There is a general opinion that reunions are highly overrated but you’ll not know the truth unless you attend one.
I recently attended my high school 30th year reunion and this was the first such event after we left school. I was hugely excited to attend this one, just to enjoy the feeling of being reunited with my batchmates, many of whom I hadn’t met in 30 years. Wouldn’t it be good to see how your batchmates have shaped up, literally, in 30 years and enjoy the fact that you’re not alone? Also, I wanted to meet and thank my teachers for laying my foundation but with a hope that no one would point out my mistakes or quote any “best forgotten” incident.
Cut to three decades ago. The year when Windows 3.1 was launched!
As far as I can remember, we were all very excited to leave school not because we had a regrettable time in school but we were looking forward to the future. We were focussed on getting into college and chasing our dreams though I don’t remember having one. I always felt privileged to study in my school even as I passed out pretty much an average kid. We had lots of respect for every teacher who had taught us from kindergarten to high school. There might have been a grudge against a few who might have pulled us up in class for unruly behaviour or poor performance in tests. There might have been an exceptional love for a few who might have given us additional care and attention. Either way, I felt there was always an arm’s length distance between teachers and students and much farther for some.
I did have fond memories of school and, in all gratitude, a lovely bond with the teachers but I didn’t get sentimental or emotional leaving school.
Now, back to the present.
The equation has changed after adding 30 years to our lives. Physical appearances have definitely changed. Chemistry between the students and teachers had been in hibernation for a long time. There are newcomers in everyone’s lives. Language has changed over the years. We just watch sports these days. Our careers have taken us to different geographies. Globalisation has changed economics. Moreover, we are in the third decade of the 21st century.
I met many of my batchmates at the event and I was not disappointed. Everyone had shaped up pretty well. While reminiscing about the good old times, I realised that it is only age and appearance which have changed over the years. We were pretty much the same at heart.
The teachers who had turned up for the event were equally excited. As I started talking to my teachers, I realised there was no arm’s length distance. At least not anymore. I couldn’t figure out if I had virtually and sub-consciously created that distance around me back in high school or if it was my age that had brought about the maturity to break that barrier. I was completely floored by their love which was only akin to that of a mother’s towards her child. It was an overwhelmingly humble moment. It was only natural to equally reciprocate with gratitude.
Times with great people and a special place
are the memories we often retrace.
Reunion rejuvenates,
and virtually, recreates,
the magic in its true beauty and grace
It took 30 years and a reunion to act as a catalyst to transform my bond with teachers. None of my teachers remembered me, let alone quoted any incidents. In all honesty, I would not have been disappointed or rather would have felt extremely happy had they remembered and quoted even one incident. In any case, I was extremely happy at the end of the day as I got their blessings. Our batch was just a chapter in their books but they will always remain epics in our lives and we have many more miles left in our journey but they will be part of every milestone we cross.
I was happy that I got reconnected with my batchmates and teachers. Happiness just doubles when you know that you were part of the team which organised the memorable event for all.
sundarsnathan@gmail.com
