The Haileybury Society was delighted recently to hear from Professor Naresh Sethi (A 69) who has been in contact about his memories of Haileybury and about his career. His words shed a fascinating light on a time of change in post-colonial Britain, a time not without pain for the young Naresh; yet, as you will read, he was to enjoy a highly successful career and remains positive and hopeful for better relations between Britain and India…

I joined Haileybury in 1969, coming from a similar school in Nairobi [Kenya] Prince of Wales School, now Nairobi School. Both schools had a good reputation and, like many schools then, had a history of colonialism. My father chose these schools because he studied medicine at Edinburgh University and because of my paternal grandfather’s service in the Army to build the railways in East Africa. The fact that Haileybury was recommended to him by the Aga Khan’s right hand man, whose children attended Haileybury, also had a part to play.

Cultural hurdles

Haileybury was slightly different to the Prince of Wales School. It had been the East India Company College, training young men for service in India before its closure in 1858 and reopening as Haileybury in 1862 (for a brief history of Haileybury – please see here). Despite the passage of 100 years, even in my time there were still some superior attitudes present amongst some staff and pupils; it took me time to assimilate after having been in a more neutral and multicultural environment in post-independence Kenya.

I managed my time at Haileybury although not without some hurtful moments – being racially insulted a few times and on one occasion being unfairly treated. Later, one old tradition or custom that caught me out and placed me at a disadvantage was the old rule set for people of Indian origin joining the British Indian Civil Service – a rule where if you had to have a Christian first name to be promoted above the basic rank.

I had not imagined something like this could exist, especially after having attended a similar school in Kenya, albeit more multicultural and in an independent country. I was asked to change name to Nash but refused and later I offered to change to Neshi which is the correct nickname for Naresh – I was told it is okay but was nonetheless still asked questions about my views and future.

Lifelong friendships

Despite all this, I was thick-skinned enough to survive, making Haileybury my home and making some friends. Amongst the friends I met after school were Simon Addinsell (A 65) who sadly died of prostate cancer a few years ago – Simon and I had enquired about visiting our old Housemaster Mr Jack Thomas (Staff, 1965-83) and were requested to write a letter to Mr Thomas which the school would forward to him – sadly, we never got round to it. I also met John Cairns (A 66) & Barnaby Bazell (A 66) many years ago. I have several friends I have maintained friendships with from Nairobi School and a few from Newcastle University & Cranfield University.

Impressive career

After Haileybury, I went to Newcastle University where I attained an upper second class BSc Honours degree and then after a gap a MSc by research & thesis in Organic Chemistry. Later I studied at Cranfield University and attained an MBA.

I subsequently qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant in September 2003 and, after having worked in accountancy and teaching accountancy [amongst many business subjects] at Schiller International University from 1996 to 2012, I was awarded the title of Associate Professor in 2000.

Other than teaching, my career has been mainly in Accountancy Practice, Financial services & Shares & property investment. I have an interest in writing, education & charity work – and I have been a Trustee of 3 Charities – The Forum at Greenwich, The Chitrakoot Project Charity (UK) & Deendayal Research Institute (India). I also have my own accountancy practice.

International affinities

I have an affinity for the UK, India and Kenya. My paternal grandfather, like many Indians, went to Kenya as an army recruit to help build the East African Railways. He settled there as a clerical accountant and business man. My mother’s father was an Ayurvedic Physician and knew Mohandas Gandhi (left) – I am told they used to go for a walk together sometimes and my mother had also met Gandhi.

In 1973, my parents moved to Newcastle for fear of being expelled from Kenya because the Ugandan Asians had been expelled from Uganda by Idi Amin. My father worked at Hunters Moor Hospital and in general practice in Newcastle until his death in April 1983. He used to be a keen cricketer and was a Master Mason. My mother was also a bright general practitioner and qualified in Lahore, in pre-partition India.

Hope for a bright future

Despite my affinity for Britain, I feel that the contribution made by India and Indian origin people is not fully recognised or appreciated: 2.5 million British Indian Army soldiers served in the world wars, often at the front line; in other places helping keep South East Asia free from the Japanese onslaught and helping in East Africa against the Germans & Italians; plus the rations and the wealth – often at a cost to its own people.

I think both countries can learn from each other. Recently I attempted to get Haileybury to participate and assist in training at a prominent College in Delhi [on request of a retired Indian Senior Civil Servant] that trains students for the Indian Civil Service Exams but this is in limbo largely because of the Coronavirus pandemic. I feel there is a brotherhood of sorts – but perhaps I am a dreamer!

Professor Naresh Sethi (A 69)

For OHs interested in the Indian contributions in the Great War and other conflicts, Naresh has provided the following links:

Video 1 – click here

Video 2 – click here

Video 3 – click here