Down memory lane

Nostalgic moments

Reunions are a usual affair these days but when the ex-students dress up in uniforms, complete with the ties and blazers, it definitely becomes an event to remember. This is what happened when ex-students of St Joseph’s Boys’ High School got together for a reunion, which was also attended by around 28 teachers.

The three-day revelry kickstarted with a warm-up event for all boys at a private resort. The second day’s events, held at Bangalore Club, saw them take a trip down memory lane by donning their old uniforms, staging a march past and singing the old school songs, much to the delight of the faculty present. The occasion, which was attended by over 70 boys and their spouses, also had a prayer meet for teachers and students who are no more. A coffee table book with students’ profiles and articles by teachers was also released. True to the values of equality taught in the school, this was inaugurated by the old attenders who were also present at the event. The third day was celebrated in the school premises with an old school walk-through for families and kids of the alumni.

Says Srinivasan G R aka ‘Osho’, as he is known by everyone in the school, “We took care to invite teachers who had taught us right from the fourth standard and not just high school. We also started a memorial fund for the poor and needy students in school right now. It raised quite a bit of money from the sale of raffle tickets as we have ourselves received quite a few scholarships in our school days and wanted to give back in some way.”

The event became even more special as one more celebration took place in its midst. Lynette Lobo, an 83-year-old teacher cut a cake on the second day as the students and other teachers joined in wishing her on her birthday which fell on the same date. She says, “I was supposed to go to Dubai to be with my grand daughter on that day. But then these boys called and I felt as if I couldn’t miss this reunion. But I had no idea that they would make the effort to celebrate my birthday. I was really touched.”

Talking about the event in general, Lynette says, “It was a grand affair. The boys had been preparing and organising this for more than a year. When I saw them in their uniforms and blazers, I felt as if I was back in my classroom.” Talking about how old students from all parts of the world came to attend the event, Francis Satish, a member of the organising committee, says, “We wanted to create a memorable experience for everyone. The teachers have sent us many messages about how they loved the event. We made sure we involved the spouses and the children also. I have a six-year-old son and he wants to be a Josephite now.”