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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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….

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

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

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

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