Shillong and St Edmunds

A Nostalgic Trip to Shillong

In spite of a hectic schedule on my last trip home, I did manage to squeeze in a day long trip to Shillong. I had spent the first fourteen years of my life there and wanted to see what it is like now. Besides I also wanted check out nearby Cherrapunji which at one time was known as the wettest place on earth.

For those of you who are wondering where Shillong is, it is in North Eastern India and is the capital of the hill state of Meghalaya. You can be excused for not knowing this even if you are an Indian...its alien country even for most people in India. Mention Shillong to even a "mainland" Indian and most responses will border on the dumb ("is it Ceylon??") to the most ridiculous ("Isnt the North East somewhere in China!!???")

Present day Shillong has lost a lot of its hill station charm and is not what it is used to be. Had it not been for the feeling of nostalgia, I dont think I would have enjoyed the experience. The weather is much warmer, the traffic is crazy and ugly concrete structures have sprung up all over the place.

Don't get me wrong, I still think its a great place to visit once in a while but I am not sure if I can live there for long...I am more used to the shillong of the 70s and 80s. I did however want stay on for a couple of days just to enjoy some of the familiar sights and sounds but had more pressing engagements elsewhere.So while I couldnt do much sightseeing inside Shillong, the visits to Cherrapunji and my old school made the trip worth it.

I have included the photos of St. Edmund's for those alumni who havent had a chance to see it recently and are wondering what the school looks like now...enjoy!

View St. Edmunds on the map

Comments(120)

Debaditya wrote on 19 Nov 2009 (09:15:31) :-

Thanks for sharing the photographs.
maoj das wrote on 16 Nov 2009 (11:19:23) :-

these pictures on the website are so beautiful and at the same time reminds me of the days i spend during graduation in edmunds,specially when you are not in shillong and would like to see the place where you are born and raised. thanks google.
fishyfish21@gmail.com wrote on 02 Nov 2009 (02:07:54) :-

and that brought back memories of carnival and sports.. oh how i wish i could go back in time, and start off the gang war of "PM Vs edmunds Vs LC"... lol.. spent so many days trying to prove PM was better!! die hard PM-ite that i was(am?)!!:) great pics:) its 2:36 PM ... im in office.. and i cant bloody get my eyes off em.. shillong i miss u:(
vivian(2007) wrote on 27 Oct 2009 (02:33:22) :-

St. Edmunds school! wat hasnt it taught me, here i am half way around the world with characteristics that edmunds has worn on me.....i miss school...dasus INJECTION punches, the never ending long summer days, the cold winter in the classrooms....concerts...evrything....in the end, i am glad that i was in edmunds....made me a survivor of dreams...thanks edmunds....
Santanu Roy wrote on 22 Oct 2009 (00:12:36) :-

Hi am Santanu 79 ICSE Batch,what an amaziang array of photographs,and reading the reviews was just out of the box-sheer nostalgia,i remember everything from our group photos behind the chapel to Mr Lama,Sharma,tuck shop,Bros Gaffne-caning,sports day,the list is endless...what saddens me is the sad state of the school now& the fact that we dont boast of a strong alumni-but Hats of 2 Ramesh Bawri hes trying to give a real push-hope to catch up during the next SEPPA meet,Cheers
Gairik D Choudhuri wrote on 02 Oct 2009 (02:20:43) :-

awesome pics..am very nostalgic.its sad but true, that the school has lost a lot of its old charm but even then the pride of being known as an ex Edmundian will never fade away.
Paras Thakuria wrote on 05 Sept 2009 (13:36:04) :-

Hi guys. Certainly a trip down memory lane. Really saddened to see those fences. Reminds me of the Palestinian territories under Israeli occupation. But I'm happy that the greenery is still there. Looking back now, schooldays seem to have taken place in a fairy tale land. Who can forget Jango (or Django?), Naru, 'Papa Tom Gomes', Sarto, Br. J. R. Emmanuel (we used to fondly call him 'Jal Raj Emmanuel'), Silly Billy, Br. Davies (fondly called 'Zulu'). Sometimes it feels as if all this took place just the other day. And remember the immortal romances of Edmund's guys with the girls of the nearby LC? They were the stuff that legends are made of. I think something of the school boy always remains in an Edmundian throughout his life.
Pranjal wrote on 31 Aug 2009 (22:38:45) :-

Thank you....It was really nice seeing SEC after such a long time...Indeed its been ages for most of us seeing St Edmunds....Most of us had memories relating to each and every photo you shared....Good old days...
Sanjay Sharma wrote on 21 Aug 2009 (13:26:41) :-

May Sir Edmund Rice forgive me for this doggerel but I just had to get it into circulation among the fraternity of fellow Edmundians out there; I'm quite sure the Edmonthly wouldn't print it (if it even exists any more). Here goes... "Deeds matter, friends, not words!" Thus spake some learned guy; He said the words in Latin though, I've always wondered why. Those very words emblazoned in blood red on golden yellow; say plainly that that "learned guy" was a mighty silly fellow... Or else among his following, there couldn't have been one, who said, "If that's the case, pray, Good Sir, how come they're said not done?" Sadly, gone is the charm of the corridors that echoed with the footfall of a hundred naughty boy shoes on old oak boards, the pristine whitewashed walls of the bogs ... the old bell that dangled (and jangled our egress at 3 p.m.) from its lofty perch on the bright blue water tank overlooking the icy cold swimming pool... I could go on forever. The infirmary, the tuck shop, old Sharma the art teacher and his croaky ... "Who is the boyeee chalking (talking) up there...?", Khanduri's "You dirty bulldog..." Lama's "Kalua Hajam,", Dineen's "Ohhoho...you'll get the cane!" Django's "Jungool Man - this for Asuim Yusuf and Mirza Man for Ashok Das..." Lambu (Fernandes') "close the door...let's have some fun," as he rubbed his hands together with an evil glint in his eye. Yes.. it all does bring back good memories and the painful ones - of benders and bend overs, the distribution of cards and Gaffney's well oiled malacca. Silly billy is still around by the way but no more white maxies of the brothers - Irish, Goan or Mallu - haunt the hallways. All that remains of Edumund Rice is chaff - clearly all that seems left of the grain!
Joydeep Dey wrote on 17 Aug 2009 (14:14:01) :-

