Media Release
Mangaluru, Jan 14: "We came, we saw & we conquered every bit of emotion that was swelling from the past 42 Years," said an overwhelmed Jerardin D'Souza from 10th standard, 1978 of St Aloysius High School.
With almost six months of planning, coordinating, locating and cajoling the batch mates from all over the world, the big day emerged on the January 10.
Everyone assembled near the iconic St. Aloysius Chapel. The camerderie, bonhomie was to be seen to be believed. Hugging, back slapping, selfies and outpouring of emotions was unabashedly displayed.
Group pics, and chitter chatter later, the whole fun-emitting gang moved towards the heavenly scenic nature's bounty with a calm river flowing alongside the mother of resorts, ‘The River Roost Resort', on the outskirts.
Even before a planned introduction the dam broke free and guys were engrossed in gulping down the elixir of life ‘Soma Rasa’. Such spontaneous bonding, as if 1978 was just yesterday.
A fun-filled 30seconds each of introduction brought each of the long lost guys, up close.
A beautifully composed video with messages from the rector, school teachers, head master, ministers, celebrities, religious heads, In fact the who's who from the world stage was organized by fellow classmate Ashraf B M Thumbe. All listened with full attention.
A minutes silence was observed in memory of our fellow classmates whom we Lost on the way.
Then the non-stop fun broke out. Music, sing song by the Australia-settled Brian Roderick's and Roy Francis kept the momentum into the wee hours.
Everyone jived to the beats. Karaoke singing took over. Each unknown talent surfaced. Keeping the momentum non-stop.
Sumptuous lunch, dinner and snacks with emphasis on local fare like Marwaai, Buthaai, Toddy, Bimbli Saar, Yetti Chutney Dry Prawn Chutney, Mango Chutney, Conjee, apart from the Delicious Chicken, Mutton and Vegetarian varieties .
Nostalgia overflew with memories of our classic teachers each of whom had their distinct dressing style, way of teaching, disciplining techniques and almost everyone had a special name. No one remembered their real name. The Laughter and shrieks were non-stop.
Everyone played their role in getting this mega show on the floor. But Uday Kumar played the head master’s role in binding the flock and organizing to perfection. Ashraf displayed an amazing dimension. Rajshekar, Dr Roy M J and his daughter Nicole from USA and Anand Raman were energy personified. In fact naming anyone is just not possible. Everyone was a Rock Star.
Harold Pereira and Uday Kumar gifted everyone mementos, which will be preserved forever .
The momentum built by this first ever meet of class10 of 1978 after 42 years has energized the boys to the pinnacle. An energy and emotion-boosting meet is planned more regularly.
"Good byes are said only to meet again, ‘Kabhi Alvidha naa Kehana’,” observed Jerardin.