Doon Online - The Rosebowl Dec 31st, 2000 - 8 Visit to the Chandbagh School in Pakistan

The Rosebowl Dec 31st, 2000

It all started with a casual remark from Dr. Santokh Singh, a surgeon friend, asking me whether Rita and I would be interested in attending a wedding in Lahore? I gave him an equally non serious ‘yes’, not half expecting that it would actually work out. But, lo and behold not only did we get our visas, but we were even allowed to cross by road. Mr. Gurdial Singh gave me the address and phone numbers of Maj. Gen. Mustafa Anwar Hussain, and also mentioned that Mogeesh, Mr. Muinuddin’s son was based in Lahore. I did know that Gen. Jilani and Mr. Muinuddin had passed away.

We were the guests of Dr. Rashid Latif Khan whose daughter was getting married. He was until recently Professor and Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Lahore Medical College. He retired a little while ago and now runs a very efficient establishment of his own. Surprisingly, OB/GYN is still a male preserve in Pakistan, unlike in India. Dr. Rashid had known Mr. Moinuddin quite well and offered to get me in touch with any old boys in Lahore.

With help from our hosts I tried to get in touch with Gen. Mutafa Anwar Nussain, but to no avail. None of the three numbers that Guru had given me would answer. However, the next morning, the day of the ‘nikah’, one of Dr. Rashid’s colleagues brought the information that Gen Hussain was not in town as he had been appointed Pakistan’s ambassador to Indonesia.

But, my disappointment was short lived, thanks to T.C.! T.C. is Tabassam Chaudhry, her maiden name; alias Tabassam Rana, after her marriage. Her husband is a retired army officer. She is the principal of Lahore Grammar School which has four branches and she looks after all 4 of them. When TC heard from Rita during the course of their conversation that I was desperately looking for a way to visit the Chandbagh School, she promptly offered to drive me there the next morning. Pakistani hospitality is legendary and we had a first hand experience of it. They are really wonderful people.

The Chandbagh estate lies a little off the new Lahore - Islamabad Expressway, near Sheikhupura. Before I knew it, we were at Gate 2. We were expected as TC with her usual efficiency had called the HM and taken an appointment.

As we entered, my first impression was of a vast, neat but still developing estate with brick buildings and trees breaking the monotony of the typical Punjab landscape Unfortunately it was a weekend when the boys had been allowed to go home. I would have loved to meet and talk to the boys, exactly the sentiment the Headmaster expressed. I’m sure the boys would have liked to meet somebody from the old school as well, but that “Inshallah” will have to be another time.

The Headmaster with TC in front of the main Notice Board

To Doscos, the first impression is likely to be a little disappointing because we are used to a much greener estate where the overwhelming impression is of tall trees, flowering plants, ivy on the walls, leechee orchards and the crunch of bajri under your feet. But as you look closer, you start noticing the hundreds of saplings that have already been planted and are steadily growing, he vast green lawns, the massive green playing fields and when one sees the architect’s model displayed in he HM’s office one can visualize how beautiful the Chandbagh School is going to be in time to come.; But one thing Chandbagh Lahore will never have what Chandbagh Dehra Dun will always have is the view of the Himalayas from the classrooms in the main building, (even as Mr. Nair’s chalk comes flying at you as you gaze out of the window instead of concentrating on the blackboard), and the twinkling lights of Mussoorie at night.

It was a warm day and Mr. Andrew McLehose, the Headmaster was waiting for us at his house. He is a tall strapping Scotsman and being a holiday he was informally attired in faded blue jeans and a striped cotton shirt. He came across as a very friendly person and it was fun talking to him over ‘nimbu pani’ and biscuits.

The ‘Rosebowl’ with Masters’ Houses in the back ground

The HM walked us around the school. Since the boys were away we peeped into their dorms, the dining rooms and the Toye rooms. They have house dining though the food is cooked centrally. The term Toye has been retained. I was at a loss to explain where the term came from though I had a vague idea that it’s been borrowed either from Eton or Harrow. We went around the classrooms, the lecture theatres, the labs and the art room. Hopefully in time to come they will have a separate art school and a music school.