The Kaleidoscopic pictures make you so nostalgic. When you glance through each photograph, every small incidence props up in your mind.The after school sports events, the football interclass match and school team practice, creation week,concerts, etc.... the recent development is infrastructurally good, however the natural beauty is taking its toll. I feel fortunate now that I have passed out from St. Edmunds, Leaders in every field.So cheers guys cheer- St. edmunds, heroes who never yield....
shankar roy wrote on 22 Jul 2009 (17:37:09) :-

I graduated out of school in 1970 and now live in Vancouver, Canada. Does anybody know whether there is a regular SEPPA get together? The school was fun. Now I get to see those wonderful photographs taken by you all. Cheers and best regards, shankar@maritimeservices.ca
Davis ThQ wrote on 20 Jul 2009 (04:37:15) :-

Looking at the pictures brought back great memories of my time at St Ed's school. I will never ever forget it. SES was and still is the best...God Bless.
Prosanta wrote on 26 Jun 2009 (04:15:02) :-

Is the jalpan stil there ???
Prabhakar wrote on 17 Jun 2009 (06:41:27) :-

It is great man........
devatanu Nandy 1999 ICSE wrote on 07 Jun 2009 (07:50:52) :-

G8 pics.... just felt like i have revisited my school days again... those PT classes... and playing cricket during the lunch break... practising for the annual sports day .... miss all of this... have been quite long since i visited shillong...really miss the place.
Sanjay Lall wrote on 07 May 2009 (20:08:50) :-

Nice pictures...thanks for sharing. Brought back lots of memories...sad to see the fences.Batch of 1975
Avishek Saha wrote on 30 Apr 2009 (02:37:52) :-

tuck shop...anuual sprots.... creation week.... concert....Dasu....silly billy...sqash court...wooden floors of the hall....the chappel....term exams and the five day breaks.....eagerly waiting for the school to reopen after the winter holidays....dasu's extra class and fighting for a place.....not finding a place and getting whacked!!..lunch breaks and the college canteen....inter class cricket and football matches....dreams aspirations SEC....
Avishek Saha wrote on 30 Apr 2009 (02:31:27) :-

awesome
Shantanu dutta wrote on 29 Apr 2009 (05:07:33) :-

It was a nostalgic feeling for me.It reminded me my years from 1974 - 1989, school and college.I would like to get in touch with all the past pupils of that period.My e-mail is shantanu.cyfox@gmail.com and my mobile # 9748313122/033-24913021.
ANOOPAM BHATTACHARJEE wrote on 29 Apr 2009 (01:21:16) :-

HEY MY PAST DAYS ARE ENGRAVED LOOKIN AT THESE PICS.... LEADERS IN EVERY FIELD\M/ ROCK ON!!!!!!!!
Joydeep Sen wrote on 07 Apr 2009 (05:41:37) :-

yep its very nostalgic. 1980 ICSE batch. I really miss the days at St. Eds. I still remember Mrs. Bhattacharyya, her daughter Mrs. Triveni who taught me in class 2 and 5. John was there in class 6, Dipak lala in 7. and of course then we had Br. Noronha in 9-10. I always want to visit school. But seeing the pictures, it makes me a bit sad. The handball court is desolate, the tennis courts are gone .... where we used to yell for Chirayu and Biswaroop. I think they are now making the campus full of concrete.
Peter Chittaranjan (ICSE 1978) wrote on 04 Apr 2009 (05:12:20) :-

Remember the "Turf Wars" with our great warrior friends from the nearby St.Anthony's School......are they the reason for the Fences?!! Or is it meant to keep the present students well and truly in....whatever the reason the author in the few snaps available has been able to capture some of the essence of having walked through the portals of a school that most of us feel truly blessed to have passed out from. The bit about the "in-your-face-caterpillars" coming down webs in the stretch of road next to the Dispensary (above the third Field) is something all of us Edmundians would surely remember. Thanks mate for jogging our collective memories of magical days gone by...and thanks Atul Marwaha (Classmate and a Boarder) for the link to this site.
Peter Chittaranjan (ICSE 1978) wrote on 04 Apr 2009 (05:08:25) :-

Remember the "Turf Wars" with our great warrior friends from the nearby St.Anthony's School......are they the reason for the Fences?!! Or is it meant to keep the present students well and truly in....whatever the reason the author in the few snaps available has been able to capture some of the essence of having walked through the portals of a school that most of us feel truly blessed to have passed out from. The bit about the "in-your-face-spiders" coming down webs in the stretch of road next to the Dispensary (above the third Field) is something all of us Edmundians would surely remember. Thanks mate for jogging our collective memories of magical days gone by...and thanks Atul Marwaha (Classmate and a Boarder) for the link to this site.
Atul Marwaha wrote on 31 Mar 2009 (10:42:10) :-

Hi Again was wonderful to see so many Edmundians congregate we from the Batch of 78 have gotton together on facebook and the pictures bring back memories flooding every time one looks at them .
Mukesh Sharma wrote on 29 Mar 2009 (10:53:28) :-

Hey, this is Mukesh Sharma and I was a boarder here from 1956 to 1966. Principal then was first Bro Oman. I remember Bro O'leary n i remember he once gave me a tight slap n told never do it again. I'm still trying to figure out what i did....Still remember Ms Dias who i fell in love with in class 5 when i was mere 10 yrs old....and Victor Banerjee with whom i acted in a play when i was 9 yrs old. Yeah.......still remember Jacob's ladder and ashes'forest!! and yes Police Bazaar, Modern Book Store, Kelvin and Singhania, Wards lake and............... anyone who wants to know more can contact samoverseas@samoverseas.com
Mukesh Sharma wrote on 29 Mar 2009 (10:52:42) :-

