall if Robert was in the same class, please ask him. The other b&w pictures are from my scouting days.

The more recent coloured pictures are of our family, my wife Nilanjana, and our two girls, Hia 6yrs and Oli 3yrs - as you can see, we have maintained an adventurous outlook in life taking on from the NP spirit.

I owe a lot of who I am today to the NP days, and for instilling in me a sense of principle, discipline, will power, adventure and a love for outdoors and nature.

Wish you, Robert and the team there all the best for the first alumni event and do keep in touch.

Regards,
Anoop Chaudhuri HRBO Director,
PD Asia Pacific and Africa
Ford Motor Company

Anoop can be contacted on achaudhu@ford.com

---------- * ----------

Hi,

I'm Wilf Armstrong class of '58. I'm now retired, but still work the Alaska Cruise season for Holland America from May 'til September. I live on the west coast of British Columbia, with the Pacific Ocean in front and the Coast Mountain Range behind me.
A long way from N P and the Himalayas 'and a long time ago, but I'll never forget those days at the school.
One day, in the not too distant future, I hope to return for a visit.

Yours Truly Wilf

Wilf can be contacted on warm777@shaw.ca

---------- * ----------

Dear All,

Wishing you and all the attendees, at what sounds like a wonderful night, every success at the Gala event. Wish I could be there !! See you at the NP reunion in Bangkok next May perhaps ??
All the best
Regards

Billy Pyke
(NP: 1956-1963)

Bill can be contacted on bill.pyke@lehman.com

---------- * ----------

Dear North Pointers,

Thank you for your mail.

As you perhaps know, my husband is severely handicapped after two brain hemorrhages several years ago.
Last September, his former classmates and their wives came to our place for the yearly N.P reunion. Altogether, we were 34 people. We had a tremendous weekend together and afterwards a five-days bus trip to Bavaria.

My husband apparently was very happy to see them all again. In spite of the fact that he cannot talk we were sure he recognised everybody. For my children and me it was the event of the year- we will never forget it. It gave us a family feeling. It was so moving.
To give you a glimpse on my husbands life, I will tell you his CV.
After school, he obtained a sponsorship by the DAAD (German academic exchange organisation) to Germany and became a mechanical engineer. He returned to India to help his fellow refugees and for a year was the interpreter for His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama.
In 1969, he returned to Germany and worked as an engineer till October 2000. We married in 1972 and have two children: Norbu (30) and Yuldon(27). We live in South Germany at Lake Constance near the Swiss border.
In October 2000, Palden had a severe brain hemorrhage, and in February 2001 a second stroke. Since then he is severely handicapped ; a locked-in-syndrome.
On his behalf please give his regards to the NP alumni and their respective families. He certainly would love to join them.
Best wishes and Sursum Corda!
Christel Gyanatshang-Moser

Christel can be contacted on gy-mo@gmx.de

---------- * ----------

Dear NP Guys,

Thanks for your note. I am filled with pride to read of the gala dinner and the cause behind hosting such a noble event. We indeed make a difference and a positive one. Mr. Wilson was my teacher in NP school and I was a classmate of Patrick his younger brother. Even though I would like to join the event I will not be able to do so. Please convey my wishes and best regards to all and to Mr Wilson too. Wish and pray the event is a great success. I have attached some pics of our reunion in New York on Sep 11 2004 and also pics of Fr. Van when he visited us in Ho Chi Minh City. Sursum Corda

Somendra P Pradhan

Country Finance

DirectorICI Paints
Somendra can be contacted on somendra_pp@hotmail.com

---------- * ----------

Message for the NP Alumni Middle East gala dinner in Dubai.

I am very happy to hear that the N:P: Middle East Alumni is hosting a dinner in the aid of the Mungopoo school project. This project is a very typical example of the activities of the Jesuits in Darjeeling and it’s surroundings. I am sure this dinner will help greatly in accomplishing the project.

I first went to North Point in 1951, when I was five and a half year old. I left North Point after finishing my bachelor’s degree in 1964, when I turned twenty. In these 13 years in North Point I have learned one very important lesson (amongst others) from the Jesuits: “Never give up a good thing worth doing, even if you see many problems ahead”. This has often been my motivation even during some very difficult times in the past 44 years after leaving North Point.

The school in Mungpoo is a project, that is very characteristic for the Jesuits. Take up on a good thing and then do your best to overcome any type of problem turning up. Just do not give up. Now I expect that many N.P. alumni organisations world wide will be doing their best in helping to fund this project.

And ofcourse it is worth our while undertaking the effort of helping out. The school will help children in a remote area in India to get educated and maybe become very valuable in their field of work for the country.

I wish the Middle East Alumni under the leadership of Mr. Robert Wilson a very successful evening - with lots of fun, fond remembrances of the old days at North Point and of course the collection of a proud sum for funding the school to be built.

Sursum Corda!

Serosh Engineer
Am Rotdorn 40
47804 Krefeld, Germany

Serosh can be contacted on cstm.s.engineer@t-online.de

---------- * ----------

Dear North Pointers,

Sadly, I have to inform you that Colin died May 20th 2002. He was 82 years old. He had had a remarkable life. From being Captain of some of Exxon's largest tankers, he came ashore and when they struck oil in the Libyan desert, he helped to design their Marine facilities and ran the port for eleven years. After Libya his career took him to New York, Holland, Indonesia, Malaysia and as a Marine consultant he advised on many marine problems around the world. He was famous in the tanker world for a book he wrote in 1954 called Tanker Handbook for Deck Officers. The 8th and last edition was published around the year 2000.

Colin wrote his life story for the family in his retirement and the first page depicted a photograph of North Point College. Sadly it was only a black and white photo, the only one he had of it.

I hope his photograph will come out. I'm not very good at sending pictures yet. Please let me know.

Since Colin died (we were then living in Cornwall, U.K. ) I came to Perth, W. Australia 4 years ago and now live with my daughter, and enjoying 4 very young great grandchildren.

I trust this will be of some interest to you. The only other N.P. student Colin mentioned to me was Dijmi Dorgi (I may have the spelling wrong), he was apparently in Colin's dormitory.

Best of Luck for all your ventures.

With kind regards -

Joyce Baptist (wife)

Joyce can be contacted on coljoy@iinet.net.au

---------- * ----------

Dear NP Guys,

I will be happy to help asap in any way I can.

I had seen your blog sometimes back and was happy to learn that Anand’s son Vishant was doing well.
He was my classmate and closest friend.
Under Willi, whom I remember very well, you will do well!

Keep up the good work.

A bientot

Ashok Mirchandani

Ashok can be contacted on ashokmir@yahoo.com

---------- * ----------

Dear Guys,

I do wish you all the best in your fundraising efforts. It is a really worthy effort and well in keeping with the spirit of North Point where stand like men to each other with a helping hand to the lame and the slow.

Give my regards to Robert. If he is who I think he is, he was a couple of years senior to me. His father used to play the drums if I remember correctly. They were a very well known family in Darj.

