My Childhood Friends : Who made a name for themselves

Obviously a lot has happened since the last blog. Faridabad has been devastated with Carona virus pandemic. There are stories of suffering and death in many many homes. My heartfelt condolences to all and best wishes for a speedy recovery. Hopefully, more and more people will get vaccinated. Meanwhile, stay masked. Let's all hope we deal with the third wave better than we dealt with the second wave. Like many of the readers, I too have had personal tragedies.

I have been thinking about writing the histories of some the mohallas and landmarks in old Faridabad but the interviews with some people have been hard to come by. So, I thought to write about the illustrious children of these famous personalities.

All of us who grew up in Old Faridabad in the sixties. Unassuming young boys. Mostly with no worries. Our biggest concerns probably centered around what to eat, where to play, how to get the new cricket bat or a new ball. Other activities centered around whose birthday was coming or which wedding were we going to where we could eat and fill up. Very very simple things. No video games or expensive toys to worry about.

So, who do I pick up first to talk about. ?? Obviously, the boys who I remember in the earliest classes beginning from Nursery school. The school was Faridabad Public School, started by Sh. Chander Prakash Gupta.(Pictures on another page) The earliest location was at the intersection of road going to Barh Mohalla and Main bazaar road. My class had some very ordinary children who have gone on to become some very accomplished personalities and famous in our own rights.

This is a 1963-64 picture. I would begin by introducing the people, I have maintained contact with. One is Arun Gupta seated third from right in the front row. Arun has been quite helpful in getting me some of the pictures and phone numbers and because he still lives in town, will continue to be very helpful in gathering interesting stories of the town. He is into construction business. Still quite well attached to the hometown. Has a beautiful family. Children who are into music and art. With permission attaching the picture with his wife of 35 years.

I remember all the girls in the front row but will add about their current status and accomplishments as I gather more information but they were from local business families who have done exceedingly well over the decades. The teacher in the picture is Late Mrs Usha Singh. Usha Aunty as we used to call her. She taught there for many years and later established a school of her own for many many years. Interestingly, we called all our teachers aunties. I guess those were less formal times as everyone knew everyone in old town. Seated second from left is Dr. Narendra Goel (Gupta) or Nindo as we called him with affection. He has gone on to become a doctor and is practising in Faridabad. I must also mention his older brother and also my classmate Mahender. Will update the posts about them as I received update. Seated between Narender and the teacher of course is yours truly, Umesh. Currently, Dr. Umesh Choudhry, MD, FACG an interventional Gastroenterologist specializing in Advanced Endoscopy. Super specialization in Swallowing Disorders, Pancreatic and Biliary Disorders in Florida, USA. Still intimately attached to the hometown.

Moving on the top row of the class. On extreme left is someone who I would describe as the most accomplished of that class who has continued to make Faridabad his home and excelled in bringing quality healthcare to both Old and New Faridabad. From all accounts Dr. Rakesh Gupta (Rakku to his parents and me ) is the founder and CEQ or Sarvodaya Hospitals. He is deeply involved in social reforms and quality healthcare and entrepreneurial activities in the City and is likely to continue this progress over the years. Along side him are his brother Mukesh a businessman.

Until next time. Stay healthy. Take precautions.