Hey, this is Mukesh Sharma and I was a boarder here from 1956 to 1966. Principal then was first Bro Oman. I remember Bro O'leary n i remember he once gave me a tight slap n told never do it again. I'm still trying to figure out what i did....Still remember Ms Dias who i fell in love with in class 5 when i was mere 10 yrs old....and Victor Banerjee with whom i acted in a play when i was 9 yrs old. Yeah.......still remember Jacob's ladder and ashes'forest!! and yes Police Bazaar, Modern Book Store, Kelvin and Singhania, Wards lake and............... anyone who wants to know more can contact samoverseas@samoverseas.com
Harsha N. Biliangady wrote on 01 Mar 2009 (00:57:03) :-

I was in SEC between 1963 to 1966. Thank you for the nostalgic trip. I was there during great people like the Late Vikram Gopinath, Rajiv Kale, Shyam Rao. The fences make me sad the schoolwas so open and we just could go to any fiels at any time. I still remember my teachers like Mrs Bhattacharya. I will be attending the All India Congress of Obstetrics & Gynaecology in Jan next year at Guwahati and I think I will take the opportunity to visit my old alamatar.
Ramesh K. Agarwal wrote on 19 Feb 2009 (10:07:12) :-

Great photographs which rekindled the old nostalgic memories . I still go to New hostel when I visit Shillong once a while. I spent my happiest days between 1979-81 . I remember the down shop, nepdisco, the Jalpan and Jacob's ladder.
farrukh hussain wrote on 17 Feb 2009 (01:56:16) :-

Indeed a real pleasure 2 know that we all have this touch in common. Have just come back from the Nagaland 2009 Meet and a 'Big Thank You' to them for arranging such a wonderful show. My emails: alvinhussain@gmail.com. DO get in touch guys.
Patrick Fernandez wrote on 15 Feb 2009 (13:35:37) :-

Lovely pictures- all memories gushing back- was in SEC from 1981-1984 and will always remember those wonderful years. - so glad to have stumbled onto your website. yes remember the "Benders" and flinched when reading one of th other comments also remember & Mrs Genn who was the matron for the juniors, Bro Gaffney & Bro Pinto too!! and of course good ole Silly Billy - we used to distract him just when he would go to ring the bell and get a few extra seconds of break time!!
johnmc wrote on 13 Feb 2009 (06:44:26) :-

hi, just googled shillong and saw your photos, I'm Irish and I've been going there for a few years, nostalgia's kicking in now! just to let you know the dispensary building is now a school for the local poor children called providence, Br De Souza's in charge there, and Br. Gomes is still teaching in Edmund's! Thanks for putting these up anyway, they brought back memories!
johnmc wrote on 13 Feb 2009 (06:44:15) :-

hi, just googled shillong and saw your photos, I'm Irish and I've been going there for a few years, nostalgia's kicking in now! just to let you know the dispensary building is now a school for the local poor children called providence, Br De Souza's in charge there, and Br. Gomes is still teaching in Edmund's! Thanks for putting these up anyway, they brought back memories!
INAMUL ISLAM wrote on 30 Jan 2009 (02:14:29) :-

Whats your name ? I'm an ex-edmundian 1978 ICSE Batch.You can write to me at inaamkitts@yahoo.co.in
Bipraraj wrote on 19 Jan 2009 (09:41:48) :-

That's a really wonderful collection of pictures.It really gave me a whiff of nostalgia.Hopefully,I'll be able to go to Shillong and visit the school again.
nirmalya wrote on 20 Dec 2008 (00:06:58) :-

i passed out from edmunds school last year(2007).but cannot 4get school .i'm currently in edmund's college.....but i attend very few classes to get the stony bench facing the 1st field wid my friend saurav
Doren Thangjam wrote on 18 Dec 2008 (15:19:14) :-

I share your sentiments about Shillong.Went back in 2004 and the place has changed a lot, for the worse I must say.Anyway great pictures.Sure brings back memories of the good old days...
Vishal Chowdhury wrote on 16 Dec 2008 (22:20:04) :-

Nice pics...missing shillong...great college indeed...will always remain etched in our hearts.
Dipankar Das wrote on 04 Dec 2008 (11:28:26) :-

My days in SEC from 57 to 67 are still fresh. Though away from Shillong I feel happy to have my old house in Shillong and thats how i visit the school but I miss the then settings Still do revive memories occasionally when we old schoolmates meet. Would be happy if some do put up old snaps of SEC
Alok wrote on 18 Oct 2008 (04:49:38) :-

Hi Friend, Really you took us back to our days in this wonderful school. I passed out in 1988. These wonderful pictures made me nostalgic... Any one who lived in Shillong can never forget the place. They say Kashmir is where heaven is on earth. But I say they wrong its our own Shillong... Shillong & Shillong
Rajendra Joshi wrote on 17 Oct 2008 (13:15:27) :-

Thanks for making such pictures available...really it make me go nostalgic..it is a great feeling to be and Edmundian...
Arhunki wrote on 16 Sept 2008 (07:44:29) :-

This is indeed nostalgic. Would never ever forget the best days of my life in St. Edmund's School. Really touched by the pics which remind me of the bygone days. Long live SEC!! Keep up the great effort. Miss You!
Manjit Dey wrote on 02 Sept 2008 (04:40:41) :-

The beautiful pictures of St.Eds really makes one feel nostalgic.The memories of the time spent there is sumthing ephemereal.Silly Billy still exists and I met him along with my family ,this year in May and I can still feel his warm embrace and bearly hug as he recognition dawned and tears swelled in his eyes.It was indeed a great Homecoming for me.Proudly Fly ur Flag Boys...Gold Maroon and Green ,Cheer Cheer Cheer for St.edmunds Boys...Cheer for SEC!
Prosanta Barman wrote on 29 Aug 2008 (04:18:57) :-

Nice picture. I was in SEC from 1986 to Aug 1889. I steel feel that shillong is the best palce in the earth. Really miss my NH days. In my time Prof.N.Ganguly was the hostel super , popularly known as "JANGO"
AJAY VERMA wrote on 18 Aug 2008 (09:33:11) :-