Will try to send some photos

Best Wishes

Sursum Corda

Vincent

NP 63 – 72

Vincent can be contacted on yolvin@ihug.co.nz

2008-06-01T01:29:00.000-07:00

THE GRAND NP Middle East DINNER

The UAE Chapter of the NP Alumni Asso. recently held its Gala Dinner in Aid of the Mungpoo School.

Attended by both ex-north pointers as well as well wishers and philanthropists, it was a grand success. Almost 140+ people turned up at The State Ballroom of the Four Points Sheraton in Dubai for an evening of introduction, fun and networking.

The Chief Guest was Rev. Fr. G Van Walleghem.

We would like to thank all of the guests who spared time on the weekend to attend the Dinner and we look forward to your continued support and cooperation.

Modesty is often valued but sometimes a pat on the back is justified & necessary too.

The evening would not have been such a grand success had it not been for the following.

Mr. Robert Wilson: The guiding force behind the enterprise, he not only opened his house and office for the alumni meetings he also led from the frontline. Never letting his seniority get in the way, he often jumped in and got his hands dirty with menial tasks. On D-Day with just 30 minutes for the function to begin he was busy wrapping gifts with special self-designed & printed wrapping paper with the NP Logo. Commitment does not come stronger than that. After all the hard work of organizing was over he did not sit back and relax, instead he led the Tambola and the Auction and even managed to get quite a few damsels to the dance floor (though to be fair the last is not technically a chore). Thank You and Sir, Take A Bow.

Mrs. Purnima Wilson: For hosting rowdy North Pointers time and again at your house. The mouth watering food was much appreciated and Samir da, in particular says the Jack & Coke was even more appreciated. Thank You Aunty and when do we see you again. :-)

Mr. Chogyal Tshering La: If in a few years the NP UAE Chapter becomes a Fortune 500 company, this is the person to thank. He brings a business discipline to the whole forum and makes sure we are always looking at not just the immediate gains but also the larger picture. He has big plans for the UAE Alumni and we are blessed to have him as the Vice President. Affectionately known as Chogsda, his energy levels can give Shah Rukh a complex (infact many people say he also resembles SRK) and no one I know, can work the Blackberry the way he can. He created the Mungpoo video in 3 hours flat and it was so good that many people were moist eyed in the hall. (Samir da ofcourse was moist eyed just looking at the price of Jack & Coke but then thats another story for another day). He is also a connoisseur of fine single malts and is known to whip up a mean dish on weekends. He has promised he will be inviting us for one of his soirees very soon. Till then Chogs da do continue to guide us and Take A Bow.

Samir Sharma: Many of you know him from the profile as the one who spent his formative years wearing white tights and sarees but none of that is evident as he verbally whirlwinds across a room getting things in place during every meeting. His running order for the evening’s program was like an Army-man’s wet dream. He brings with him considerable talent and expertise from running the Darjeeling Carnival and its no wonder that the evening was such a success. He does tend to doze off from time to time but when awake he can multi task like a Woodpecker on Viagra. I could write more but he called me to say “Bhai I am trying to become modest” (trying being the operative word here). Jokes apart he is the Super-Glue that holds us all together (he in turn is held together with J&C) so without further ado, Samir da Take A Bow.

P.S. He can now be contacted 24/7 on his waterproof-shockproof-floating black…oops … blueberry. (details with pic will come soon on the blog)

Steven Gurung: A thin body belies the booming voice and at the head of the in-house band he not only sang some great numbers, he even managed to keep everyone entertained with his in-between-songs commentary. Another multi-tasker, with less than a month to go before the event, he managed to assemble a band, arrange the music equipment, practice songs, play football, get souvenirs from Darj etc….. all in between dodging bullets and ammunition shells (it’s a long story…. Wait for the details in his upcoming profile) in war torn Africa. The legend looks set to continue because his 9 month old son Ryan (details again in the upcoming profile) also managed to dance the night away till 1 am. He plays the drums, and his skills with the sticks must be seen and heard to be believed. Some even say that he can twirl a drumstick better than he can a beer bottle but from what I’ve seen of both I’ d say it’s a tie.

A quick word here about his beautiful wife Doma, who also hosted many alumni meetings and always had yummy food waiting at their place. The Momo party is still pending though… Steve, Doma & Ryan Take A Bow.

Norden Ghissing: He had to fly to Iran (dont ask) the day before the event and as it usually takes about 3-4 days for people to get back from there we all were preparing substitutes for his role. Amazingly he managed to get back on the day of the event with 10 minutes to spare. While scaring many hotel guests as he changed into his suit in the lobby washroom he was surrounded by curious people all wanting to know how he came back so quickly. He just says the NP spirit got him back but some knowledgeable ones (Samir) say he rowed across the Iranian Strait. He was incharge of the F&B and with all the well fed and tipsy people in the end he succeeded pretty well. He is also an extempore entertainer and no one can make a wise crack with such a straight face as him. Norden da Take A Bow.

Vishant Gurung: He is an avid gym enthusiast and folklore has it that every time he lifts 40 kilos he finds a North Pointer in UAE. He can be credited single-handedly (without a trace of exaggeration) with locating and contacting all the Spaggies here in the UAE. We initially thought there would be about 7-10 but he jacked up that number to almost 35. We hear the FBI is interested in recruiting him. And…….he just called to say he lifted 80 kilos and found 2 more. Vishant Take A Bow and Do Keep Lifting.

P.S. He gives a great discount at his store and if anyone wants to do some serious shopping please contact him.

Vishal Subba: That’s yours truely and modesty (albeit false) prevents me from writing about myself. Suffice it to say I did my best.... I Am Like That Only. and…. and……and……. Thank You, I have already taken my Bow.

Richard, Ali & Rohan & Steve from the band The 11th Hour and guest singer Zerene who provided some truly world class music. Both the singing and playing was top notch. Take A Bow Guys.

Anant, Amit & Prashant from the Nepali Band who brought the Darjeeling touch to the evening. As always Musu Musu got everyone to their feet. Great Job Guys, Take A Bow

Tito & Tenzing: The DJ’s for the evening. You left the audience wanting more and that’s always a good sign. Guys Take A Bow.

Gopal: For helping with the Music and for smiling so much and so often. With your shaved head and ever-smiling face you lit up the room. Thank You Gopal, Put on a Cap and Take A Bow.

John Baptist: Again for working tirelessly and for attending the meetings faithfully and that too without having a car. Your dedication is and inspiration to us all. Take A Bow John.

Derek Lama: A special mention to him as he volunteered himself and was one the first to reach the venue and worked right up till the end. He studied in VVA and he proved that for a good cause the Nepali heart is always ready. Derek, Thank You Very Much. Don’t take a Bow, instead we bow to you.

We also Thank all of you who came from outside Dubai, Pranai Rai who came all the way from Bahrain, Mr Gurdeep Dhatt and his lovely wife who came from Al Ain and all the others who came from the neighbouring emirates.

