Comments on: Bye, Mr Baker http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/ Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:04:31 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Maitri Rath http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-774 Maitri Rath Sat, 19 Apr 2008 12:10:06 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-774 Very true! The Mafia is working full scale. But let me keep my lips sealed. At least till I reach my home state safely :). As for the fencing it was during Father Kuruvilla's time. Each priest comes and tries to bring in some change. Some are needed, others, God alone knows why they do it. perhaps to immortalise their names.I still know that no donations for admissions are accepted, but, we never know, those policies may change. " Good education' can be provided when good people are involved, with the mafia working, it is 'I, Me, My candidate' alone. Very true! The Mafia is working full scale. But let me keep my lips sealed. At least till I reach my home state safely :) . As for the fencing it was during Father Kuruvilla’s
time. Each priest comes and tries to bring in some change. Some are needed, others, God alone knows why they do it. perhaps to immortalise their names.I still know that no donations for admissions are accepted, but, we never know, those policies may change. ” Good education’ can be provided when good people are involved, with the mafia working, it is ‘I, Me, My candidate’ alone.

]]> By: Ashok http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-769 Ashok Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:58:41 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-769 I don't think any particular parent is powerful enough to kick a teacher out. From what I have heard, it's the teachers' mafia that can throw a teacher out :) Keeping pace with Trivandrum's growth! What next? A cash-for-admission policy? Maybe we should keep good admission policies as memories, and move on! I feel that Loyola should define what "good education" is (avoid being static by regularly assessing society's expectations and needs) and try to provide it. To think that more children can be accommodated only in massive concrete, or the solution to dog menace is fencing, is reflective of the lack of creativity and exposure that Loyola suffers from. Believe-it-or-not, the sentiment in Loyola these days is, "We've built the big hall. I hope we can utilise it somehow." High on concrete, low on ideas. I don’t think any particular parent is powerful enough to kick a teacher out. From what I have heard, it’s the teachers’ mafia that can throw a teacher out :)

Keeping pace with Trivandrum’s growth! What next? A cash-for-admission policy? Maybe we should keep good admission policies as memories, and move on! I feel that Loyola should define what “good education” is (avoid being static by regularly assessing society’s expectations and needs) and try to provide it.

To think that more children can be accommodated only in massive concrete, or the solution to dog menace is fencing, is reflective of the lack of creativity and exposure that Loyola suffers from. Believe-it-or-not, the sentiment in Loyola these days is, “We’ve built the big hall. I hope we can utilise it somehow.” High on concrete, low on ideas.

]]> By: Maitri Rath http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-767 Maitri Rath Sun, 13 Apr 2008 10:36:52 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-767 I too want to comment on the way Trivandrum city has changed. Not exactly what Mr. Baker had envisaged for it. Look at the number of high rise buildings, snatching away the old world charm of this city. With the increase in population the number of students wishing to be a part of Loyola too has gone up. To accomodate them the old world had to give in. That is just the reason why Baker's building gave way to the massive concrete one that stands now dutifully called CBSE section. Now to put in all these students together there came a need of a larger hall, well the rest is history. So keep the memories of the old buildings ,like Daffodils, and move on to the new one. I too want to comment on the way Trivandrum city has changed. Not exactly what Mr. Baker had envisaged for it. Look at the number of high rise buildings, snatching away the old world charm of this city. With the increase in population the number of students wishing to be a part of Loyola too has gone up. To accomodate them the old world had to give in. That is just the reason why Baker’s building gave way to the massive concrete one that stands now dutifully called CBSE section. Now to put in all these students together there came a need of a larger hall, well the rest is history. So keep the memories of the old buildings ,like Daffodils, and move on to the new one.