WAS A PROUD EDMUNDIAN FROM 1971(CLASS 1) TO 1980(ICSE).THE PICTURES BROUGHT BACK MEMORIES OF THOSE WONDERFUL DAYS.ANY NEWS ABOUT BROTHER A.L.NARONHA,BROTHER BEDDO & BROTHER GAFFNEY.AM SETTLED IN CHANDIGARH.HAVEN'T BEEN TO SHILLONG SINCE LAST 11 YEARS.MY FRIENDS CAN GET IN TOUCH WITH ME AT MY E-MAIL I.D AJAY9792@YAHOO.CO.IN
Prankush Baruah wrote on 08 Aug 2008 (11:27:39) :-

Well absolutely stunning pictures. Its great to be seeing the school once more sitting here in Nairobi . I was remembering Brother McGann who moved in to Gabon in Africa when I was in school final year can anyone provide his whereabouts.Its absolutely fabolous to be back to school once more . My email id is prankush@oilindia.in
Ejaz Hazarika wrote on 02 Aug 2008 (05:28:46) :-

Fantastic effort by all concerned, and hats off to the originator. Memories flood back of the glorious years, those familiar names, et al. Alas, if only our alma mater could retain a part of the old glory, in letter & spirit. There's one blog somewhere that speaks of "Scented Months" and "Sent Advance"!! Whatever remains, is only in name!! The only people I feel come closest to the Great Irish (& so many Indian) Christian Brothers are the old-time Edmundians. Gentlemen need to go and audit the School that actually seems to be crumbling by the day. Some remedies need to be worked out to restore at least a part of the glory. Forget the buildings, even the grass is missing from the top field - Something sadly seems to be missing somewhere!! There is an Edmundians' Picnic on at Barapani on 23 August 2008. Some of us may like to "bell the cat" over there. Again, congratulations for this great page, and "proudly fly the flag boys"!!
Brian Wallang wrote on 13 Jul 2008 (11:45:14) :-

Reading all your comments realy takes me back to the time when I was in school - those were the best times ever. I am so happy that we were in Edmund's when we were. It's not the same anymore. I'm still in Shillong and can see and feel the change. I'm so proud to see so many edmumdian's here who were studying in the 50's - 60's. It's so touching. Thanks for the lovely photographs. God bless everyone. Take care.
Amrit Goswami wrote on 09 Jul 2008 (02:48:49) :-

whats the point commenting.i suggest u take othar's opinions too. There were after all many boarding children sodomised by the the brothers there. Take a moment and pray for them. Your web site sucks.
Debotpal Dutta Baruah wrote on 08 Jul 2008 (08:05:32) :-

ouch! Diamonds & Rust.
Joseph Hauhnar wrote on 07 Jul 2008 (03:59:31) :-

Wow i could see my school days so vividly in these pics. The chapel reminds me of those days when we catholic students have to attend mass and sacrifice our 10 mins short breaks. Hey guys remember Mrs Lewis (RIP) and her malaca (stick) n yes Bro Gomes, I missed em. Hey any1 of you remember Bro Gomes fav lines " tell the truth and shame the devil" I still do keep that. I know it have changed a lot but however i believe all of us edmundians have deep lil secrets we love to keep in that sprawling campus and never to be changed.
Joseph Hauhnar wrote on 07 Jul 2008 (03:43:58) :-

Wow i could see my school days so vividly in these pics. The chapel reminds me of those days when we catholic students have to attend mass and sacrifice our 10 mins short breaks. Hey guys remember Mrs Lewis (RIP) and her malaca (stick) n yes Bro Gomes, I missed em. Hey any1 of you remember Bro Gomes fav lines " tell the truth and shame the devil" I still do keep that. I know it have changed a lot but however i believe all of us edmundians have deep lil secrets we love to keep in that sprawling campus and never to be changed.
Keith Hodge wrote on 04 Jul 2008 (06:38:57) :-

Dear all, My elder brother Patrick Hodge and I were students at SEC during the 1950s. Patrick, an excellent sportsman and academic,completed his Senior Cambridge exams and after some time at the SEC College joined the Indian Navy as a Commissioned Officer. Later when he left the navy, he was in charge of a school in Imphal. Tiny Tots I think. I have not seen Pat since December 1960, when I left India to join the Royal Air Force in England. I have not heard from him for some 10 years and so I am concerned about his health/welfare. If anyone is aware of his whereabouts then I would be extremely grateful if they could email me at keith.hodge@post.serco.com. For those who might have known or remembered us, our Aunty, Miss Irene Lewis, was a teacher at the school. Having viewed the photos of the school and the region around Shillong, my grateful thanks. Please reply - Keith.
Dr. Lalmalsawma Nghaka wrote on 25 Jun 2008 (00:13:00) :-

Really miss my Edmundian days... I sure hope the school is still as fun as it was back in the 90s... Spent 10 years of the best part of my life in Edmund's. We should probably have a reunion of the class 10 batch of 2000.
Scandy wrote on 20 Jun 2008 (06:48:57) :-

I was just telling my friends in Vietnam yesterday what an awesome school I went to. Back in the 80's, it was comparable to any school in the world in beauty and quality. Does anyone know where I can get pictures of our school in the 80's before all the crazy fencing happened?
chris wrote on 25 May 2008 (10:33:06) :-

thanks 4 the pics indeed sec is the best. jus to let u know that on the web site of st ed on the List of principals in st ed they omitted Br Mannual name(1995-1998), n in the yr 1998 Br Kennan was the first vice Principal. Br McGann (1986-1988) Br Coelho (1989-1996) ......?????? Br Kennan (1997-2004) Mr G.G.Pariat(2005) Mrs M.T. Syiem (2006-present)
Tafu wrote on 21 Apr 2008 (20:47:42) :-

Great pictures. Just cannot forget the wonderful memories of the old school.
Sanjay Mukherjee (IC wrote on 13 Apr 2008 (07:53:07) :-