Once again a BIG Thank You to all and we look forward to your support and cooperation in the future too.

Enjoy The Pictures (more will follow)

SURSUM CORDA

The Packed Hall

Robert, Fr. Van & Bahrani Pranai.

Vishal gets things started.

Fr Van addresses the Guests

Atlas and the NP world

Are we making you girls uncomfortable?

And Now ladies & Gentlemen I am Mr. Chogyal Gates

Whats an NP party without some dancing

Is that a beer in your hand or are you just glad to see me?

I cant smile without a Tie

A Memento For Fr. Van

Dr. & Mrs Gurdeep Dhatt & The Rocket Man Mr. Surana Dutta
Elvis Lobo says Black is slimming
The 11th Hour Band featuring Vishant

A Section of the Crowd

Yeah Samirda 4 Helpings down and 3 more to go

We are having so much Fun and the Beer has nothing to do with that.

Posing... Posing

Say it Clear, Say It Loud.
We Are Spaggies and We Are Proud

2008-05-19T20:33:00.000-07:00

ALUM PROFILE SERIES # 4

SAMIR SHARMA
A Ecologist. An Organizer. A North Pointer.

NP 81 to 89

Samir is from the Centenary Batch – which created a record of sorts not least because the school had completed a hundred years but also because everyone passed the ICSE that year and thankfully, have being doing so quite consistently ever since.

He was in the Laenen House (not the best of colours to be seen wearing but that’s another story) and during the final year also managed to win the 100 meters relay.
Everyone passed that year …ergo… everyone busy studying ….ergo…. no one to run ….ergo.… you do the math.

Anyway, as was the custom, he also got a “Sursum Corda” cake that, in his own words, was worse than Ghuramiya ko Mitha Roti. We probably have to take him at his word on that because he has never run since.

He was also in the school gymnastic team (a young Samir in white tights jumping on parallel bars… what more could the LC girls ask for.?) and he insists that this profile should mention that he has been very very flexible since then!

All throughout his LD life he bravely jumped through the Rings Of Fire on Independence Day Shows. Incase you are wondering, it wasn’t for the benefit of the LC girls but rather because of the fear of Mr Wangden Lama.
Whoever said “fear gave him wings.." probably knows Mr. Lama well.

If running the relays, jumping hoops and donning tights wasn’t enough he challenged his machismo ever further by played the role of a mother in the Centenary Nepali School Play. Who was the poor boy chosen to be the ‘son’?
Our very own Search Specialist Vishant Gurung. While on the set he was soundly scolded by Mrs Jiwan Kala for performing with his Naughty Boy shoes - in a saree!
The play however gave also him a glimpse of the human side of Mr. A.C. Rai who was the director and even (insert gasp here) cracked jokes on set… can u believe that??!!

He studied Science in St Joseph’s College at the +2 level and then pushed off to Chennai and Calcutta after that for graduation in 1991. There is no data available about whether he continued to don white tights and sarees while in Chennai & Calcutta.

He began his career as Asst. Administrator for the Maitreya Project in Bodhgaya in 1996 and lived in Bihar for the next 7 years becoming the Project Administrator and hobnobbing with the likes of Lalu Prasad, Sharad Yadav, Nitish Kumar and Richard Gere. (Julia however was a little busy to make it)

And for all you doubting Thomas’s there, for your kind information, Samir can speak perfect Bihari (Magadhi).

Ka bhaiya, gharwa na jaimey??? U figure that out yourself.

No Bihar story is ever complete without a mugging and Samir too got looted by dacoits at the project site and was made to live in pyjamas (???) for a week. The poor idiots took all their laptop bags and left behind the laptops…
Bihar hai bhaiya…computer samputar kaa cheej hai??? Hai???

Suitably chastened, he then organised the Kalachakra initiations for 3 consecutive years for His Holiness The Dalai Lama in Bodhgaya and that is where the Event Management skills were born. He says he owes a great deal of all his spirituality, beliefs and life skills to those days.

“Everyone needs believe in something. I believe I'll have another beer.” - Anon

Came back to Darjeeling in 2002 after 11 years of ‘banbash’ and started freelancing for Statesman Newspaper as a photo journalist (talk about diversity in portfolio). Started one of the first video studios in Darjeeling with NP batch mate Bhasker Thami called Studio69.
Bhasker apparently is still making sexy music videos with all those lovely chicks of Darj and Sikkim, and how could he not with a studio name so apt.

He also promoted Mantra and The Reincarnation and shot the first ever music video from Darjeeling to be aired on Channel Nepal ( Mantra’s Timi Bina).

He did numerous pro-bono work for all the music bands of Darjeeling -
“Samirda album cover ko lagi photo khichi dinos na…”

Joined Mercy Corps an American non profit org in Aug 2003 as Office Manager and worked in 12 villages around Darj on building community initiatives and energizing the rural youth.

In late 2003 he met Shasheesh and Ajoy and that, as the cliché, goes changed his life forever. They started the Darjeeling Carnival and the rest as they say is history…

He then initiated the Darjeeling Initiative, a group of like-minded locals, mostly in their youth, from diverse backgrounds, coming together with the aim to make a positive impact on the socio-economy of the Darjeeling Hills.

Taught photography to Mass Comm. students in St Joseph’s College for a short while in 2006 / 2007 and if you check you will probably find him still listed as one of the teachers of the department in the College Diary!

Started Darjeeling’s first ever Lounge Bar “OMNI” (http://omnilounge.blogspot.com) and was running it before heading for Dubai. (Talk about a concept for us in Dubai. All in favour raise your hands)

He is presently working in Dubai with IIR Middle East as Special Events
Coordinator, organizing Gala Dinners, Awards, Golf days, Fashion Shows and is apparently loving it. (How can anyone not love a job which involves fashion shows? Duh!!)

He loves to blog and is very passionate about photography and keen on development issues.

His strength (according to him) lies in initiating and energizing people for new ventures, networks and social causes.

He is happily married to Namrata (Loreto 89 batch) and thanks to all the gymnastics in school, is blessed with the most well behaved kids, Natasha & Nikunj who he misses like hell…

“You can take the boy away from North Point but you cannot take North Point away from the boy…”

Vishant says, Samir is : “…an energetic soul, talented, passionate about his job and could do
wonders with a bottle of booze”

and Norden adds; "Not old, not young....has to be cooked only in a pressure cooker (60 whistles) but still organised. That's Sam in Dubai

Amen to that.

SURSUM CORDA

2008-05-15T01:34:00.000-07:00

ALUMNUS MESSAGE

Dear North Pointers,

SURSUM CORDA!

I am so happy to know that our old boys are getting together in Dubai and organizing a gala dinner for the Mungpoo School.

I must thank you all for this noble work that you have started. The Mungpoo school does need your gracious support.

So thank you once again.

I am currently serving our Alumni as an assistant secretary, and here we are working on the registration of Mungpoo School in the ICSE council and other departments. Lot has to be done, but nothing is impossible if our intents are sincere.