]]> By: Maitri Rath http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-766 Maitri Rath Sun, 13 Apr 2008 03:58:18 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-766 Well, now that I have resigned from Loyola after 21 years of work and going back to my native state Orissa very soon ,I can let out a few truths. The playground was fenced to keep out the stray dogs.They were a real menance. During that period a student of Mrs. Murray's class was bitten. As for parents ruling Loyola decisions I doubt it. The Jesuits do not have to bow before any parent. If such a thing was possible then I, a non-Malayali,Non-Christian, Non Pamperer of any rich man's son, too outspoken and undiplomatic a person would have been thrown out first. No, it isn't that. You children have got it all wrong. Well, now that I have resigned from Loyola after 21 years of work and going back to my native state Orissa very soon ,I can let out a few truths. The playground was fenced to keep out the stray dogs.They were a real menance. During that period a student of Mrs. Murray’s class was bitten. As for parents ruling Loyola decisions I doubt it. The Jesuits do not have to bow before any parent. If such a thing was possible then I, a non-Malayali,Non-Christian, Non Pamperer of any rich man’s son, too outspoken and undiplomatic a person would have been thrown out first. No, it isn’t that. You children have got it all wrong.

]]> By: Ashok’s blog on Loyola School: The ARChive : Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) » » He Who Pays the Piper http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-740 Ashok’s blog on Loyola School: The ARChive : Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) » » He Who Pays the Piper Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:21:56 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-740 [...] of the 1970s and 1980s, and the environment they raised their kids in. Is it any wonder that Baker is out and big is in? Is it any surprise that children should play less and playgrounds should be fenced [...] [...] of the 1970s and 1980s, and the environment they raised their kids in. Is it any wonder that Baker is out and big is in? Is it any surprise that children should play less and playgrounds should be fenced [...]

]]> By: Ashok’s blog on Loyola School: The ARChive : Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) » » Painter of Signs: Giles Francis http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-663 Ashok’s blog on Loyola School: The ARChive : Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) » » Painter of Signs: Giles Francis Sat, 15 Mar 2008 06:17:59 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-663 [...] hesitatingly “Er…you did that one too?” “No,” he replied, “Laurie Baker designed [...] [...] hesitatingly “Er…you did that one too?” “No,” he replied, “Laurie Baker designed [...]

]]> By: Ashok http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-438 Ashok Fri, 14 Dec 2007 06:14:44 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-438 Shaji Krishnan's (1977) <a href="http://shajikrishnan.blogspot.com/2007/04/laurie-baker-architect-extraordinaire.html" rel="nofollow"> blogpost on Baker</a> recollects Baker in Loyola. Shaji Krishnan’s (1977) blogpost on Baker recollects Baker in Loyola.

]]> By: Lt Renjith Varghese(ISC '99) http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-225 Lt Renjith Varghese(ISC '99) Sun, 29 Jul 2007 03:25:15 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-225 Arre Ashok Chetta, no jokes....But no, I don't have the bricks now...We shifted house to Alwaye seven years back and the bricks I left at my old house in T'puram...So much for senti-nostalgia stuff :) Arre Ashok Chetta, no jokes….But no, I don’t have the bricks now…We shifted house to Alwaye seven years back and the bricks I left at my old house in T’puram…So much for senti-nostalgia stuff :)

]]> By: Ashok http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-221 Ashok Sat, 28 Jul 2007 06:15:17 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-221 Deepak, you have pictures of the ruins? Must use them while writing about the changing landscape of Loyola. Deepak, you have pictures of the ruins? Must use them while writing about the changing landscape of Loyola.

]]> By: Deepak Madhusoodanan http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-215 Deepak Madhusoodanan Tue, 24 Jul 2007 05:05:48 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-215 Ashok, our good lieutenant may have the bricks, but I have some pictures of the demolished old IV-A classroom. Lots of memories in those ruins. I still get senti-nostalgic while I see them. Ashok, our good lieutenant may have the bricks, but I have some pictures of the demolished old IV-A classroom. Lots of memories in those ruins. I still get senti-nostalgic while I see them.

