The clansman

Family is all about continuity. The history of the “Peppin” clan, if genealogy and bloodlines are accurate, may well go back to 15th century England, for research will tell you that there were Peppins at that time, family crest and all. My French professor told me, a long time ago, that a guy called “Pepin” once ruled that kingdom, but you must agree that those people always had their peculiar way of spelling. I certainly don’t want to claim kinship with either of these branches; I’m just providing you some information, that’s all.

Neither my family name, nor my given ones, of Bryan Oliver, originate in the land of my birth, India. So, I suspect, there must have been some hanky-panky somewhere down the line, probably when the Raj was in full swing, and there were thousands upon thousands of red-necked soldiers (mostly BORs, as they were called) patrolling a country that was not theirs. So, my roots are definitely mixed up, but I am proud to be an Anglo-Indian and celebrate my unique heritage with all my fellow Indians. As the old pledge went: “India is my country, all Indians are …”

I bring all this up, my dear grandson, because you are the eldest of your generation that bears the name “Peppin”. So, in effect, you are the flag-bearer of the future. I had no choice in the matter, being an only son. But I am happy and proud that I have so many to carry the name forward, and I am sure that all of you will contribute enormously to keep our heritage going.

I lived in a time that was so much simpler. The 1960s and the 1970s were about the best time to be young; the world was changing even as music seemed to set the tone. Coming of age brought with it a sense of exhilaration and freedom that is scarcely seen today. I finished with school when I was half way through my 16th year; there was a 6-month break before going off to college, and those were about the best days of my life. I learned how to swim, I learned how to enjoy life with my friends, all of us with very limited resources, I even learned how to share a cigarette and a coffee (one-by-two, it was called). College days pulled us apart, but that’s what life does.

In college I pursued my dream—to be a good hockey player. It took me 5 years, but I finally represented Madras University ( in the year 1974-75). I was consistent with my course work too, and always secured a First Class in my final exams. As a result, I secured a good job in a prestigious Madras college, and from then on I never looked back. I taught, in Bahrain, in Oman and in Saudi Arabia, and also in different parts of India, and had great success.

I tell you all this because I want you to realise that if you set your mind to it, you can achieve everything. Diligence, willingness to go the extra mile, perseverance, and a forward-looking attitude, will take you where you want to go. Sometimes hiccups may happen, but as the old song goes: “I never promised you a rose garden”. Nothing can be achieved without effort, so it is really up to you to go out and not just take on, but conquer, the world.

All the very best, my dear. We are all with you