As we were taught to be men for others, let us carry on with our efforts to make the lives of unfortunate children better by supporting Fr. Van in his cause.

Congratulations to Mr. Robert Wilson, the president of the UAE chapter, and to you all.

I am Deven Gurung 82 batch.

I hope Mr. Wilson will remember me.

Regards to him and all our fellow north pointers.

Yours truly Deven.

2008-05-14T02:41:00.000-07:00

GALA DINNER POSTER

You can make a difference…

Forget the discos and the night clubs for one thursday and join us in changing lives…

See how little it takes to change a child’s life… and while you’re at it, enjoy mouth watering delicacies, take part in fun games with your friends, jive to the music of our home grown band and let off some steam with the dj

Feeling lucky? There are loads of prizes to be won! You are guaranteed an entry to a raffle draw with your invitation passes

So what are you waiting for? Come and join us in supporting “The Mungpoo School Project” by attending the gala dinner on Thursday 29 May 2008, 7pm at the Four Points Sheraton, Burdubai, Dubai.

SURSUM CORDA

2008-05-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

JOB VACANCIES

Hi Guys,

Please see below a list of positions currently available at IIRME.

Established in Dubai in 1993, IIR Dubai is the undisputable regional market leader in the conference and training sector and is currently second only to Dubai International Exhibition Centre in total exhibition space occupied.

Interested candidates can forward their CV’s to Samir Sharma (samir.sharma@iirme.com) and he can also be contacted at the same address for the job descriptions (JD).

You can also check out their website at www.iirme.com

A Big Thanks to Samir and Best of Luck to all.

SURSUM CORDA

Exhibitions

Cityscape
Exhibition Manager Cityscape India

Life Sciences
Exhibition Manager/Director
Exhibition Sales Manager
Tele-sales Executive

Industrial Group
Sales Executive (International Freight Week)
Conference Producer (whole group)
Delegate Sales Executive (whole group)

MECOM
Exhibition Manager

MEMEX
Exhibition Manager

Exhibition Marketing
Marketing Manager (Cityscape Asia & China)
Marketing Manager (Cityscape Abu Dhabi & Dubai)
Marketing Executive
Registrations Sales Executives

Operations
Assistant Operations Manager
Operations Executives
Operations Coordinators
Arabic speakers for any Operations positions would be a bonus

Research & Development
Research Manager

Conferences

Group Sales Department
Conference Sales Manager
Key Account Manager
Sponsorship Manager

Conference Marketing
Senior Marketing Manager

Production
Conference Producer

Corporate

Finance Shared Service Centre
Credit Controller
Financial Controller
Accounts Receivable Administrator
Accounts Receivable Team Leader

Web
Web Administrator
Web Designer

2008-05-11T00:51:00.000-07:00

THE SHANKER FOUNDATION. Darjeeling.

The Shanker Foundation was formed in 2005 as Shrishti, under the guidance of Kripa AIDS Cell, an arm of Kripa Foundation.

Today it has evolved and is the only foundation run by PLWH’S (PEOPLE LIVING WIITH HIV/AIDS).

The social stigma and discrimination attached to HIV/AIDS has made it extremely difficult for Shanker Foundation to come out in the open. The foundation has members from all walks of life: mothers, young adults, children…the list is endless and increasing rapidly. The disease is yet to be accepted due to lack of awareness. Increasing number of women and children living with HIV is adding challenges to the Network. Due to their positive status, women and children living with HIV are further marginalized in a society which already marginalizes this vulnerable group.

The foundation has been reaching out to other people with HIV/AIDs with very little means of support. The challenge of constant care and support of the increasing number of people living with the disease is a daunting task. The majority of members, fall below the poverty line and need nutritive food, medical support and shelter.

Societal support for a dignified life is needed.

Do visit their site at http://shankerfoundation.blogspot.com/ to know more.

2008-05-07T21:17:00.000-07:00

ALUMNUS MESSAGE:

Hi,

Hats off to you guys for the splendid work.

I have been wondering for so long how to get hold of North Pointer working in the Middle East ... Here you have done it.

Its been 12 long years now working in Bahrain and trying to strike the right chord to get know North Pointers here.

I am so pleased to know that a Middle East Chapter for the NP Alumini has finally kicked off.
Thanks to Samir ( my brother in law ) who has given me this great opportunity to come across the Chapter.

If i can be of any help here in Bahrain and Qatar pls contact me on the add below.

Not to forget Mr Wilson being the driving force behind it.

Pranai S Rai
Assistant General Manager
ALPHA FIRE SERVICES W.L.L
Fire Protection Specialists
P O Box 11741,
Manama, Bahrain
Tel: Office -17738100 Ext 218
Fax: 17736161
Mobile : 39635520
Residence : 17723669
Emails: sampang@batelco.com.bh

2008-05-07T01:39:00.000-07:00

ALUMNI PROFILE

VISHANT GURUNG

NP 1987- 1997

A New Father. A Sportsman. A North Pointer

Vishant joined North Point in 1987.

During that time his late father Mr. Anand Gurung was U.D. Sub-Prefect and taught English too. He too was a Spaggy and contemporary of the late Prince Dhirendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev of Nepal. He was also a keen footballer as remembered by Mr. Wilson.

As is the custom in NP, Vishant did not take too long to get a nickname. For him it was Jr. Andy (and one which would stick to him for the rest of his time in school) but with an illustrious Andy as a father he did not mind being called Jr. Andy.

His father left North Point in 1989 and joined Mr. Maurice Banerjee at Brihaspati Vidyasadan School in Kathmandu, Nepal and later went on to succeed him as Principal and a member of the Board of Directors there. He remained in that position till his untimely passing during New Year’s Eve of 2007. He suffered a massive cardiac arrest.

With NP as a common thread binding the 2, Vishant & his father were very close and not a day goes by when he is not fondly remembered and he knows that somewhere up there is Sr. Andy kicking some balls around in heaven and showering his blessings.

Vishant was in Fallon House and more than studies, sports and extra curricular activities kept him busy throughout his school life. He could always be found busy singing and playing the guitar at all nooks and corners of the school.

During his time in school the Scouts was restored and being a NP Scout as everyone knows is always fun. Later the N.C.C. also started and was mandatory for all boys of 8 and above.
This however was as much fun as the Scouts quite simply because all that the boys were made to do was march past.

Vishant meanwhile became Head Boy while in LD and he was also in the Volleyball, Basketball, Football and Athletics teams and led NP to victory many a times.

Today his only regret is that he did not get colours (blue coat) for any one of the teams he was involved in.
Many of his batch-mates even today speak excitedly about his prowess on the field and feel he deserved it for Athletics. (NO Blue Coat but the athletic dexterity honed here would pay off later… read on…)

He was also awarded Best Cadet in the HMI adventure course.
Finally he also became School Prefect during his final year in school.

