Historical Moment – Dangs - Fr.Shekhar

Historical Moment – Dangs“Dangi Bhashanu Vyakaran” (The Grammar Of Dangi [Tribal] Language), a voluminous and monumental book by Fr Raymund Chauhan was released by the Rajas (kings) of the Dangs on the 26 June in Shamgahan amidst a colourful, cheerful and Dangi tribal atmosphere. Frs Ishwan Gamit, Thomas Chamakala, the Sisters, students, staff and people had worked a lot and made it an historical day. The Collector of the Dangs Mr P.K. Solanki, who was to preside over the function and release the book, could not attend owing to ill health, but he conveyed his appreciation to Fr Raymund and expressed his best wishes to the public. As people from far and near started arriving on the campus they were welcomed by traditional Dangi tribal music and dancers.

Around 10.30 a.m., the three kings – Dhanrajsinh from Vasurna, Karansinh from Gadvi and Tirmakrav from Pimpri, guests, Fathers and Sisters were led in a procession accompanied by graciously dancing women in front and in the rear while, on either side, the enthusiastic boys and girls of St Xavier’s School, Shamgahan lined up from the Residence to the Hostel. At the hostel building, the kings inaugurated an exhibition, done professionally, on Dangi culture and life-style including some live scenes, and particularly the contribution by Jesuits to the first-ever Dangi literary tradition. Later the focus was shifted to the beautifully decorated stage and mandap for the book release. In a masterly presentation of the cultural programme, the boys and girls, and local tribal artistes showcased their inimitable and breathtaking talents through songs and dances (‘pawari', 'samblya' ). There was thunderous applause, unstoppable, when the book was released by the three kings. It could be easily perceived that a sense of pride and revelry had secreted into the whole crowd and the speakers for they knew it quite well that Fr Raymund has enshrined not only the grammar of Dangi but also their beautiful land, rich culture, history, and so on. Referring to the book, one of the speakers rightly said, “It is the treasure of our people and culture.” A true honour to a Jesuit who, perfectly aligned to his Jesuit heritage, has painstakingly brought out a monumental work. Unquestionably, a labour of love (Shekhar Manickam)

Congratulations to Fr.Jose Changanacherry -Fr.Lawrence dharmaraj s.j

Many Congratulations to Fr.Jose Changanacherry, who completes one year today as Provincial of Gujarat in his second term as Provincial. He was Provincial from 1989 to 1995.

Congratulations to the Jubilarians -Fr.Lawrence dharmaraj

50 years ago- 1961

Many Congratulations to the Golden Jubilarians in the Society (June 20):Frs Ornellas Coutinho, Thomas Chamakala, Lawrence Lobo, Maria Pragasam, Devasia Muthuplackal, Rappi Poothokaren, Thomas Thannipara, Paul valappila, Victor Davamani , Br Paul Macwan (July 30) and Fr Castiella Joaquin (Aug 30).

Fr.Raymund's- Dangi Bhashanu Vyakran

Br.Harold Rodrigues S.J --Socius

Br.Harold Rodrigues S.J

Br.Harold Rodrigues, lovingly called ‘Monsignor’ by close friends, is a trustworthy, dependable, faithful, methodical, regular worker who always done well all the works entrusted to him.

Born in 1928 in an East Indian family of Bandra, Bombay, he joined the Society of Jesus at Vinayalaya in 1948.

With his good English and his dependable faithfulness, Br.Harry soon became a much wanted element in our English medium schools, especially those of the western region of Gujarat: 2 years in Jamnagar, 4 years in Mithapur, 5 years in Rajkot.. Those were the glorious years when Br.Harry combined the classroom seriousness and discipline with intense participation in scout activities. He became a professional Scout master and guided many young boys into the delightful discovery of the wonders of nature.

With the passing of age, the Scout master became the ‘stout master’ as one of his companions put it referring to his expanding waist line, and good Br.Harry slowly withdrew from active scouting though he always kept some relationship with this movement till very recently.

After the Jesuits gave up Saurashtra and all the schools in which good Br.Harry had toiled so much..! He came to St.Xavier’s Gandhinagar where he worked for five years.

