Mangaluru: January 10, 2020 was a memorable day for the alumni of the 1978 batch of St Aloysius High School as they met for the first time in 42 years.
After almost six months of planning, coordinating, locating and cajoling, the batchmates from all over the world finally descended on Mangaluru on the set date near the iconic St Aloysius Chapel, located on the Institution’s campus.
There was a lot of hugging, patting of the back, selfies and outpouring of emotions, and together, they moved to the River Roost Resort on the outskirts of the city.
On the occasion, the alumni were treated to some “Soma Rasa” while they watched a nostalgic video of messages from the Rector, teachers, headmaster, ministers, celebrities, religious heads etc, organized by their batchmate Ashraf B M Thumbe. All listened in attention.
A minute’s silence was observed out of respect for the batchmates who had died over the years.
Soon, the gala event began with non-stop fun and music.
Everyone danced to the beats and there was even some Karaoke.
There were sumptuous meals and snacks with all the Mangalurean delicacies like marwaai, buthaai, toddy, bimbli saar, yetti chutney (dry prawn chutney), mango chutney, kaunji, apart from the delicious chicken, mutton and vegetarian delicacies.
Nostalgia overcame the alumni who reminisced about their teachers’ dressing styles, teaching style and disciplining techniques.
When the inevitable end of the event came closer, everyone received a memento to be preserved and cherished forever.