Having completed school he moved to Kathmandu and continued his studies and began his career first as a call center agent in the first call center of Nepal (Serving Minds Pvt. Ltd.) for 2 years. He then moved to Brihaspati Vidyasadan School as Sports Director.
Having been a sportsman in his school days, handling the sports faculty wasn’t a difficult task.

Meanwhile Nepal was in the midst of a political upheaval and as the nation was being torn apart he left for Dubai in 2004.
He first started his career as a Retail Coordinator in R.S.H. M.E. L.L.C. a leading sporting trading company in the Middle East (see http://www.royalsportinghouse.com/ ).
With the expansion of the company in its retail and distribution division he was promoted as Store Manager to manage the second largest store of the company. Currently he’s Manager of Studio-R at the Ibn Battuta Mall.

Like a true North Pointer he is a people’s person and lends his helping hand to a faltering brother whenever he can. He recently helped recruit 12 young men from Darjeeling who are now working in various outlets of his company.

In his own words “Marriages Are Made In Heaven” and he says he is reminded of this every time he looks at his beloved wife, Monira. She is an alumnus of Loreto Convent, so they have the perfect NP–LC joint venture there.

"Every Night In My Dreams...... My Heart Will Go On and On.."

They initially met in Kathmandu in 1997 and after chasing her (the athletic skills practiced while in school finally paid dividend) for 9 years they tied the knot on 16th April 2006.

They were blessed with their first child on 28th March this year. They’ve named her Avana.

Monira who was earlier working in Dubai is currently at home taking care of Avana until they both get back in October.

Vishant is also a member of the NP-ME Alumni working committee as a Seek & Search Specialist (and doing a mighty good job too)

His favourite chant from school is

1,2,3,4 WHO ARE WE FOR?
5,6,7,8 WHOM DO WE APPRECIATE?
N-O-R-T-H POINT.

Vishant can be contacted at vishantgurung@hotmail.com and if any of you are interested in future job opportunities at his company feel free to contact him.

SURSUM CORDA! INDEED

2008-05-06T23:42:00.000-07:00

SELF UPDRADATION

Continuing with the NP-ME Chapter’s objective of upgrading ourselves in every way possible here’s a very interesting article by Dr. Steven Covey whom many of you know as the author of the “7 Habits…” book.

Our thanks to Mr. Chogyal Tshering La for sending us this article.

Discover the 90/10 Principle.

It will change your life (at least the way you react to situations).

What is this principle? 10% of life is made up of what happens to you. 90% of life is decided by how you react.

What does this mean? We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us.

We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane will be late arriving, which throws our whole schedule off. A driver may cut us off in traffic.

We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different. You determine the other 90%.

How? ……….By your reaction.

You cannot control a red light. but you can control your reaction.

Don't let people fool you; YOU can control how you react.

Let's use an example.

You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just happened.

What happens next will be determined by how you react.

You curse.

You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over. She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short verbal battle follows. You storm upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus.
Your spouse must leave immediately for work. You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit.

After a 15-minute delay and throwing $60 traffic fine away, you arrive at school. Your daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse. You look forward to coming home.

When you arrive home, you find small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter.

Why? …. Because of how you reacted in the morning.

Why did you have a bad day?

A) Did the coffee cause it?
B) Did your daughter cause it?
C) Did the policeman cause it?
D) Did you cause it?

The answer is “D".

You had no control over what happened with the coffee. How you reacted in those 5 seconds is what caused your bad day.

Here is what could have and should have happened.

Coffee splashes over you. Your daughter is about to cry. You gently say, "Its ok honey, you just need to be more careful next time". Grabbing a towel you rush upstairs. After grabbing a new shirt and your briefcase, you come back down in time to look through the window and see your child getting on the bus. She turns and waves. You arrive 5 minutes early and cheerfully greet the staff. Your boss comments on how good the day you are having.

Notice the difference?

Two different scenarios. Both started the same. Both ended different.

Why?

Because of how you REACTED.

You really do not have any control over 10% of what happens. The other 90% was determined by your reaction.

Here are some ways to apply the 90/10 principle. If someone says something negative about you, don't be a sponge. Let the attack roll off like water on glass. You don't have to let the negative comment affect you!

React properly and it will not ruin your day. A wrong reaction could result in losing a friend, being fired, getting stressed out etc.

How do you react if someone cuts you off in traffic?

Do you lose your temper? Pound on the steering wheel? A friend of mine had the steering wheel fall off) Do you curse? Does your blood pressure skyrocket? Do you try and bump them?

WHO CARES if you arrive ten seconds later at work? Why let the cars ruin your drive?

Remember the 90/10 principle, and do not worry about it.
You are told you lost your job.
Why lose sleep and get irritated? It will work out. Use your worrying energy and time into finding another job.

The plane is late; it is going to mangle your schedule for the day. Why take outpour frustration on the flight attendant? She has no control over what is going on.
Use your time to study, get to know the other passenger. Why get stressed out? It will just make things worse.

Now you know the 90-10 principle. Apply it and you will be amazed at the results. You will lose nothing if you try it. The 90-10 principle is incredible. Very few know and apply this principle.
The result?

Millions of people are suffering from undeserved stress, trials, problems and heartache. We all must understand and apply the 90/10 principle.

It CAN change your life!!!

Enjoy….

2008-05-05T20:50:00.000-07:00

JOB VACANCIES

Dear All,

IN line with the NP-ME Alumni's objective of improving and advancing the career prospects of fellow North Pointers here's some new job opportunities if your are interested.

There are a few new vacancies in Samir's company within the Exhibitions division - if you or any suitable friends etc would like to apply please send your CV's to Samir Sharma at samir.sharma@iirme.com .

- Marketing Manager(s) - Cityscape Dubai / Abu Dhabi / Asia / China

- Marketing Executive

- Junior Sales Executives (Registrations dept)

Thanks to Samir for these and many more will follow so do keep checking the blog for updates...

SURSUM CORDA

2008-05-05T00:40:00.000-07:00

2nd MEETING of the NP ALUMNI UAE ME CHAPTER

We had the second meeting of the NP ALUMNI UAE-ME on Saturday 3rd May.

As Mr. Wilson was asked to kick off the meeting he began with the words “Here’s a hand to a faltering brother, here's a lift for the lame and the slow”.

On the way out after the meeting Norden had everyone in splits as he began a running (albeit 1 sided) conversation with the ‘pretty-lady’ when the automated elevator announcement said “Ground Floor”.

Samir reminded us about being environmentally aware and the benefits of car-pooling as well as his concern that LC girls weren’t being ‘contacted’ enough.

That sums up the mood at every meeting of the NP ALUMNI UAE-ME Chapter.

FUN WITH A CONSCIENCE!

The meeting was held at the Convention Center at the offices of the Dubai School of Govt. (DSG).