]]> By: Ashok http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-213 Ashok Mon, 23 Jul 2007 20:12:26 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-213 Renjith, that's a good anecdote you have of Fr M.M. Thomas. Do you have the bricks at home? If yes, it would be an A-class senti-nostalgia story from Loyola :) Renjith, that’s a good anecdote you have of Fr M.M. Thomas. Do you have the bricks at home? If yes, it would be an A-class senti-nostalgia story from Loyola :)

]]> By: Lt Renjith Varghese(ISC '99) http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-208 Lt Renjith Varghese(ISC '99) Sun, 22 Jul 2007 09:02:23 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-208 Dear Ashok Chetta, I remember the old junior school being pulled down for the 'safer' structure that's there now...And some of us seniors then(or were we just out of school?) had put in our efforts at protest...And Fr MM Thomas, very much against the change, but unable to stop it, told us forget the idea.....He said "If you so want to remember those days, why don't you take your pick from the rubble?"The building had been razed by then, we stood amidst the destruction, and thought of old times....I picked up two bricks and carried them home..... Thank God for whoever's protecting the Auditorium (er, Sutter Hall)... And as for young blood that wonders who was Laurie Baker, pardon me, son, you need an education. Dear Ashok Chetta,
I remember the old junior school being pulled down for the ‘safer’ structure that’s there now…And some of us seniors then(or were we just out of school?) had put in our efforts at protest…And Fr MM Thomas, very much against the change, but unable to stop it, told us forget the idea…..He said “If you so want to remember those days, why don’t you take your pick from the rubble?”The building had been razed by then, we stood amidst the destruction, and thought of old times….I picked up two bricks and carried them home…..
Thank God for whoever’s protecting the Auditorium (er, Sutter Hall)…
And as for young blood that wonders who was Laurie Baker, pardon me, son, you need an education.

]]> By: Ashok http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-178 Ashok Mon, 02 Jul 2007 14:57:12 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-178 Joshua, thanks for the update. Joshua, thanks for the update.

]]> By: Joshua http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-143 Joshua Sun, 24 Jun 2007 16:17:22 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-143 Pallikoodam is still the same... Pallikoodam is still the same…

]]> By: Ashok http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-80 Ashok Sat, 02 Jun 2007 12:31:21 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-80 Renjith, thank you for standing up and proving the Loyola-ness in you. What struck me was that Loyola did not opt for Baker-type for the new auditorium. While I thank Ms Nostalgia for attracting Loyolites to this blog, I agree with you that one cannot cling on to her always. Isaac, yes, I wonder why the school went for 'modern' at that juncture. One of these days, more facts will come to light on this, I'm sure. Renjith, thank you for standing up and proving the Loyola-ness in you. What struck me was that Loyola did not opt for Baker-type for the new auditorium. While I thank Ms Nostalgia for attracting Loyolites to this blog, I agree with you that one cannot cling on to her always.

Isaac, yes, I wonder why the school went for ‘modern’ at that juncture. One of these days, more facts will come to light on this, I’m sure.

]]> By: The ARChive: Blog on Loyola School, Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) » » A Book on Loyola’s Transformation http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-66 The ARChive: Blog on Loyola School, Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) » » A Book on Loyola’s Transformation Wed, 30 May 2007 01:40:51 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-66 [...] Bhatia’s Laurie Baker: Life, Works and Writings, from which I quoted Baker last month, is not the only book that features Loyola. The school is discussed at length in Fr C.P. [...] [...] Bhatia’s Laurie Baker: Life, Works and Writings, from which I quoted Baker last month, is not the only book that features Loyola. The school is discussed at length in Fr C.P. [...]

]]> By: Isaac Philip http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-58 Isaac Philip Sun, 20 May 2007 11:05:55 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-58 Greetings from the 80 batch. I was dismayed to hear that the Junior school was demolished for a 'modern building. Needless to sya would be gutted if the same happened to the Auditorium and Chapel-that would be mindless. Greetings from the 80 batch. I was dismayed to hear that the Junior school was demolished for a ‘modern building. Needless to sya would be gutted if the same happened to the Auditorium and Chapel-that would be mindless.

