Media Release

Mangaluru, Dec 21: Manipal School hosted its inaugural alumni event, Milaap: Meet, Mingle, and Make Memories, on December 7, at its vibrant Attavar campus.

The gathering was a beautiful blend of nostalgia and celebration, bringing together alumni from various batches to relive their cherished school memories. Around 210 alumni students made it to the event, marking a significant milestone in the school’s history.

The campus was transformed into a vibrant sanctuary of memories and joy, exuding nostalgic vibes with its enchanting and radiant decor that set the tone for a festive celebration. Alumni were greeted warmly, instantly reconnecting with their roots as they walked through the gates of their alma mater. The sense of homecoming was palpable, as the familiar surroundings brought back vivid memories of classrooms, playgrounds, and cherished moments.

The event commenced with a heartfelt prayer and the traditional lighting of the lamp ceremony. Principal Srilatha Alva extended a warm welcome to the attendees, sharing the purpose of the gathering and expressing gratitude for their continued connection with the school. She also highlighted the school's recent progress and outlined its vision for the future.

The chief guest for the event was Anuradha Shivaram, academic administrator at Vivekananda CBSE School, Puttur, and former principal of Manipal School. Although Shivaram, was a familiar figure to everyone gathered, she was formally introduced by vice-principal Shilpa Moger who highlighted her invaluable contributions to the school during her tenure.

Shilpa also introduced the office-bearers of Manipal School's Alumni Association, acknowledging their efforts in fostering alumni connections. Dr Kedar Kodkany (president) holds an MBBS degree and is set to begin his post-graduation (MD). Mohammed Juman Hussain (vice president) is an HR analyst II at DXC Technology with an MBA in HR and marketing. Dr Anvia Vilina Dsouza (secretary), a GMC-registered professional, works with the Medical Ed-tech company, Daily Rounds. It was announced that the current office bearers would continue their tenure for the coming year.

Dr Kedar Kodkany, the president of Manipal School Alumni Association, then addressed the gathering, sharing his vision and insights for the alumni network. Reflecting on the shared values and collective strength of the alumni community, he emphasised the importance of giving back to society and supporting the next generation. He proposed the creation of an alumni association fund, which would serve as a resource not only for providing financial assistance to students facing educational hardships but also for initiating social outreach programmes. This initiative, he noted, would embody the spirit of compassion and solidarity that defines the Manipal School family, inspiring alumni to contribute meaningfully to the community. His announcement was met with resounding applause, symbolizing the alumni's commitment to this noble cause.

This was followed by the chief guest’s address, where Anuradha Shivaram took the stage to share heartfelt reflections on her journey with Manipal School.

Speaking with warmth and sincerity, she recounted how she witnessed the school’s growth from its very inception, painting vivid pictures of its evolution over the years. Her anecdotes beautifully highlighted the milestones achieved, the challenges overcome, and the enduring spirit that has shaped the school into what it is today. Her reflections, filled with fond memories and a deep sense of pride, resonated deeply with the audience, evoking waves of nostalgia. Smt. Shivaram’s address was both a tribute to the school’s legacy and an inspiration to all present.

The evening transitioned into a lively entertainment segment as a captivating dance performance by the talented Grade IX students set the tone, leaving the audience enthralled with their energy and grace. This was followed by a series of interactive spot games, sparking laughter and friendly competition among the alumni. These activities not only added an element of fun and excitement but also created opportunities for alumni to bond and relive the camaraderie of their school days, making the evening even more memorable.

The event came to a heartwarming close as a retrospect video played, showcasing old photographs and cherished moments from school days. The nostalgic visuals filled the air, enhancing the emotional atmosphere. Alumni were visibly delighted, reliving their memories and seeing familiar faces among the photos. Laughter and stories flowed freely, as old bonds were rekindled, and the evening ended on a note of shared joy and fond reminiscence. The video was a fitting tribute to the enduring connections and cherished moments that will always tie the alumni to their school days.

Headmistress Sapna Shetty took the stage as the event neared its end, delivering heartfelt closing remarks that emphasized the importance of staying connected and strengthening the alumni network. She expressed sincere gratitude for the active participation and contributions of everyone involved in making the event such a success.

A group photo session followed, capturing the essence of the evening, before a networking session where laughter and warm conversations filled the air. Refreshments were served, adding a delightful touch as alumni reminisced, reconnected, and promised to stay in touch.

Heartfelt testimonials from alumni:

“Milaap was an incredible experience! It was wonderful reconnecting with old friends and batchmates. The event was well-organized, and I truly enjoyed reliving old memories while creating new ones. The lively ambiance, delicious food, and fun activities made it a perfect evening. It was a fantastic way to revisit the moments we shared at Manipal School. I'm so grateful to have been part of it, and I’d like to thank the entire organizing team for their hard work and dedication!”--Anas Ahmed

“The event was truly wonderful. Every moment felt like a flashback to my school days, and I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic. I didn’t want the evening to end! From 4th to 10th grade, Manipal School holds so many memories, and this event brought them all rushing back. A big thank you to everyone who made this evening so special. I’ll always cherish these golden school days, and Manipal School will always be close to my heart.”--Niyathi Rajesh Shetty

“Thank you so much for organizing Milaap! It was fantastic to reconnect with friends and batchmates. The arrangements were perfect, especially the decorations, and I really enjoyed the games and the video showcasing our old photos and memories. Looking forward to more such events in the future!”-- Benita Agens Reji

Milaap 2024 was more than just an event; it was a heartfelt celebration of cherished memories, a powerful reaffirmation of the deep bonds within the alumni community, and a meaningful opportunity to give back to Manipal School, Mangaluru, which has played a pivotal role in shaping innumerable lives. It was a genuine homecoming that filled everyone’s hearts with joy and rekindled a strong sense of belonging.