"Mmnn... Now as President, can I strap these guys?? "

Once again thank you to Mr. Robert Wilson for arranging the excellent venue & food. If that were not enough, he even managed to keep Cerruti Pens and Flash Drives for all attendees as compliments. A BIG Thank You Sir, and we hope to have many more meetings in the future too :-)

"With Great Power Comes Great Responsibilities" - Like Standing and Talking.....

Mr. Chogyal then gave a very succinct presentation about the proposed direction and purpose of the UAE ME Alumni Association. Some major issues were discussed like

- Formation of the network and what it stands for, including the legalities
- Fr. Van’s visit and possible means of networking
- Raising funds for the Mungpoo project as well as for the School
- Fundraising Dinner on 29th May.

..... and talking and....

In order to get the ball rolling some responsibilities/designations were given.

Robert Wilson : President
Chogyal Tshering La : Vice President (Marketing & Strategy)
Samir Sharma : Coordinator - Events
Vishal Subba : Coordinator – PR & Communication
Steven Gurung : Coordinator – Sports & Innovative Entertainment
Intekhab Alam : Coordinator – Finance
Vishant Gurung : Coordinator - Alumni Search Specialist
Norden Ghissing : Coordinator – New Project Development

The next meeting is proposed for 15th May and the venue and exact time will be announced very soon. Do keep checking the blog.

... and eating & drinking.... and blushing bashfully.

We have also decided to streamline the communication flow and so all questions, comments, suggestions, tirades etc should be addressed to the following email address (vishalsubba@hotmail.com) and it will then be forwarded to the relevant people.

If you wish to join our mailing list please send us an email at the same address along with the following information.

Full Name:
Contact Number:
City/Country:
Email address:
Company/Title:
In NP From-To:
House:

Thank You

SURSUM CORDA

ALUM NEWS

2008-05-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

ALUMNI in the NEWS

Khaleej Times which is one of the main english dailies in the UAE recently celebrated its 30th anniversary.

Alumnus Chogyal Tshering La (Vice President & Dir. of Strategy & Marketing)* attended the party and on 3rd May edition of the newspaper was featured looking very dapper and very pleased.

* Check Tomorrow's posting for details

SURSUM CORDA

2008-05-03T23:32:00.000-07:00

LIFT UP OUR HEARTS.

‘Sursum Corda’ is the motto of our school and as you know, in Latin it means ‘Lift Up Your Hearts’ and today is your chance to lift up yours.

Mungpoo is a small village in Darjeeling district in India. And like most villages it is poor.

While poverty is usually thought to be just the absence of food or heating or clothes or other luxuries, the biggest effect poverty has, is on Education.

No place, leave alone a town or city or country, can prosper in the real sense of the word without proper education. Many of us, with the grace of God, studied at one of the best schools in the world.

St. Joseph’s School popularly referred to as North Point, was established by the Jesuit priests in the Eastern Himalayan resort town of Darjeeling in 1888. Their aim was to form leaders in service.

Men and women of competence, conscience and compassionate commitment. It began with an exclusively European student body, thereafter became the institution where among its students were the scions of the ruling houses of the Himalayan kingdoms of Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim.

Run very efficiently by Jesuit priests it offers not just the best in academic learning but also overall development of a child’s personality. The fact that it is about 120 years old and built like a dream doesn’t hurt (ahem ahem).

Every winter, when the students have gone home for their winter vacations, the school is thrown open to provide free classes to under-privileged kids. As good as that is, kids from villages far far away, like Mungoo cannot come.

So the NP Alumni and Fr. Van along with volunteers and the local people of Mungpoo have begun building a school in Mungpoo itself.

Also called St. Joseph's, it is being built entirely out of bamboo, which is treated to make it durable. It is cheaper than concrete and a renewable material. The site is a former cinchona plantation (quinine is now synthesized, so cinchona bark is no longer needed). It is the first secondary school in the area, and locals have been asking the Jesuits to build them a school for the past 35 years. Fees charged are ludicrously low -- and the school is up and running with three classes, even though construction is incomplete.

However as usual, MONEY makes everything go round. Intentions are very noble but 'cash' is required to make it a reality.

This is your opportunity to make a difference to poor but very eager young children.

Our nephews, nieces, children are always asking for iPods and Digi Cams but all that these little kids want are books and a place to study. We all give to charity and to temples and churches etc but here is an opportunity to really make a difference and SEE your money make a difference.

The last verse of our school anthem says;

“Here’s a hand to a faltering brother,

Here's a lift for the lame and the slow,

And we'll stand, boys, like men to each other

As onwards through life we go.”

Lets Make it the anthem of our lives.

Sursum Corda

2008-04-30T22:20:00.000-07:00

IMPORTANT: CHANGE IN TIME

Dear All,

Please note that the time for the meeting on 3rd has been changed to 11:00 am to make it easier for any North Pointer who is working and has afternoon shift that day.

Please inform all others who may not access the web/mail before Saturday too.

Regards

SURSUM CORDA!

2008-04-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

2nd MEETING OF THE NP MIDDLE EAST ALUMNI

Dear All,

The 2nd meeting of the NP Middle East Alumni is being held on Saturday 3rd May 2008 at 12 noon. (sharp 12 pls)

The Venue is Mr. Wilson’s office. It is at The Dubai School of Government located on the 13th Floor of the Convention Tower, alongside the Novotel Hotel and in the Dubai World Trade Centre complex. (see map below)

Shaikh Mohammed is the Patron of the School and drops in quite often so the dress code is smart-casual. Definitely no shorts.

Mr. Wilson has kindly arrange to provide tea/snacks for the gathering and would really appreciate it if you could confirm your attendance for the same (PLS confirm if you are not able to attend too).

We’d hate to waste snacks as much as we’d hate to have a shortage.

Another member Debendra Subba also added to the mailing list. Thanks to Norden.

Regards,

SURSUM CORDA

2008-04-29T00:03:00.000-07:00

NORTH POINTER PROFILE # 2

Chogyal Tshering La

(NP 1973- 1982)

A Husband. An AdMan. A North Pointer

As fanatic about Barca as he is about NP, Chogyal has many accomplishments to his credit.

As he himself pointed out, but which we decided to put in the right order of importance (i.e. ascending) here are some of his accomplishments as a Spaggy of the 82 batch.

· conquered the Khang peak.
· hosted the carnival twice.
· was an important member of the batch that was NOT given a farewell by the school for obvious reasons!!! and ofcourse most importantly..
· reignited the socials with L.C after almost a decade long break.

Obviously impressed with the Jesuit style of education he went on to complete his High School from St Xavier’s College, Calcutta and then went on to specialize in HR and Marketing from Xavier Institute of Management, Bhubaneshwar.

St. Xavier's Bhubaneshwar

Plucked out as a management trainee by Lintas Worldwide, Bombay (then the largest Ad Agency in India) it was a baptism by fire into the Ad World. Not much of a problem for a North Pointer as we are known to start quite a few fires ourselves. Even more so if you are one from the 82 batch. So he prospered and after lighting quite a few fires for Lintas he felt the urge to travel.

