Date:27/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/27/stories/2008072750250200.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada

Nirmalites go down memory lane

K.N. Murali Sankar

Students of 12th batch of Nirmala High School in Vijayawada at the reunion meet on Saturday.

VIJAYAWADA: The ‘boys’ and ‘girls’ of Nirmala High School had a gala time on Saturday, meeting each other after a long gap of 25 years.

The occasion was ‘Sangamam 25,’ a celebration to mark the reunion of the students of 1983 batch. With the heart-warming song ‘Gurtukostunnayi…’ from Telugu film ‘Naa Autograph Sweet Memories’ being played in the backdrop, the old students began greeting each other at Manor Plaza, where the two-day celebrations began.

“Oh! you joined the bald club too,” “You have put on a lot of weight yaar,” “I’m your student ma’m, can you recognise me?” were a few questions and greetings that one could hear in plenty in the hall within no time. Over 80 students from different parts of the globe joined the celebrations. Those who came along with their spouse and children were busy introducing them to their childhood friends. Though a lavish breakfast with a wide range of food items was waiting for the guests, none of them were in a mood to look any other way.

After exchanging telephone numbers and e-mail addresses, they began recollecting their childhood pranks. “I don’t want to address you as ladies and gentlemen, as we’re boys and girls for these two days. I don’t think there will be any objection,” announced Kavitha, who anchored the show. “It is a wonderful idea, carry on,” replied Krishna Reddy, on behalf of the crowd.

“I’m unable to recognise many of you. May be because of my age or because of the change in your physiques,” said Nirmala, director of Nirmala Old Students Association, who taught Telugu to the batch.

Her joy knew no bounds when the students recollected her way of teaching and her excellence in reciting verses.

“On behalf of Nirmala High School management, I congratulate you for coming out with such a beautiful idea,” said Biji Philip, principal of the school. Besides felicitating their teachers, the old students decided to take up social activities like donating furniture to government-run schools.

“We’re visiting our school tomorrow morning,” announced Madhava Rao, president of the organising committee. He said that the response from his classmates to a similar reunion programme held last year inspired the organising committee to celebrate the silver jubilee. “Last year, we found that one day was insufficient to relish our childhood memories. At the end of that meeting, all of us felt that we were recharged.

I hope we can continue to meet in the future too.” A loud applause was the response from the crowd. On Sunday, the students will be unwinding on Bhavani Islands.