Among the Not So Great

Louis Allan

(Lord Ousteri)

All are not thieves that dogs bark at.

A time was when (even) we were young and innocent. The times too were in tune with us. TV’s were not heard of, Radios in the Ashram (i.e. belonging to Ashramites) were may be half a dozen. Any knowledge about the wide world was to be had from a few newspapers — Hindu, Indian Express and The Mail. These papers were strewn about on mats in the room which later was the Fruit-Room and now is, I think, a store-room for some publication. When it was with newspapers, I believe, the Mother once referred to it as the “Chambre de mensonges”, (Room of untruth or lies).

There was then an abrupt end to our “innocence” or “ignorance” as some would term it. The world became smaller. I think World War II had much to do with such changes. We learnt a good deal about other countries. England and France were already in our knowing as our masters and despoilers. The world became smaller and darker areas got lighted up. Different races and people came within our purview or at least within the circle of our horizon. We came to know some more facts about Africa. Africa was, in some recess of our brain, known as the “Dark” continent — inhabited by black people (all) and some of us knew that Tarzan lived/lives there. Gone was all that now. We learned about Boers (whites) who came over from Europe and settled in S. Africa (17th Century) elbowing out or subjugating the natives. They then developed the hateful system of Apartheid. (This system caused their Cricket, Rugby, etc. teams to be kept out of international matches. They had/have good teams.) And now comes along Louis Allan with wife Olga and sons John and Robert from South Africa!

Louis and family were not black, not white. We heard it said they were of a mixed lineage. They were may be a shade lighter than we (normal) Indians (I realise I could be questioned on this point — but most will smile and nod assent).

Louis was a civil engineer. He was a self-made man — i.e. not much formal education. Olga was a pianist. She gave piano lessons and accompanied the senior girls’ Free Standing Exercises, taught English in our school. She passed away here, a few years ago. (Fortunately for us, a few girls have been able to imbibe some of her piano-playing skills. John and Robert studied in our school but left for greener pastures a few years ago.

Louis was a thick-set man, heavy-boned with not an ounce of fat to soften the rugged looks he had. A slight stoop, a trace of rounded shoulders gave him the semblance of an aggressive stance. I believe he had done a bit of wrestling. But he usually smiled and worked and worked and… one could verily say: “No work — No Louis.” There was a nigh proverbial saying — but a disparaging one that stuck i.e. “Louis — demolish first and then think what next or how next to build!”