Lucknow: A grand literary and academic gathering was organised at the luxurious Taj Hotel in Lucknow to mark the launch of “The Metamorphosis from Tom Brown to Brown Tom: The Changing Demographics of La Martiniere College 1845 to 2020”, a meticulously researched book authored by former Principal and alumnus of La Martiniere College Lucknow, Carlyle McFarland.
The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of members of the distinguished Class of 1979, who reunited to celebrate the landmark occasion. The launch ceremony brought together eminent personalities from the legal, literary, academic and journalistic fraternities, making it a memorable evening dedicated to the rich legacy of La Martiniere College.
Convener of the ceremony and senior member of the La Martiniere Committee, Rajnish Chopra, while addressing the gathering, described the book as a thoroughly researched and significant documentation of the institution’s evolution. He said the overwhelming response received by the publication reflected the deep emotional and intellectual connect generations of Martininians continue to share with their alma mater.
Rajnish Chopra, a respected businessman in the city termed it a privilege to welcome His Lordship Justice Vishnu Sahai and his wife Indu Sahai as guests of honour. He noted that Justice Sahai’s presence added immense significance to the occasion as he himself is an old Martinian and carries forward the illustrious legacy of his father, Justice Jagdish Sahai. Mr Chopra also acknowledged the presence of several distinguished veterans from the La Martiniere fraternity, including Jamal Hamid and Radha Rastogi.
During the ceremony, a compilation of records and recipient details of the Jagdish Sahai Memorial Award and Shanti Devi Sahai Memorial Award was formally handed over to Justice Vishnu Sahai. Rajnish Chopra said the evening symbolised inclusivity and celebrated the enduring values of the institution. He further highlighted the Sahai family’s longstanding contribution to the governance and heritage of the college.
Speaking on the occasion, Justice Vishnu Sahai delivered an emotional address, stating that although he was not generally sentimental, the evening was an exception. Calling the publication a “remarkable book,” he remarked that “once a Martinian, always a Martinian,” adding that there could be no greater honour than being part of such a historic celebration in the presence of the Class of 1979.
Justice Sahai elaborated on the transformation chronicled in the book, tracing the institution’s journey from 1845 onward. He spoke about the gradual shift in the school’s demographics, policies and outlook — from a predominantly European institution to an inclusive and democratic educational space. He observed that historical records suggest La Martiniere was among the few schools that actively participated during the Revolt of 1857, noting with pride that Martininians fought at the Residency and earned battle honours unmatched by any other school.
He further explained that major demographic changes began around the 1920s, when taluqdars and landed families started entering the institution. Following Independence, there was a significant influx of Indian students into the college, and by 1956, the number had risen substantially. Over time, people from all backgrounds became part of the La Martiniere fold.
Justice Sahai fondly recalled several distinguished alumni, including senior journalists Vinod Mehta and Saeed Naqvi, others like Arun Nehru, RN Singh, Aditya Rastogi and Jamal Hamid. He credited the institution’s principals and faculty for nurturing generations of accomplished individuals despite modest fee structures.
Heaping praise on Carlyle McFarland, Justice Sahai praised his administrative vision and dedication towards the institution. He highlighted McFarland’s role in expanding the number of foundationers and boarders, improving infrastructure, strengthening green cover, and upholding the founder’s vision with impartiality and commitment. He said McFarland devoted his life to the institution with affection and dedication “like a spouse.”
Reflecting on the ethos of La Martiniere College, Justice Sahai said the institution teaches students discipline, resilience, duty and self-reliance. “A student of La Martiniere never falls prostrate,” he remarked, calling the event an opportunity to repay his gratitude to his alma mater.
Later, author Carlyle McFarland addressed the audience and shared excerpts from the book. In a lighter moment, it was joked that “Carlyle and brief do not go hand in hand.” McFarland explained that while much scholarly work has already been written about Major General Claude Martin, he felt there was a gap in documenting the officially recorded institutional history preserved in school archives.
He stated that the book draws extensively from records and documents he safeguarded during his 15-year association with the institution. According to McFarland, the publication captures the school’s transformation from a European institution into a more democratic and inclusive educational establishment, aligning more closely with the founder’s broader vision.
The evening also recognised several members of the Class of 1979 for their contribution to literature, academics and journalism with a special mention. Those honoured included Dr Sameer Sharma, Dr Balram Bhargava, senior journalist and Editor Arup Ghosh, senior journalist Ajit Chak and noted author Major Mukul Deva.
A panel discussion analysing the themes and historical nuances of the book was also organised during the event. The distinguished panel featured legal expert Jaideep Narayan Mathur, author Dr Sameer Sharma, author of the book launched on La Martiniere, Carlyle McFarland, Justice Vishnu Sahai and convenor of the ceremony Rajnish Chopra.
The event concluded on a celebratory note, reaffirming the enduring legacy, inclusivity and cultural richness of La Martiniere College Lucknow.
