Back on the Hill top !
By Shomi Das

Ah Sanawar! That beautiful hilltop with red roofs outlining the ridge on which she sits came into view after Jabli . Driving up from Kalka- the same enchanting view that first greeted me as I drove up wih bag and baggage, wife and children and dogs in an open jeep in May 1974. It was now October 2009. The emotions surged and memories flooded back in a torrent and I was overwhelmed. No other place on earth has that magical quality, that eternal beauty and that serenity.

I suddenly became apprehensive because I was to inaugurate th basketball court for the class of 84 for which they had collected funds. Walking down past the CDH towards Trafford court I saw the children ( now all grown ladies and gentlemen ) but they looked just the same lovely playful kids of yesteryear and I could recognise them ,although names sometimes eluded me. My resolve to be strong broke, as I remembered them all and Pheroza and the fun and excitement of living in the Headmaster's House, walking past the cloisters listening to the chatter of children as they went from one class to another.
Things had changed but the the memories were still as alive as the present. In the whirl of "Hello Sir" I was bewildered and confused. But then Sanawarians don't like confusion and emotion so mixed up and two of my children came forward held me and simply and sternly said "enough of emotion we want to talk to you".
With my senses back I began enjoying from that moment onwards. It was hilarity and reminisces. It was only Sanawar and the children who could have given such love and happiness.

Shomi Das is the former Headmaster of Sanawar.