]]> By: Renjith RP http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-42 Renjith RP Sun, 13 May 2007 01:16:51 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-42 Baker's works were his response to the situations around him. Buildings in our campus or even in the near by Centre for Development Studies were aesthetic and fitted in nicely to the surroundings........But now when we need better facilities, more safer classrooms ,there is no use hanging on to nostalgia......and if we have money why not bring down Baker’s football ground pavilion and build a new one....Why not bring down the chapel......who cares for heritage? We need comfort and for comfort we need huge buildings....with space.......without soul........... I haven't seen the new auditorium....but I am sure it would resemble the Vaikuntam Kalyana Mandapam......The sutter hall used to talk to me......she would entice me to take her stage and perform a Drama, a Monoact , a Recitation to her.......she would comfort me to sleep when the stage has crap running..........Her father is gone.....and it is time she start to pack. Baker’s works were his response to the situations around him. Buildings in our campus or even in the near by Centre for Development Studies were aesthetic and fitted in nicely to the surroundings……..But now when we need better facilities, more safer classrooms ,there is no use hanging on to nostalgia……and if we have money why not bring down Baker’s football ground pavilion and build a new one….Why not bring down the chapel……who cares for heritage? We need comfort and for comfort we need huge buildings….with space…….without soul………..
I haven’t seen the new auditorium….but I am sure it would resemble the Vaikuntam Kalyana Mandapam……The sutter hall used to talk to me……she would entice me to take her stage and perform a Drama, a Monoact , a Recitation to her…….she would comfort me to sleep when the stage has crap running……….Her father is gone…..and it is time she start to pack.

]]> By: Ashok http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-34 Ashok Tue, 24 Apr 2007 02:26:26 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-34 Vishnu, the photo-essay by Saji and Vinod took me to Loyola of the 1980s. John, I am glad that this post prompted you to surprise me with a call. Now that you are in Kochi, you can drop in at Loyola on one of the weekends, and share with us your thoughts and photos. Jiby, when I was at Loyola, the chapel was almost off bounds. We would, of course, peep in at times, but I don't remember having had the courage to walk from one door to the other. A few years ago, when Suraj Jacob (1989) got married there, I discovered the chapel, so to say. It was memorable. Can the chapel be pulled down? We Loyolites are notorious for caving in to destruction and redesigns at Loyola :) But Kerala's heritage watchdogs won't allow that. Vishnu, the photo-essay by Saji and Vinod took me to Loyola of the 1980s.

John, I am glad that this post prompted you to surprise me with a call. Now that you are in Kochi, you can drop in at Loyola on one of the weekends, and share with us your thoughts and photos.

Jiby, when I was at Loyola, the chapel was almost off bounds. We would, of course, peep in at times, but I don’t remember having had the courage to walk from one door to the other. A few years ago, when Suraj Jacob (1989) got married there, I discovered the chapel, so to say. It was memorable. Can the chapel be pulled down? We Loyolites are notorious for caving in to destruction and redesigns at Loyola :) But Kerala’s heritage watchdogs won’t allow that.

]]> By: Jiby http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-32 Jiby Sat, 21 Apr 2007 07:03:08 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-32 Ashok, this was an awesome post. You paid a handsome tribute to a man whose innovations in building technology made our school stand apart for yet another reason! Still remember how most of the priests ranted and raved abt how unsafe the auditorium and the horse-shoe shaped junior school had become. The work of art was the chapel...i just loved the natural lighting that percolated in and the whole ambience of the place...hope they never pull the chapel down. Ashok, this was an awesome post. You paid a handsome tribute to a man whose innovations in building technology made our school stand apart for yet another reason!

Still remember how most of the priests ranted and raved abt how unsafe the auditorium and the horse-shoe shaped junior school had become. The work of art was the chapel…i just loved the natural lighting that percolated in and the whole ambience of the place…hope they never pull the chapel down.

]]> By: John K J http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-31 John K J Fri, 20 Apr 2007 07:43:07 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-31 Hey Ashok, Great post.. thanks for putting up the picasa link.. brought back memories.. btw am in kochi now.. l8r John Hey Ashok,
Great post.. thanks for putting up the picasa link.. brought back memories.. btw am in kochi now.. l8r

John

]]> By: Vishnu Menon M http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-30 Vishnu Menon M Wed, 18 Apr 2007 02:18:46 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-30 The 56 foto posts at picasa web was well worth the trip down memory lane. Tribute to Baker and his gift! The sutter hall cum school chapel! VISh The 56 foto posts at picasa web was well worth the trip down memory lane.
Tribute to Baker and his gift! The sutter hall cum school chapel!

