Thursday, January 15, 2009

Re-living that special day

Rays of day's early light streaming down,
this ordained day on this City of Destiny,
Are these nostalgic hordes of alumni or
army's platoons rising in joyous mutiny?

A special reunion in mater's holy precincts,
Emotions, as each remember and reflect,
A teacher in tears as she hugs the past,
students bow and bend over in respect.

As one finds a long lost friend or a flame
hugs, back-slaps and gaiety among rest,
A few sit aside to speak of future vision,
While others await an unknown chief guest!

Secrets are unveiled as a car drives up,
Out comes a man of age and frail entity,
The ever revered first Principal of KVM,
Held in high esteem for his quiet dignity.

Ceremonies begin, men of stature on stage,
MCs, elegant and comely, hold all captivated.
Lamp lighting marks the start, prayer brings
nostalgic tears leaving our souls rejuvenated.

Rousing speeches for minds to open, uncover
a souvenir, bound to be a collector's delight
Honours for ones that taught and guided us,
owe our progress to these beacons of light.

Brief interlude for what we crave, food
for thought sessions on KVMAA mission,
as dusk falls, let's honour organisers, their
magnum opus of dedication and passion.

Campfire to light up a day of happenings, an
evening to reminisce, take in all the warmth,
Raw talent in moving body parts on display,
a most delicious meal follows to add to girth.

What a day it was, this twenty seventh of
december: memories, purpose and context,
Once in a life experience, never shall fade,
Do wish another soon under some pretext.

My heart yearns for more of the same,
O! How it yearns for more n more n more

Sreeram ('80)

Monday, January 12, 2009

The Meet

Hi Mighties!!!
So finally we get to talk abt our Alumni Meet in the past tense...After all the hype and excitement generated in advance regarding the Meet, did it match up to our expectations? ?? The answer has to be a resounding YES!!! Though personally, I was very disappointed to find I was the lone ranger representing the '85 batch...but what the heck, it was fun to watch the oldies (hehehe...just joking!) going back in time and feeling young again!!! Must admit that certain batches made me quite envious too...especially the 71, 77 and 80s batch...I do wish Pijush was quite a few years younger and closer to my batch...bet he would have been able to round up at least a dozen of my batchmates.. .
Anywayz...all those of you who came with your kids...one thing is for sure...they will NEVER EVER refuse to come one of your get-togethers ever again!!!
And once again...thanks to all those of you involved in organizing the entire show...Pijush, Raman, Zulu, Manmadh, Prasanna, Venkat...(sorry if I've left out anybody's names) Thanks once again for a GREAT couple of days!!! And special thanks to all of you responsible for getting Mr.MandeswaraRao to the school...Though he was somebody whose existence I was not even aware of till I saw his name mentioned on the KVMAA site...was terrifically impressed... what a personality! And what a sense of humour! Can well imagine what he was like in his younger days!!!
Well.......here's looking forward to the next Meet...and on a more serious note...we need to actually act upon whatever was said at the Meet at the school, regarding giving back to the school in some form. Let us not get caught in our usual work routine and push all our resolutions to the back of our minds, as is usual with all good resolutions. ..let the thoughts continue thru' the mails and let the action actually begin at the ground level.
Ciao...
Meera Nair (1985)

What a grand show

Hello to all the Mighties:

What a grand show!!!!! When it all began a few months ago, and it was Sudesh who had called me first about the plans ahead, I was very sceptical. But what I experienced on December 27-28, 2008, was beyond words. The Mighties we are and I wouldn't be wrong in characterising Pijush-da and his committed team of organisers (both silent and vocal) as the "Almighties."

I just couldn't believe my eyes when I reached the school on the 27th morning. And as the day got by things got better and better. Principal Mandeshwara Rao, our old teachers, senior students, the class mates and the juniors. Wow! And to top it all we had so many loving families. We couldn't have asked for anything better. These were truly memories of a life time.

I want to thank each one of you for the wonderful experience. Pijush-da and his almighty team deserve special kudos. Everything was spic and span. Those who couldn't make it will realise what they have missed from the feverish mail exchange that is happening now. But my advice would be "better late than never," so start planning now for our meetings ahead.

I wish all of you and your near and dear ones all the best in 2009. Hoping to see you all again soon!

Love and best,

Unni Menon (was M.A. Unni in school)
1976 batch

Some we did not appreciate enough!

Three people I thought we did not appreciate enough!

Prabhat Raman-He was the best ambassador KVMAA could have had!his winsome ways,his steadfastness to the cause of KVMAA,his quiet and sweet demeanour-I say KVMAA is blessed to have such a Chairman.He touched everyone in a way that no one could have done.He was graceful.dignified,tolerant.He more than anyone else was representative of KVMAA values.Thank you Prabhat!

Jayanta Roy-He took on the responsiblity to get Princi to the venue.Managing the logistics was not easy.It was done with a tenderness and sensitivity and a precision that could not have been matched.Thank you Jayanta-It was a labour of love and I dont know that anyone could have done it better!

H Vishwanathan-If Basu Mama can sell ice to the eskimos-So can Vish.He and Bhaskaran together provided the funds that enabled us to hold this meet.He worked with a rare passion and zeal which could have been matched only by his younger brother.Thank you Vish.KVMAA is indebted to you.

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Pijush Das