As a place, Bandra is fortunate enough to be dotted with historical markings of various kinds – secular & religious. These are reminders of our history and heritage. These markings and plaques are mostly inscribed in English, Portuguese, and Gujarati – some of the languages spoken in the region over the last five centuries. However, there is one plaque that stands apart from these, for it is in a language out of the ordinary – French.
Bandra’s perhaps only known plaque in the French language lies tucked away within the walls of Mount Mary Convent High School, on Mount Mary Road. This keeps it out of sight of the general public, as few people have access to it. Interestingly enough, not many even know that the language of the inscription is indeed French. Unlike certain parts of India, Bandra never had a French influence (as there was in places line Pondicherry and Chandanagore). And this makes the French plaque rather unique and intriguing.
The date on the plaque mentions 14th February 1858. However, this does not refer to the date the plaque was installed. The date is that of the second appearance of the Marian apparition which appeared to Bernadette Soubirous, in Lourdes, France. The text on the plaque itself is a paraphrased version of the message said to have been heard by Bernadette Soubirous on that day, which translates in English as “Go drink and wash yourself at the fountain”.
The age of the plaque itself is uncertain. While the school itself was established in 1910, as the “Colegio da Imaculada Conceição″, it was in 1931 that the school became a High School. It can be assumed that the marble plaque was installed sometimes in the last century. Whatever the age, it is an integral and unique piece of Bandra’s local history & heritage. While there is a tremendous history associated with Mount Mary Road, it is also the site of one of Bandra’s lesser-known, and mostly inaccessible pieces of heritage. So the next time you pass that way, even if you don’t see it, don’t forget to say “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir” to Bandra’s French plaque, s’il vous plait.