His wanderlust soul finally led him to Muscat, Oman where he joined ADINC Y&R.

Eternal romantics say that marriages are made in heaven and that soul mates are pre-destined and waiting. In Chogyal's case she was waiting in Muscat.

"A Wife In Hand Is Worth 2 Boats In The Sea"

Anita & Chogyal met in Muscat and after many a Kodak Moments, began what is turning out to be a story to rival the great romances of the century.

Being in the middle east, it is difficulty to resist the lure of Dubai and they soon moved base to here.

His friend, Ram had just started an Ad Agency, Nebula Advertising LLC in Dubai and Chogyal joined him to service the recently acquired Kodak Account.

He has grown with this organization and currently is the Group General Manager heading Nebula FZ LLC and Al Maraya Advertising which is into Communications and Retail Solutions respectively.

He is also actively involved in general business management, adding competencies, involved with initiating non-related diversifications for the Group and today the group boasts of billings of US$ 45 Million in categories from communications, fabrication, digital imaging, hospitality, real estate and entertainment imaging

His wife, Anita is now a Teacher with the Dubai International Academy an International School that follows the IB pattern of education.

" A Golden Crowned Dancer May Be Quite Oriental, But Wifey Is A Man's Best Friend"

After working hard he likes to play harder too. He loves to snorkel and travel but likes camping most of all.

After all, you can take the boy out of the mountains but you cannot take the mountain….

But then again, if there is 1 thing that he is most proud of, it is in being a North Pointer.

As he would say:

“Once a North Pointer always a North Pointer.”

His Personal Mantra:

“Shower empowerment to those who show promise and lead with passion!”

Sursum Corda!

Chogyal can be contacted at sogyal@hotmail.com

2008-04-26T22:10:00.000-07:00

And for those of us who need a gentle reminder....

THE SCHOOL CHORUS

1.Hurrah for our home in the mountains!~
Hurrah for the monarchs of snow!
For the land of the forests and fountains,
and the torrents that ever flow!(bis)

CHORUS
Toil up from the valley below;
"Lift your heart" to the breeze and the glow;
And our school on the hill
Here's a cheer for it still, Hurrah!
As onwards through life we go!

2.From the sweltering South and the Islands,
From the plains where the hot winds blow,
We have met in the heart of the highlands
At fair India's gates of snow.(bis)

3.Here`s a hand to a faltering brother,
Here's a lift for the lame and the slow,
And we'll stand, boys, like men to each other
As onwards through life we go.(bis)

2008-04-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

MESSAGE FROM JORDEN NORBHU: President - DNPSAA

Dear ME North-Pointers,

This is to send you all at UAE my sincere greetings to fellow North Pointers.
It is indeed heartening to see fellow spagies getting together and also helping one another. After all no matter where we may go in this world the twin towers will always be a part of our lives even after we complete our education.

The last Saturday of April is now marked for the annual general meeting in Darjeeling.

This year its on 26th April 2008 and it is in this meeting that I will propose the formation of an apex body with a central secretariat at the Alumni Office here in school. We have to ask Fr Van how to create this and also Fr Rector who is also very keen to form a world body. It is no easy task but with the likes of you guys in UAE showing the way I am sure that we will eventually work out the details.

I shall let you know what happens in our AGM this Saturday and though I would like to be there with you all this year I have no choice but to wait for the elections first on Saturday see the outcome, then proceed for meetings with Sikkim, Siliguri and Bhutan then Nepal then will inform you and all chapters of the outcome.

Please bear with us

Jorden Norbhu

2008-04-24T00:55:00.000-07:00

Dear All,

As part of our efforts to bring the NP family together we are beginning series of Profiles.

These will be of all northpointers here in the middle east and we begin today with one of our most illustrious alum. These series of Profiles will not only serve to better introduce each other but also to inspire all ex-northpointers.

After all as someone said so eloquently,

"Every human heartbeat is a universe of possibilities."

ROBERT WILSON.

An Academician. A Father. A NorthPointer

Born in 1952, Robert Wilson, has been blazing a trial in academics ever since.

After passing out from NP (where else) he went on to do his Bachelors and then Masters from Govt. College in Darjeeling. He then joined NP as a teacher and for almost 8 years he proceeded to give back to the next generation the values and ideals that he himself had imbibed while in school.

As many of his ex-students say “He was a tough ol cookie but with a heart of gold.”

“The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book” John C Dana

His siblings too have followed him into teaching at NP.

His brother Patrick was a great footballer and a PD sub-prefect while his sister Viveka was not only a beloved teacher but also a virtuoso piano player whose considerable talents were never quite tapped fully. Lilting strains of the piano coming from the music room, overlooking the lush gardens and the UD flat.... aahhh to be 12 and in school again....

But Moving on..

After NP, Mr. Wilson joined Budhanilkantha School in Kathmandu and then in 1989 came to Dubai when he joined The Modern High School.

After a very successful stint there, he joined the University of Wollongong, Dubai Campus as Administrator and remained for almost a decade.

As a current member of UoW recently said, “The Dubai campus of the U o W is what it is today only because of the foundation and values laid initially by Mr. Wilson”.

After a 2 year term as Director QA & Compliance with the Overseas Program of the Southern New Hampshire University (USA) he joined Dubai School of Government as Operations Manager where he is today.

Phew…. Quite a mouthful there now isn’t that?

As impressive as that is, Mr. Wilson will readily give it all up for the 1 thing that he values the most. His Family!

I hate clichés but sometimes nothing drives home a point as well, so here goes…..

“Behind Every Successful Man Is A Woman.”

And in Mr. Wilson’s case it is Mrs. Purnima Wilson.

Since her marriage, she has not only been the love of his life but also a solid rock on which he has built his career. She is a homemaker in the truest sense of the word.

As he moved from N.P to Kathmandu to Dubai he always knew that the one, constant, solid equation would be a warm loving home to come back to.

And that, as Frost would say, has made all the difference.

They have now been married for 30 years and in today’s age of 20/20 cricket that is quite a miracle in itself.

“There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends.” - Homer

(L-R) Ludovic, Richard, Mr. & Mrs. Wilson, Serene and Zerene

In Richard, Serene & Zerene they have 3 wonderful children. Richard the eldest, is now a Manager with Communigate, a PR and Media Company in Dubai. Serene, the second born is happily married to Ludovic from France. Both of them are settled in Dubai and Serene is now busy trying to set up family having been with AC Neilsen for several years. Zerene is the youngest, and is about to graduate from Southern New Hampshire University with a degree from the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. She is set to come back to Dubai in May.

“There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One is roots; the other, wings.” - Hodding Carter

As accomplished an academician as he is, Mr. Wilson is above all a proud North Pointer.

Never too busy to join a just cause, never too tired to lend a helping hand.

As we start the Middle East chapter of the NP Alumni we couldn’t ask for someone more able & gifted to lead us.

Thank you Sir for everything you've taught us and everything more we hope to learn from you in the years to come.

