| An aerial view of this fabulous structure on the Doon School campus resembles a flying eagle. Known as Thomas House in the initial years, Jaipur house began with about 30 boys in 1937. It saw a division in 1970. A division, not in spirit but a physical division into Jaipur A and Jaipur B. The once open main veranda was now locked down the middle! There were two Housemasters and two House Captains. |
| Over the years the population of boys grew due to a higher intake. Open corridors were blocked and verandas were closed in, to accommodate this additional inflow of boys. This division of course had consequences to further wall up rooms and corridors to accommodate and juggle boys of different forms and keep up the study privileges of a second House Captain and a second set of prefects. The closed corridors became spaces for study rooms for senior boys, ‘chut’ rooms, changing rooms and as a result made the structure weaker by unplanned chowkhats, plumbing and electrical fittings etc. The high ceilings needed more ventilation and the accommodation needed fans, then more fans. One had to see the walling up and bear up with the wannabe ventilators. |
| Then came an unfortunate blow. An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 of October1991 in the region, with the epicenter at Uttarkashi, sent severe vibrations, damaging parts of the school. Jaipur House saw cracks developing and some became non repairable and also a risk for residence. The minor patchwork and continuous repair to stop leaking walls and shedding plaster did not help; in fact added to the fixed cost of maintenance. The real problem arose after the 1999 Chamoli earthquake. The two extensions (which housed the toyes) started sinking and the arches started developing deep cracks. The House had to be evacuated! |
| As was expected, the Old Boys of Jaipur House came to it’s rescue and raised funds in coordination with the fundraising office and a dedicated group led by Anoop Bishnoi. Before further cracks could endanger life the Old Boys got cracking to got this eagle flying again. |
| Despite the problems of brick and mortar, rain and sunshine, the work went on. The house is ready and the boys moved back in April 2008.
However, the Housemaster's residences are under construction and shall be completed shortly. We are proud to have quality structural facilities, a fabulous common room with ten internet ready computers, a big plasma TV, Sky dish, world space music, modern lounge furniture which feels like home, and a functional pantry. |
| Today, Jaipur House is one, spiritually and physically, once again. Being the present Housemaster, and on behalf of the school community, I would like to thank, all those who helped and assisted in making this dream come true.
Sanjiv Bathla. |
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