An ode to the alma mater

What does a priest have in common with globe-trotting conductor Zubin Mehta, IT honcho Azim Premji and photographer Jaideep Oberoi? Once upon a time, all these men wore a blue tie on a white shirt and matching pants and sat on the wooden benches at St Mary's School in Mumbai.

And it is in a tribute to the enduring legacy of this iconic school, located in the quiet environs of Mazgaon, that these men are once again bound together. They are among the 105 writers to have contributed to the commemorative book Colours of Immaculate White as part of the school's sesquicentennial celebrations.

Started by German Jesuits for the military's orphan children in June 1864, St Mary's School has been an alma mater to many Indian luminaries such as late former attorney general Goolam Vahanvati, writers Dom Moraes and Frank Simoes, singer Gary Lawyer, Professor Homi K Bhabha, IIT-Bombay director Devang Khakhar, theatre personality Gerson da Cunha, jockey Pesi Shroff, actor Boman Irani, banker Arjun Mathrani and many more. Many of these high-achievers have contributed to the commemorative book, which has been conceptualised, composed and designed by Tony Pereira and his wife Priya.

"It is remarkable that 105 ex-Marians took on the assignment to write," says principal, Father (Dr) Kenneth Misquitta. "Tony, being an ex-student has always been passionate about the school. Priya, who is a book artist, dedicated herself to the research, going through 89 volumes. We were glad to have her on board."

The Pereiras have been breathing in and breathing out St Mary's history for the last two years. Tony identified, shortlisted and reached out to the alumni, giving them tailored briefs for their contributions to the book. For instance, an automobile magazine editor was asked to write about the school's bus, and restaurant owners or foodies were asked to write about the food available in and around the school. This was no easy task, considering these 'writers' were people from all walks of life and spread across the globe, from New Zealand to the United States.

Even as Tony cast the net to document the school's living history, Priya devoured volume after volume of the school's annual magazine and other books on the school's history, sifting for information and collecting anecdotes from its past. "The research was akin to being an archaeologist — carefully wielding the brush and digging away for a find," says Priya.

The result is a 304-page digest compiled into sections that encapsulate the Jesuits' history and their work, the early years of the school, all of the school's 'first' achievements and the alumni's reminiscence. "The most important characteristic of St Mary's — its egalitarian approach — is maintained in the book. The alumni order is therefore from the oldest to the youngest. There is no hierarchy on the basis of the success they have achieved," says Tony, who was in the school's 1983 batch and is now the creative head at ad agency Rediffusion Y&R.

Also interspersed in the pages are some memorable photographs, fascinating trivia and amusing snippets penned by students for the school magazine over the years. The school's all-white uniform finds an ingenious display on each page. It gradually turns from pristine white to pale yellow before finally turning brown – a reflection of a full day at school.

The 304-page Colours of Immaculate White will be available at the school by end-September.