Puttur: In a heartwarming reunion steeped in nostalgia, the 1991 batch of BSc graduates from St Philomena College, Puttur, gathered on Sunday at their alma mater after an extraordinary gap of 34 years. The event saw 34 alumni return to the college corridors where they once shared lectures, laughter, and youthful dreams, reconnecting to exchange stories of life’s triumphs and trials.
Between 1988 and 1991, the batch comprised 54 students who studied together in the same class. Over the decades, they pursued diverse professional paths, gradually losing regular contact. Sadly, three members have since passed away, leaving 51 surviving classmates. Of these, 34 managed to attend the gathering. The reunion was made possible through the power of social media, particularly a dedicated WhatsApp group, which brought old friends back into conversation and eventually led to the decision to meet at the college.
When the idea was shared with the Principal, he warmly welcomed it and ensured that the campus environment was prepared to host the gathering.
Addressing the alumni, Principal Rev. Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro inaugurated the event by emphasizing that the greatest asset of St Philomena College lies in its commitment to producing responsible citizens. “Here, the spirit of sarva dharma samabhava (equal respect for all religions) is upheld in thought, word, and deed. Every student here is one of ours, without distinction,” he said. Dr Monteiro expressed his delight that alumni were returning to the institution for such reunions, urging former students to carry forward positive impressions of their college and respond to it with goodwill. Speaking as an alumnus himself - now serving as both teacher and principal - he noted, “I have lived in this environment for 18 long years. The growth of this institution is due to the dedication of its faculty and the openness of its academic system to innovation.”
Vice-Principal Dr Vijay Kumar Moleyar lauded the initiative, describing alumni reunions as an important step in strengthening the institution. “I, too, am a proud alumnus of this college. The college has given us everything but we must reflect on what we can give back. Our contributions will help the institution grow further. For the college to reach greater heights, the alumni must stand together,” he said.
In a gesture of appreciation, the alumni honoured Principal Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro, Vice-Principal Dr Vijay Kumar Moleyar, and Public Relations Officer Bharathi S. Rai with felicitation ceremonies.
This memorable reunion on Sunday, made all the more special by being hosted on their very own campus. The college principal and his team extended a warm welcome, providing a beautifully arranged auditorium, access to their old classrooms to relive cherished memories, a hall for lunch, and the freedom to explore the campus at leisure - gestures that deeply touched the alumni.
The trust and affection shown towards former students reflected the bond of institution with its alumni. Principal Dr Antony Prakash Monteiro expressed his wish for future reunions to be held at the college, assuring full support, an emotional commitment that drew heartfelt thanks from the gathering.
The programme began with a warm welcome from alumnus Dr Girish Bhat Ajakkala, followed by a vote of thanks from Vishnu Bhat. The event was compered by Dr Krishna Prabha. Alumni members Shivanath Rai Megina Guthu, Badruddin Mani, Lakshminarayana Kadambalittaya, and faculty member Tejaswi Bhat of the Commerce Department extended their active support in organising the occasion.