From there he went to the Gregorian University in Rome where he served in the office for 7 years winning the confidence of all his colleagues and superiors and the title of ‘Monsignor’ as he became an expert guide of the ecclesiastical Rome for the many visitors who passed that way during those years. Visitors from Gujarat were always invited for a supper prepared by Br.Harry with the left overs he picked up from here and there; austere and tight-fisted, his delight is always to feed friends but without spending any money.

From Rome he returned to India-Gujarat, as Assistant treasurer of the province. His methodical regularity contributed very much in putting order in an office that very much needed it and his four years as assistant treasurer were a great blessing for the province.

Later on he was transferred to St.Xavier’s Gandhinagar, where he worked with his usual methodical regularity and efficiency and finally he went to Jeevan Darshan for his retirement and rest. On 08-06-2011, in the early morning hours between 5.30a.m to 6.15 a.m, he breathed his last and went for his eternal rest. The funeral was held on the same day at 5.30 p.m at Jeeva Darshan, Baroda.

Scholastics Sammelan ...Sanjay Horo and Jobin.K

Scholastics Sammelan

On 22 May, even the scorching heat of summer could not stop our enthusiastic scholastics from going to Sevasi for the Scholastic Sammelan. By evening the campus came alive. The second day was devoted for personal sharing. This marathon session lasted for five hours. We immensely got enriched by sharing and listening to each other’s experiences. In the evening there was GPPL (Gujarat Province Premier League) 10th edition. The two teams locked horns for a victory but it ended in a tie. But many long-standing records were broken in the match:

The first batsman in history to be out on a trial ball was Johnson.

Highest no. of balls bowled in an over: Alpesh - 16 balls.

Highest no. of runs given away in an over: Navneet - 20 runs.

Well done mara wala ramatviro!!

On the 24th we went for a picnic to Kabir Vad, Bharuch. We spent some time in the water cooling ourselves in the river Narmada. Fr PCF was patiently sitting on the bank of the river and kept counting our heads every now and then while we were frolicking in the cool waters of the Narmada. Later, we were provided a sumptuous meal by Sch Nilesh’s brother. On the last day of the Sammelan Fr Sudhir Chettiar spoke on the value of Jesuit vocation and encouraged us to engage in the work of vocation promotion in every way possible during our formation. The new PCF Fr Richard Lopez was welcomed warmly and the outgoing PCF Fr Lawrence Dharmaraj and Deacon Kamlesh Raval were given a farewell.

Fr Provincial in his address drew our attention towards the ‘Goal of Formation’: To grow in ones sense of belonging to the Province – the Society and Mission. He also emphasized that the goal of Jesuit formation is not to do many things but to become an authentic Jesuit. The Sammelan came to an end with a Eucharistic celebration. The gathering was organized very well. Hats off to Schs David and Suresh who left no stone unturned to make it a success. All left Sevasi looking forward to next year’s gathering. (Sanjay Horo & Jobin)

I have learned.... By Andy Rooney

I HAVE LEARNED..... .......

The following is written by Andy Rooney, a man who has the gift of saying so much with so few words.

I’ve learned…. That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I’ve learned…. That when you’re in love, it shows.

I’ve learned…. That just one person saying to me, ‘You’ve made my day!’ makes my day.

I’ve learned…. That having a child fall a sleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I’ve learned…. That being kind is more important than being right.

I’ve learned…. That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I’ve learned …. That I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in some other way.

I’ve learned…. That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I’ve learned…. That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I’ve learned…. That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I’ve learned…. That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I’ve learned…. That money doesn’t buy class.

I’ve learned…. That it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I’ve learned… That under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I’ve learned…. That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I ‘ve learned…. That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I’ve learned…. That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I’ve learned…. That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I’ve learned…. That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I’ve learned…. That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I’ve learned…. That opportunity is never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I’ve learned…. That when you harbour bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I’ve learned…. That I wish I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away.

I’ve learned …. That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I’ve learned…. That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I’ve learned…. That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you’re hooked for life.

I’ve learned…. That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.

I’ve learned…. That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

I’ve learned…. That we should be glad God doesn’t give us everything we ask for.

I’ve learned … That life is tough, but I’m tougher.