SURSUM CORDA indeed!

"A teacher affects eternity:he can never tell where his influence stops." - Henry Adams

2008-04-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

A message from Samir:

Dear All,

Today (April22 and everyday actually) is Earth Day and I thought I'd remind all North Pointers to go easy with their consumption and waste generation, especially in the office and while shopping.

Can we avoid using bags from the shopping malls and carry our own back packs instead, please.

You would think its difficult, its just an attitude change thats required and a slight change of our normal lazy habits.

Yours truely was instrumental along with Darjeeling Initiative and Rajesh Subarno, SP, Darjeeling in banning poly bags from Darjeeling town.

If we can change people there, we surely can change ourselves out here! Perhaps we can make this an important part of all our North Point get togethers and events. Green Events???!!!

A good example we've set already: Pooling cars to go for last Friday's meeting to Mirdiff. Keep it up guys!!!

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE...Yep, thats the Mantra

Regards
Samir

2008-04-20T22:48:00.000-07:00

Well,

Our Middle East chapter seems to be off the ground and if the initial response is anything to by then we are looking at a big successful reunion ahead.

And why not!

"Don't look so sad Samir, we'll get you another beer, but why am i drinking lemonade?"

meeting at Mr. Wilson's house on 18 Apr (pic courtesy Mr. Chogyal)

Apart from the stalwarts like Mr. Wilson and Mr. Chogyal we also have Samir Sharma with us. Many of you already know him as one of the main brains behind the Darjeeling Carnival. If the success of the carnival is any indication then we are all in safe hands here too. Samir is currently crazy busy with the upcoming bride show but is still taking time out for this. Thanks a Ton from all of us.

We have also received some mails from other alumni and here is a selection of what they had to say.

But before that we also have a message from Mr. Wilson.

"...by the way, Mrs. Wilson has asked me to thank you all for your words of appreciation on the site and says North Pointers are always welcome at the Wilson home for a good tuck in!!"

Amen to that. :-)

"I'm not posing for the camera, i'm just avoiding the flashy red shirts. Oh God! a Red shoe too."

(pic courtesy Mr. Chogyal)

---------- * ----------

When do you plan to hold the meeting in May as I will have to be out of the UAE for a few days around 25th May.

I am Gurdeep Dhatt, NP 1956-1967, O’Neill House

My contact details in the UAE are :

Dr Gurdeep Dhatt MBBS, CSi, FRCPath
Tawam Hospital Al Ain

Tel (h) 03 762 3503
Tel (w) 03 707 2417
Mobile 050 583 2795

Would be nice to catch up at some time.

Kind regards,

Gurdeep Dhatt

---------- * ----------

Dear ME Alumni,

Our best wishes to the NPites and keep in touch as we want to form an apex body of all Chapters

Best wishes

Jorden Norbhu
President DNPSAA

---------- * ----------

Hi,

I commend you guys for opening a NP Alumni Chapter in the Middle East. You guys are rich so there should be no trouble. Meantime I am proactive as the leader in the Canada Chapter. This coming 19-25 July there will be an historic event where we will commend and recognize the Canadian Jesuit fathers for the dedicated and effective education they provided to us who are settled across the world in success. There will be a formal dinner on the19th where we will gracefully pass a commemorative recognition plague to Rev Fr Gerard van Wallengham that will go to the North Point Awards Parlour for eternal memory. Please seriously consider coming to this event to raise the Middle East voice and to make history. I really await your serious consideration. There will be tour activities to Niagara Falls, French Montreal and the national capital, Ottawa. Most important, we will be together from Australia, Hong Kong, England, USA to name a few. I seriously await your full participation to launch your chapter. Sursum Corda Loyally and as a North point brother,

Roman Mukerjee (1950-62)

---------- * ----------

Dear Northpointers,

Thanks for the update. Will revert asap.
We must meet when next I am in Dubai or when any of you are next in Bangalore.

Regards,

Arif Vazirally ( class of ’66 ).

A Splendid Kick-Off

2008-04-19T23:13:00.000-07:00

As many of you know Fr. Van is coming to Dubai towards the end of May.

This is the blog which we will be using to inform/update till we get a dedicated website.

A common email id has also been created for this darj.uae@gmail.com

In this regard a prelim meeting was held on Friday 18 April at Mr. Robert Wilson's house in Midriff, Dubai.

Before we go on I think we need to say a big THANK YOU to Mrs. Wilson for opening her house for this meeting and for a wonderful lunch. Feeding an impromptu group of people at short notice is never easy and that task becomes even more difficult when it is a group of hungry ex-North-Pointers. Once again thank you very much for your hospitality. It is much appreciated. You’ll just have to make sure we don’t make it a habit. Ha ha.

recent pics of school (new wing and pool)

The North Pointers present proposed that we try to set up a Middle East Chapter of the Alumni.

Some Objectives of this group would be - Fraternity, Networking, (upgrading skills through training opportunity and knowledge sharing, provide opportunities to North Pointers etc)

It was also decided that this group should be later expanded to include people from Darjeeling. In the process the people who are in good positions here in the UAE can help the other members to take up better positions, provide career opportunities to people from the Hills etc.

Some RESPONSIBILITIES were also divided:

Mr. Wilson - PR, Contact with Darj & Intl Alumni, Dinner Venue and organization
Mr. Chogyal – Frame Objectives, Goals & final proposal
Steven – Arrange Football program (to submit proposal to Mr. Chogyal & Mr. Wilson by 22 April)
Vishal – Prepare and maintain Blog and 1 common email id, liaison with Fr. Van
Tenzing – Network from Orkut
Samir - Act as focal pt for all communication / gather Mungpoo details from Ranjeeta / Rahul

recent pics of school (the new clock tower)

It has been suggested to Fr. Van that he schedule his trip to arrive on 28 and leave on 01 June (will keep everyone updated on this as i get the confirmation)

Accommodation for Fr. Van has been offered by Mr. Wilson at his place.

Proposed Program for his visit:

NP/Nepali Dinner get together (Steve’s band will play)

Talk about NP Mungpoo School Project - Presentation by Fr. Van

Other objectives for the event:
1) Get NP College and Loreto involved
2) Auction Gifts – (All are requested to bring anything they feel can be auctioned which kinda reminds me of the days before the school fete)
3) Tambola
4) Venue: Mr Wilson to work out place/rates etc.

Attendees at the meeting:

Mr. Robert Wilson
Mr. Chogyal Tshering
Mr. Norden Ghissing
Mr. Tenzing N Bhutia
Mr. Ashwini Gurung
Mr. Aakash Thapa
Mr. John Suman Roy
Mr. Vishal Subba
Mr. Samir Sharma
Mr. Steven Gurung
Mr. Gyan Prakash Rai

A second meeting will be held on 03 May so please keep checking your mails and this blog for details.

Please feel free top leave your comments/suggestions for improvement etc on the blog or through email.

Till next time.

Sursum Corda

Vish