LUCKNOW, May 30 -- The story of James Martin Zulfikar, a little-known figure associated with Claude Martin and depicted in a painting displayed at the La Martiniere museum, was brought into focus during the launch of a new book by former La Martiniere college principal Carlyle McFarland on Friday. The discussion took place during the launch of McFarland's book, Metamorphosis: From Tom Brown to Brown Tom - the changing demographics of La Martiniere College (1845-2020), at a private hotel in the city on Friday. McFarland said Zulfikar is among the lesser-researched figures in the history of the institution. The book traces how La Martiniere gradually evolved from a school primarily meant for children of Englishmen into a more diverse institution, where many students became first-generation English learners. Commenting on changing social and political circumstances, McFarland said diversity no longer appeared to be part of the broader social agenda. "With the 'imposition of Hindi', changes in the teaching of Urdu as an additional language, and the reduction in holidays linked to major communities, a lot has changed," he said. "There are certain things children do not pick up on their own; many conversations happen at home. Changes like these are challenges and, if not dealt with firmly and tactfully, they can alter the institution's foundational idea. There are subtle changes with major impacts," he added. Others present during the discussion included writer Sameer Sharma, Justice Vishnu Sahai, advocate Jaideep Mathur and Rajnish Chopra.htc...