Saaral – The Reunion Song Forever Sung

Celebrating 25 Years of Friendship, Memories, and New Beginnings

It’s often said that people come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. As we celebrated 25 years since completing our bachelor of engineering degree, our Silver Jubilee Reunion, “Saaral” (breeze), proved that college friends belong to the third category—lifetime companions.

Alumni from the US, UK, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, and more traveled back to our beloved college town in India. Over two joyous days, we reminisced, celebrated, and honored the professors who shaped our futures. The highlight was inaugurating a new computer building, symbolizing our commitment to advancing education.

Reflecting on these 25 silver years fills me with immense gratitude. We encountered people for reasons, seasons, or lifetimes, and through this reunion, I gained new golden friendships within our SJC community. The collaboration and camaraderie during this event reaffirmed my belief in our collective strength.

When India won the recent T20 World Cup, it was a team effort that made the champion team. It would have been hard to declare Kohli as the player of the match as many played a pivotal role. Similarly, many played a pivotal role in this project and the celebration day activities. JS won the man of the whole project and the celebration while many played pivotal roles.

To better illustrate the teamwork:

• Finance Minister (Muthu) – Team Manager: The team manager handles finances, logistics, and ensures that all off-field aspects are taken care of so that the players and coaching staff can focus on the game.
• Ministry of External Affairs (Sasi) – Captain: The captain represents the team in external matters, such as interactions with the umpires, the opposing team, and the media. The captain also leads the team on the field.
• Ministry of Local Government (Munees) – Vice-Captain: The vice-captain supports the captain and manages on-field strategies, ensuring that the team functions smoothly during the game.
• Overall Lead (Chithu) – Coach: The coach oversees the entire team, providing guidance, strategy, and training. The coach ensures that the team performs well and maintains discipline.
• Venkat – Major Sponsor: Like a major sponsor who ensures the team’s financial needs are met, Venkat’s contribution has been instrumental in supporting the event.
• MIB – Major Sponsor: Similarly, MIB’s significant financial support aligns with the role of a major sponsor in cricket, providing essential resources and backing for the event.

Leading Saaral to Success

As the alumni president, Chithu was the guiding force behind the successful Saaral reunion. With his unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, he navigated numerous challenges, ensuring the event was a grand success. His strategic planning and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on our alumni community, embodying the spirit of unity and excellence that binds us all.

Some of the notable personal moments during those two days included:

1. Spending quality time with my bestie LD.
2. Receiving best wishes from Padmavathi ma’am for me and my husband (RK).
3. Meeting my first-year classmate Dalha’s family.
4. Spending time with many other close friends and family.
5. Seeing how the families, including kids, supported this event was heartening.

I went to this institution for education and I came back with much more than that, including my significant other.

We also extend our heartfelt tributes to all the donors, big or small. Their contributions have been the backbone of our event’s success, ensuring that every aspect was well-supported and that we could celebrate in the grand manner befitting our 25-year milestone.

Celebrations are profound experiences that leave lasting impressions on our hearts. Jubilees remind us of our journey and God’s fidelity throughout. While we celebrated, we also remembered those who were no longer with us. Life, like a train, halts briefly at such moments before continuing its journey.

In our teenage years, we dreamt of a bright future, though our paths were unpredictable and varied. Yet, this reunion showed that no matter how busy life gets, we still cherish what is dear to us.

Looking ahead, I feel a deep responsibility to improve the state of our college’s laboratories and equipment, which have suffered over the years. I am committed to working with the executive committee to enhance our college’s educational facilities.

As we part ways again, the memories of this reunion will linger in our hearts. Life is fleeting, and what once seemed like a long journey now feels like a blink of an eye. While the golden jubilee may seem distant, and the future uncertain, this moment is ours to cherish.

Let us celebrate life, hold dear the friendships we have nurtured, and commit to making a positive impact on our beloved alma mater.

Here’s to 25 years of cherished memories and to many more years of lasting friendships and continued success.

For more information about our reunion, visit Saaral 99 Reunion.