Beautiful !!! Its been 14 years since I saw our school last. Really enjoyed to see the pictures. Going back to the good old days. Could not recognize DownShop. Disheartened to see the condition of the handball court, fencing all around & dissapearance of the Tennis Court.
Ajit Chaliha wrote on 03 Apr 2008 (09:31:41) :-

I was at SEC as a Boarder from 1948 to 1953. My class teachers were Mrs. Pinto, Br. Magee (twice),Br.Curren, Bro. Coonee(old), Br. Donohue (Music). Br. Roe was our Principal. The other day, in 2007 when SEEPA met at Dibrugarh, after decades, I met three of my class mates, Goerge Richmond, Leslie D'Silva and Ziauddin Ahmad, it was fun. My visit to the School was dissapointing, too much of link fencing all around. The swiming pool, where I learnt to swim is gone, the water tower with the 'Bell' has dissapeared. The wide wooden corridors, where we fought,(I fought with Ziddi and didn't talked to him for 14 years),gossiped and generally loitered round, during the 'rains' are replaced with ???? (God knows what).I couldn't enter for the love of 'old time sake'. Went down to the 'Chapel' and it was locked, it never happened in my time, it was always open to all. The wroght iron benches were there outside the church; sat down, closed my eyes: my mind drifted down the 'memory lane'. The 'walks' down to 'town' on Saturdays (namely,Police Bazar)or alternately to the 'country' on Wednesdays (up the Tripura Castle road throght the Fruit garden). Occasionally, there would be football matches, local clubs vs the school team. On those days we took the 'short cut' to the Polo Grounds by taking the lane down todays New Colony. Before the 'walks' we used to Q up at the Tuck Shop for our pocket money, nearly always 4 annas ( that's todays 25p). In my time Br.O'nil was the 'tuckshop keeper', may be that is why, we consider him to be the most kind Br. we had. While mentioning school football matches, it brings to my mind the 'cheers' we shouted ' We, we, we are the boys who make no noise' ' we , we, we are are the boys of SEC' Well as far as I remember with W.H.Martin as the School Captain, we lost to none. He was our 'hero', he did not kick the ball, he was strong enough to throw the ball half way across the football field. well folks, Enough for today, cheerio till another day.
Snehashish wrote on 26 Mar 2008 (09:57:20) :-

Excellent snaps - brought back a lot of fun memories. What's with all the barbed wires - are there any terrorist plots of blowing up the school? :-)The image of the handball court was really depressing - spent a lot of lunch hours there followed by agonizing times trying to write with an inflammed palm and fingers! Ah...those were the days.Cheers
Indraneel Das wrote on 25 Mar 2008 (07:39:17) :-

Great pictures, I was wondering if you had any more.. maybe you could post them too.. I am also an Edmundian, currently working in Delhi... haven't been back home for a while now.. so these photos were invigoritaing and has suddenly made us nostalgic.. thanks!
peter brown wrote on 20 Mar 2008 (08:21:46) :-

Thanks for the pics, Sameer, many of which brought back happy memories of St. Eds., especially the Chapel & Grotto that remain unchanged; the handball court that has seen better days and hosted a game every morning before classes commenced and after 3pm when we broke from classes and indulged ourselves in a fast game of handball before kicking off or bullying off depending on whether it was football or hockey season; the "old summer house" that was brand new in 1955 after the old wooden and thatched roof summer house was replaced and finally the main gate that most borders passed through when the school opened in March and closed in December and when being bussed on picnics to Umtinga and Cherrapunji.
Biswabrata Lahkar wrote on 16 Mar 2008 (23:27:55) :-

Nice, nostalgia-inducing pics. Was there about three years back, but did not meet anyone. Have attended the SEPPA meet 2007 in Dibrugarh - a magnificent show.
Roderick Chalmers wrote on 16 Mar 2008 (17:18:47) :-

I was a boarder in St.Edmund's from 1946 to 1952.Just after the war. In fact I was in St.Ed's in 1945 as a day scholar when it was still a military hospital.We only had school in the morning and the college students used the classrooms in the afternoon. The Principals were Bro.O'Leary and Bro.Roe. The only photographs that I recognized were the chapel, the handball court and the summer house.The school song must be something recent.I cannot remember ever having heard it or sung it. I have one school friend left in England. All the others,including my brothers, have long since passed away. All I have left now are memories of happier times. Free from worldly worries and free from the pain of old age and illness. I miss St.Edmund's but also I do miss India,after fiftyfour years.I was born there and still love it so.Nobody can take away my happy Indian childhood memories from me. I send my Best Wishes to all old and future Edmundians alike.E-mail rmchalmers@supanet.com
JSyam wrote on 14 Mar 2008 (07:53:22) :-

Do any of you guys remember the water taps from which we use to drink water lying down on the verandah and poking our heads out of the railing; every time I see pictures of school I am reminded of them. Hi Tinku, Arup, Atul, Haseem. Mehdy are you still in the US? jaideepsyam@gmail.com
Rajib Kakati, 1973 ( wrote on 12 Mar 2008 (21:01:32) :-

The pics are great. You are an accomplished photographer.It,s a pity to see that only the Chapel, the statue of Virgin Mary, the main entrance and the Summer House are intact.While I was there (Class I and again from Class VI to XI), the buildings were Assam Type. the Box Room was on the 1st Floor above the Showers and Class XI had the distinction of being the largest classroom (on the 1st Floor), where the movie projector was also housed. You could safely smoke there (and of course at Down Shop too). I once visited, some 5 years or so after the Boarding had been closed down and the Dining Hall was probably being used as classrooms. You won,t believe this, but the distintive smell of bread was still there!I can still smell the mutton(?) curry which we suffered for nine months in a row, twice a day, everyday and the stink of Bura's and Silly Billy's uniforms(especially during the monsoons). What a time we had.Games, hikes (up the Hill,Barapani old road, Mowflong, Cherra with Ma Fundi's packed lunch of bread, boiled potatoes and the delicious canned Luncheon Meat & orange squash), Momos @ 0.45 paise, (later 0.50 paise),Kakiat @ one buck a glass for safed,two bucks for Laal at Victory Restaurant, Saturday evening walks(75 paise for half plate veg chow, fried in the same wok as pork chow, at New India and Bhutta @ 25 paisa). I could write a book.Easily and by far the best years of my life. Brother Judge told us that your School friends will be your best friends for life. How right he was!God bless him! I will surely check out Mrinal Baruah's Upper Assam Chapter to see if he has any pics of the old building. Cheers to All!
joydeep paul wrote on 11 Mar 2008 (10:50:31) :-

nice pic st. edmund's truly the sole of shillong
George Joseph wrote on 09 Mar 2008 (12:03:43) :-

