The 1964 SSLC batch of Umbichi Haji Higher Secondary School, Chaliyam, regrouped at their alma mater on Thursday and fell back on nostalgic memories. Giving vigour and zest to the gathering were former Education Minister E.T. Mohammed Basheer, MP, and Purushan Kadalundi, MLA, who spent their whole day with their classmates and relived memories of early 1960s. The 60-odd alumni of the 1964 batch brimmed with nostalgic emotions as they made their way to the school from places far and near. “It’s an indescribably beautiful feeling,” said K. Rajalakshmi, a retired teacher from Feroke. In their mid-sixties, many of them looked ebullient despite their dwindling health. Mr. Basheer and Mr. Purushan looked at their cheerful best, basking in the sweet memories of their school final year. An array of VIPs and friends reached the campus to felicitate them as they spent their whole day to rediscover the valued threads of friendship. Among the guests were Minister for Panchayats M.K. Muneer, writers U.A. Khader and Appukkuttan Vallikkunnu, and Rationalists Association leader U. Kalanathan.Mr. Basheer beamed as Mr. Khader reminisced the evenings they spent together on the Umbichi Haji School campus. “Where is that well?” Many heads turned towards the school well when Mr. Khader asked so. Mr. Basheer and team honoured their teachers who were alive. “What else you need in life. It’s a moment of bliss,” said their teacher Leelavathi. At first, many of them could not recognise each other as they were returning to their school after half a century. “Each face is an epoch, saying the history of half-a-century. It’s fantastic experience, a great relief from the busy life we lead,” said Mr. Purushan. They congratulated E.V. Abdul Wahid on his initiative for the gathering. With joy and warmth they addressed the curiosities of the current higher secondary students during an interaction held in the afternoon.
