<p class="bodytext">In 2024, I had the privilege of being part of two remarkable Golden Jubilee reunions—events that marked 50 years of shared memories and connections. One was with the Class 12 batch of 1974 from Rishi Valley School, where I had spent my formative years, and the other with the DMET 1974 batch, the <span class="italic">alma mater</span> of my husband. Both reunions were magical, offering a unique opportunity to walk through the corridors of time and reconnect with old friends. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Rishi Valley School, nestled in a valley near Madanapalle in Andhra Pradesh founded in 1926 by the philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti, was not just a school; it was like a peaceful ashram that instilled self-discipline and self-competition in an idyllic setting. Walking through the familiar corridors of Rishi Valley transported us back to our school days, sharing laughter and reminiscing about old pranks. The reunion also brought us closer to the present, as we interacted with the current set of students. Their eager eyes reminded me of my younger self, ready to step out into the world. For a few unforgettable days, we reconnected not only with our past but also with the beautiful valley that had nurtured us. It was a golden moment in time, one that reminded us of the deep connection we had with each other and with the valley.</p>.A friendship revisited.<p class="bodytext">The second reunion for the DMET 1974 batch in Kolkata, was equally heartwarming. My husband graduated from this institution, and together, we joined his batchmates for a celebration of their shared history. This batch had sailed across the seven seas, leading adventurous lives that shaped their futures. Fifty years ago, they had joined DMET, preparing for a life at sea. In their youth, they were full of optimism, naïve to the challenges that lay ahead. They had endured hardships, faced the turbulence of life and in the process, formed bonds that would last a lifetime.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The DMET batch of 1974 spent months on ships, separated from loved ones, leading a solitary existence. The sea, with its eternal ebb and flow, became a metaphor for the lives of the men of DMET ’74 - constantly moving, changing, yet always reflective of the deep, untold stories. As we gathered to celebrate, we shared laughter, tears, and gratitude for the past. We raised a glass to the friends no longer in our midst and the paths we had all taken.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Both reunions were poignant reminders of the passage of time and the enduring power of friendship. Whether it was gazing with awe at Rishi Valley’s iconic Cave Rock or reminiscing about the stringent hostel rules at DMET, these reunions were a celebration of the shared experiences that shaped our lives.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Fifty years may seem like a lifetime, but for us, it seemed just like yesterday. Like the lines of a famous song, Those were the days my friend, we thought they’d never end… </p>
<p class="bodytext">In 2024, I had the privilege of being part of two remarkable Golden Jubilee reunions—events that marked 50 years of shared memories and connections. One was with the Class 12 batch of 1974 from Rishi Valley School, where I had spent my formative years, and the other with the DMET 1974 batch, the <span class="italic">alma mater</span> of my husband. Both reunions were magical, offering a unique opportunity to walk through the corridors of time and reconnect with old friends. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Rishi Valley School, nestled in a valley near Madanapalle in Andhra Pradesh founded in 1926 by the philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti, was not just a school; it was like a peaceful ashram that instilled self-discipline and self-competition in an idyllic setting. Walking through the familiar corridors of Rishi Valley transported us back to our school days, sharing laughter and reminiscing about old pranks. The reunion also brought us closer to the present, as we interacted with the current set of students. Their eager eyes reminded me of my younger self, ready to step out into the world. For a few unforgettable days, we reconnected not only with our past but also with the beautiful valley that had nurtured us. It was a golden moment in time, one that reminded us of the deep connection we had with each other and with the valley.</p>.A friendship revisited.<p class="bodytext">The second reunion for the DMET 1974 batch in Kolkata, was equally heartwarming. My husband graduated from this institution, and together, we joined his batchmates for a celebration of their shared history. This batch had sailed across the seven seas, leading adventurous lives that shaped their futures. Fifty years ago, they had joined DMET, preparing for a life at sea. In their youth, they were full of optimism, naïve to the challenges that lay ahead. They had endured hardships, faced the turbulence of life and in the process, formed bonds that would last a lifetime.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The DMET batch of 1974 spent months on ships, separated from loved ones, leading a solitary existence. The sea, with its eternal ebb and flow, became a metaphor for the lives of the men of DMET ’74 - constantly moving, changing, yet always reflective of the deep, untold stories. As we gathered to celebrate, we shared laughter, tears, and gratitude for the past. We raised a glass to the friends no longer in our midst and the paths we had all taken.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Both reunions were poignant reminders of the passage of time and the enduring power of friendship. Whether it was gazing with awe at Rishi Valley’s iconic Cave Rock or reminiscing about the stringent hostel rules at DMET, these reunions were a celebration of the shared experiences that shaped our lives.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Fifty years may seem like a lifetime, but for us, it seemed just like yesterday. Like the lines of a famous song, Those were the days my friend, we thought they’d never end… </p>