Great memories, It was sad that I did not even recognize PB.
Aviroop wrote on 08 Mar 2008 (16:34:58) :-

Awesome pictures. but they brought eyes to the ears more than anything else.. how we have let the little microcosmic instituitions in the School go down.. a buildiing in place of the tennis courts, the Hanball court lying in utter despair, the fields fenced as if they are meant to contain outlaws.. i dont know what else should i say..
Chinmoy wrote on 08 Mar 2008 (11:16:21) :-

Awesome mate .... brought back memories of the good old days
Principal wrote on 08 Mar 2008 (10:28:03) :-

Dear Edmundians Please visit the official St. Edmund's School alumni group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/edmundian/ God Bless you all.
Anil sarma wrote on 28 Feb 2008 (17:19:24) :-

Great photos, been a while since I've been to edmunds. Anil -- 1998 (SES)
Anirvan Chaudhuri wrote on 26 Feb 2008 (10:54:12) :-

Strange...my previous comment did not get posted...I hope this does
Anirvan Chaudhuri wrote on 24 Feb 2008 (23:27:57) :-

It was great to see the pictures of the school. I haven't been back to Shillong since I left in 1977...I was in Class 6 then...but I still think it was the most wonderful school I ever attended. If there is anyone out there from my batch...do get in touch with me at kenduai@gmail.com
nasim akthar wrote on 15 Feb 2008 (10:54:41) :-

it was really touching to see the different sports grounds being changed to RCC buildings.there were the places where i belonged.NICE going through the pic.
mithun wrote on 28 Jan 2008 (21:59:24) :-

relived timeless moments through ur pics. thanx
Alok Marwaha wrote on 09 Jan 2008 (00:43:07) :-

Great to have chanced upon this page.. Its been my first contact with St Edmund's since I passed out from school in 1976 ( ICSE 76 ) and from College in 1979. Have been planning to visit school several times in the past and hope to do so this year !! Was great to see comments from two of my class mates Tinkoo who was a boarder like me and Arup Dey.. Would love to hear from you all.. My e-mail ID is alokmarwaha@gmail.com... Have recently relocated to India after 9 years in Thailand .. Would be great to get in touch with old school friends again..
sujan deb wrote on 22 Dec 2007 (15:08:56) :-

The pictures are so reminiscent of our schooldays - the wonder years Wonder if "silly billy" is still around. There are so many memories in every nook and corner the school. Sad to see the summer house fenced off.
Sanjeeban Kar wrote on 18 Dec 2007 (04:50:23) :-

A few days back I sang the SEC school anthem to my daughter and realized that I still remember it word for word after 16 years!!! SEC was special and the photos kinda jogged the memories bigtime.
Debnandan1999 ICSE wrote on 30 Nov 2007 (13:59:39) :-

Amazing photos,but The name "Insignificant Bytes" is so not apt. SEC means a lot to us-all Edmundians'and this collection is surely not "Insignificant". Just to break the monotny of adulthood and relive childhood this is all we ex-edmundian's need.This place has given so much to all of us. I will revisit. Thanks
PRANAB MISRA wrote on 21 Nov 2007 (04:12:39) :-

Memories....aah.They neither fade nor jade.The photos opened the floodgates of memories.I couldn't help thinking what many of us may have thought - the Shillong of the 60s and 70s was a great place.Old black and white photographs,now unfashionable and obsolete, are my prized possessions, transporting me back to an era reminiscent of the raj.The present photos are excellent,but the black and white ones are ones with which guys from the 60s & 70s will really identify with.These old photos temporarily transport us into the past, where we try to re-live the events. The Shillong and St-Eds of our youth may have gone..frankly, I don't know,having left Shillong way back in Dec 1975 after ICSE exams ended.32 years is a long time. shall be visiting Shillong this year,shall try to meet my class teacher Bro Dsouza, who, I hear, is still around.In fact, he was my teacher way back in 1974. I may be contacted at pranab_misra at yahoo.co.in. Great to have had an opportunity to be connected with ex-Edmundians!
nishant wrote on 02 Nov 2007 (01:26:24) :-

hey great pics man........how do I save them in my PC.......please reply. My id is nishant.manutd at yahoo.com
STANLEY BARON wrote on 30 Oct 2007 (10:47:08) :-

I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT ANYTHING ABOUT MY DAD. BEFORE I WAS BORN. HE HAS NOW PAST AWAY, SO IT WOULD BE BEFORE 1938. ALL I KNOW IS HE WENT TO St EDMONS SCHOOL SHILLONG INDIA. WITH HIS BROTHERS CLIFFORD AND HARROLD. B.BARON10 at NTLWORLD.COM
Murtaza Hazarika wrote on 12 Oct 2007 (18:07:30) :-

Hey man,awesome pictures,brings back vivid memories of St.Edmund's. I was there for 15 good years. I was there from 1981-1996(school & college)I liked the 'stone' building(as we boarders referred to it as), the church,main building,first and second fields,they all look different but albeit brings back all the good times together.Br.Eric D'Souza i hear is still around in the school. They have broken down the dormitory and the study hall too.I guess it's modernisation.They have even broken down the swimming pool.I wonder if they still have the 'bell'to indicate the beginning of a class and the end. Is 'Silly Billy' still around? I hear they still have the big kitchen too.Feeling nostalgic already. I miss the PM and the LC girls when they used to come and watch the movie @ our school every Saturday. Thanx for the pictures.
Dikdyuti wrote on 13 Sept 2007 (03:35:04) :-