VISh

]]> By: Ashok http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-29 Ashok Tue, 17 Apr 2007 02:11:50 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-29 Karthik, like other good architects, Baker took into account the needs of the users. But over time, users' needs and expectations change, be it for a house or for a community hall. The buildings are then revisited, like at Loyola. I wonder what the scene is at <a href="http://www.pallikoodam.org/" rel="nofollow">Pallikoodam </a>(earlier Corpus Christi) -- a school campus in Kottayam designed by Baker. One of my teachers in college said that Baker's buildings were not meant to be everlasting. As needs change over time, putting up another low-cost building later was easier, and more economical. "After all where is the need for a building to last 100 years?" he asked us. When I see a Baker-model <i>krishi bhavan</i> in rural Kerala, or an Indian Coffee House, I remember my teacher's words. Deepak, thanks. Syam, thanks for dropping in. Hello to Mahadevan when you speak to him next. Karthik, like other good architects, Baker took into account the needs of the users. But over time, users’ needs and expectations change, be it for a house or for a community hall. The buildings are then revisited, like at Loyola. I wonder what the scene is at Pallikoodam (earlier Corpus Christi) — a school campus in Kottayam designed by Baker.

One of my teachers in college said that Baker’s buildings were not meant to be everlasting. As needs change over time, putting up another low-cost building later was easier, and more economical. “After all where is the need for a building to last 100 years?” he asked us. When I see a Baker-model krishi bhavan in rural Kerala, or an Indian Coffee House, I remember my teacher’s words.

Deepak, thanks.

Syam, thanks for dropping in. Hello to Mahadevan when you speak to him next.

]]> By: Syam http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-27 Syam Mon, 16 Apr 2007 05:25:49 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-27 heya there.. i was the boy who asked who laurie baker was.... and now i do know.. for that day itself i got to have a call from G mahadevan... er the hindu editor guy.. and we were talking baout something and in between i asked does he know that guy and he said it was laurie bakers 90th b'day that day (i had posted that too) asked him how he knew.. well he went to the functions :D cheers ashok chettaa heya there.. i was the boy who asked who laurie baker was….
and now i do know.. for that day itself i got to have a call from G mahadevan… er the hindu editor guy.. and we were talking baout something and in between i asked does he know that guy and he said it was laurie bakers 90th b’day that day (i had posted that too)
asked him how he knew.. well he went to the functions :D
cheers ashok chettaa

]]> By: Deepak Madhusoodanan http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-25 Deepak Madhusoodanan Sun, 15 Apr 2007 18:27:14 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-25 Great post, Ashok. Great post, Ashok.

]]> By: Karthik.C http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/comment-page-1/#comment-24 Karthik.C Sun, 15 Apr 2007 13:04:52 +0000 http://www.ashok.loyolites.com/2007/04/15/bye-mr-baker/#comment-24 Hi Ashok, It was really sad to hear about the demise of Mr. Laurie Baker. He will always be remembered for his innovative practices of low cost housing. The buildings at the Centre For Development Studies, many houses in Trivandrum and of course our School Auditorium stand testimony to his revolutionary concept of housing. And the chapel at our school auditorium is something i will never forget. It takes you into a trance once you enter that place. Something like the feeling of absolute bliss. Karthik.C Hi Ashok,
It was really sad to hear about the demise of Mr. Laurie Baker. He will always be remembered for his innovative practices of low cost housing. The buildings at the Centre For Development Studies, many houses in Trivandrum and of course our School Auditorium stand testimony to his revolutionary concept of housing.

And the chapel at our school auditorium is something i will never forget. It takes you into a trance once you enter that place. Something like the feeling of absolute bliss.

Karthik.C

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