Haven't been to Shillong for quite some time now. Beautiful pics... Really miss those days when we were in school and it was not full of fences and walls
Mrinal Baruah 1972 B wrote on 29 Aug 2007 (19:24:52) :-

Ex-Edmundians in Upper Assam have got together to form SEPPA-UAC, the Upper Assam Chapter. Visit our site www.seppa-uac.com for tons of old and new photographs, and relive the "good ole days..."
Bishnu Das wrote on 29 Aug 2007 (12:36:08) :-

It was good to go through the pics. We have a SEPPA Upper Assam Chapter now operating from Dibrugarh. Check out our website . We do things in style!! www.seppa-uac.com
Haseem Ahmed wrote on 29 Aug 2007 (06:34:22) :-

The memories of the yesteryears came flooding back . Nice to see a few names that I recognize - Mehdy, Tinkoo, Arup Dey . Thanks to SEPPA , we keep meeting the old guys and reminesce - that what we are damned good at these days.Keep visiting the school- but everything's in a state of disrepair with a huge fence around the top field . Visiting the tuck shop and the stationery shop had me confused - whatever happened to the good old buildings . I peeked into my old classes IV and VI (remember the benders from Mr Perreira -the quintessential Zodiac man . Nice to see the bell still remaining, along with the water tanks , where we played and fell . Old timers , do send me an email at ahmedh@iocl.co.in and promise I'll be able to keep in touch . Tinkoo , you better sart corresponding , and Arup De, you included and other guys of 1976 ICSE
Bikram Saharia wrote on 29 Aug 2007 (02:05:03) :-

Great shots,took me on one nostalgia trip...thanks, spent some of my best years there though few...the fences look menancing and was sorry at the state of the handball courts...used to love them...
prem wrote on 24 Aug 2007 (07:43:24) :-

mannnnnn tat was awesome i felt that i was unlucky not 2 b born there
zubair wrote on 23 Aug 2007 (01:06:33) :-

nothing to beat old SEC spent '57 to '67 there.
tinkoo hazarika wrote on 22 Aug 2007 (16:29:08) :-

Splendid photos! I visited the School and Shillong after eons two winters ago and met D'Souza who taught me in Class 7 and led many, many hikes into the hills. Sad to see the fields in disrepair, however (drought in Shillong or what?). The only fence in existence when I was "ruled by the bell" and D'Santos was the boundary one. Breaking bounds was a favourite past time for some of us boarders. DownShop has become quite swanky I might add. I wonder if I paid off my accounts there and at the College Canteen (Jamuna): would make the current sub-prime mess look tame. Some of you reading this will be glad to know that Seppans in the North-East have reached critical mass and are doing things in a big way - that includes socials, social-work and generally, having a good time. They have annual Seppa meets - I went to one of these soirees and reconnected with many friends and their families. If you want more info. re. these and in being a part of Seppa, send me an email: p_hazarika@hotmail.com and I will put you in touch with the right folks. Please state "SEPPA" in the subject line so I can retrieve them from my junk folder. Best wishes!
Rohan wrote on 22 Aug 2007 (06:33:55) :-

Excellent job on those pics. I did pay a visit to our 'second home' after 3 years.. Without doubt,those fences are definitely not what I expected.A bit too much i think. But yes, nothing has changed the feeling or the aura that WE call Edmunds.
Arup Chandra Dey ('7 wrote on 16 Aug 2007 (23:28:33) :-

Those shots brought back fond memories of those good ol' days pal. I could see in the list names of a few of my batch mates - Atul Marwaha for eg. What are you doing in IIM-A teaching or learning to teach? Those were the days man. Br. D'Souza is still there. The caning we used to get for the petty mistakes - now it is banned!! The swimming pool is gone if my memory serves me right. I still do visit 1'ce in a while. Batch of '76 Dec ICSE
Mehdy wrote on 16 Aug 2007 (12:12:47) :-

Thanks for the lovely pictures of our school - myriad fond memories came flooding back. Haven�t been back in a long long time.
C N Anand wrote on 12 Aug 2007 (22:14:38) :-

I studied in St Edmunds from 1958 to 1960. The pictures of the school brought back very fond memories. I have since written a novel where the two protagonists are Edmundians: TARBELA DAMNED � PAKISTAN TAMED is about Pakistani minorities being alienated. An Indian Jew (Edmundian) and another class mate (Edmundian), after graduating from college, join the Mosad and Raw to recruit disgruntled Pakistanis. They bring Pakistan to heel. The publisher's page on the book is at http://indialog.co.in/publications/Tarbela%20Damned.asp Tribune's Review: http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070729/spectrum/book8.htm Heart-warming prose Aparna M. Sridhar Tarbela Damned � Pakistan Tamed by C.N. Anand. Indialog Publications, New Delhi. Pages 192. Rs 195. T arbela Damned � Pakistan Tamed is a racy work of fiction set amidst political and social crises in the sub-continent. It is the kind of book one would want to read while waiting for delayed flights or on long tedious train journeys. It is a heady mixture of diplomacy, terrorism and inter-continental intelligence, with a fairy-tale ending in which India brings Pakistan to heel. The author has used both broad strokes and vivid detail to describe the backdrop of the story, which draws extensively from Indian history and geography, but also gives insights into the Irish revolutionary movement, the status of Indian Jews as well as the socio-political milieu of present-day Pakistan. It is this seemingly effortless descriptiveness that lifts the novel from being just a pot-boiler, to one which makes the reader pause and introspect about the tragedy of terrorism. There are asides on items like "Irish whiskey" which go down well. He tells us that the word whiskey apparently is a corruption of the Irish term "uiscebeatha" which means "water of life" and surprises us with the little piece of information that the Irish were the ones to first bring the art of distilling to Scotland. The author sketches a black -and-white picture where all those involved in the plot to blow up the Tarbela Dam instantly build a rapport and there is no cultural or moral questioning. There is no dissension, no hiccups in executing a plot of such grand dimensions and a surprising transnational bonhomie between the characters. The Irishman gets along well with the Indian, the Indian Jew has international links to American universities and can coerce funds easily, revengeful Pakistanis immediately align together at payback time`85.but the author carries it off because of his reliance on facts. Every time scepticism threatens to creep in, a generous scoop of reality is served up to make one believe. How else will a reader, especially in this part of the world, be able to take in a changed political scenario where at the Wagah border, the high stepping of our soldiers "seem like peacocks (moving) towards each other in a gesture of love." There is no off-putting jingoism and no cold-bloodedness, and that makes one sympathise with the protagonists' efforts. Simple prose and heart-warming Indianisms add to the charm of this first work. Regards C N Anand cnanand@gmail.com
Dr. Malsawma wrote on 12 Aug 2007 (03:58:08) :-

Boy, i miss my school days, those were the best days.The Chapel looks great in B&W, that reminds me of the days when we thought it was haunted...... haha
Abhijit wrote on 01 Aug 2007 (07:57:52) :-

Great pictures man. Not seen the school for the last 15 years. Brought a lump in my throat. A lot of old memories came flooding back Thanks a lot dude
Kush wrote on 20 Jun 2007 (09:44:38) :-

Gr8 pics frnd, wt gud description 4each one of them,truely a treat 2watch..
Kiran Joshua Daniel wrote on 12 Jun 2007 (00:51:04) :-

Beautiful Pics! My memories are back ! Thanks dear friend
biswaroop wrote on 11 Jun 2007 (09:36:02) :-

sometimes ...memories are like fingerprints......can't ever be washed away..
Nishant (ICSE 2005 b wrote on 10 Jun 2007 (12:01:40) :-

Great shots man.....thanks for taking me back to those days
Suryya wrote on 10 Jun 2007 (03:29:18) :-

the hand ball court seems to have survived a hurricane. in our times there used to be a rush for the 1st berth. huh! earth-shaking pics. the tennis-court will tell why. insignificant bytes???!!
adi wrote on 02 Jun 2007 (12:36:11) :-

been a long time... brought back much more than jus memories... cheers!
shardul kumar wrote on 30 May 2007 (09:13:06) :-

hai.... this.... is some really good.... picks.... man i was there when alll the fencing....was... going.... on... i hate.... that... but what... the hell... i love the place .....
Siddharth Kosta wrote on 03 May 2007 (04:33:26) :-

Hey was a real good feeling having a look at the school after so many years ...only the Rest of the school has changed ...and the rest is the same though the later is in a very small quantity ....
Levi wrote on 24 Apr 2007 (07:33:14) :-

Damn man,that was kickarse!
Avijit wrote on 14 Apr 2007 (09:18:19) :-

1992 I.C.S.E batch SEC Really really nostalgic... Last time was 14 years back...
James R Dutta Roy wrote on 18 Mar 2007 (12:01:16) :-

You mentioned that "Sohra" had you confused. I thought i'd just share a few words with you. Cherrapunjee is the name the britishers gave to the place locally called Sohra by the Khasis. Sohra derived its name from the fruit that you must have relished as a child... it left your lips and tongue red, "Soyong". Recall? Interestingly, Cherrapunjee was originally just a small company post of the Assam Rifles. To support this force a few small shops selling odds and ends opened up in the periphery. Over the years the population grew and today it has become a full town. Only the original inhabitants, the Assam Rifles have since moved out! Cheerio, James
James R Dutta Roy wrote on 16 Mar 2007 (13:44:25) :-

Thanks for the pics. You brought a lump to my throat from the memories. Did you know that Mrs Trevor is the princi now?
Shibanka wrote on 16 Mar 2007 (11:47:07) :-

Have been away for just 4 months now, yet feeling nostalgic.
rohan wrote on 16 Mar 2007 (08:24:34) :-

gr8 pics man. drifted me back to those dayz. thanx dude
Atul Marwaha wrote on 15 Mar 2007 (16:04:07) :-

Hi , i havent been to Shillong in 22 years , gladdened my heart to see the pictures , thank u so very much , well i have been promising myself i will go there , well this is the next best thing , felt nostalgic and happy , i was a boarder and passed out in the 79 Batch , ur right those were glorious days pretty much wonder what the college looked like , any news of Brother Shannon ? did u get to meet the teachers ? will be in touch am ppresently at IIM A ,u know going for walks was such fun u know walking out to police baazar does the old buidng remain ,is the boarding there still ? too many questions i feel really overwhelmed thank u dear friend .. Warm rgds Atul
Samrat wrote on 02 Mar 2007 (12:34:58) :-

Fantastic shots. Thank you so much. The church was great in B&W...only wish the branches did not come in the way. This was a complete tour, right down to the Down Shop. Does the tuck shop still exist?
Merlvin wrote on 02 Mar 2007 (01:56:52) :-

Great stuff man!! I envy your time! The chapel does carry a serene look...simply nostalgic...and thanks for the opportunity anyways!!
jonathan wrote on 21 Feb 2007 (23:44:14) :-

shucks...that ws an amazing few minutes there...just remembering shillong n more importantly school,memories of a past long gone but which will never be forgotten...cheers to all edmundians out there!!!
ehbok steven wrote on 18 Feb 2007 (09:39:20) :-

nice collection.it reminds me of those bez days of ma life.good work
Abhik(88 batch) wrote on 15 Feb 2007 (00:49:14) :-

Fantastic snaps.Old is gold indeed
Sabyasachi wrote on 12 Feb 2007 (02:14:21) :-

Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing and bringing back a load of wonderful memories.
anton wrote on 11 Feb 2007 (01:48:44) :-

lovely memories came rushing back especially the second field where we would have our football games and eventually as we got to 7 we would play on the first field...makes me wonder..the fences..looks like a correctional facility for boys now...
nicholas wrote on 08 Feb 2007 (02:35:35) :-

That was really mesmerising.Indeed SEC is the best as is used to be