The hallowed corridors of La Martiniere Boys' College in Lucknow echoed with laughter and stories from the past as the batch of 1985 returned to celebrate a significant milestone. On Saturday, the campus played host to a grand 40-year reunion, drawing former students from across the world to relive their cherished school days.
A Global Gathering of Old Friends
A total of 44 batchmates, accompanied by their families, converged on the school grounds from distant corners of the globe. Alumni travelled from the United States, Canada, Australia, Dubai, and various Indian cities to be part of this nostalgic event. Many proudly wore their La Martiniere ties as they walked through familiar classrooms and fields, transforming the campus into a vibrant hub of shared memories and joyous reunions.
Echoes of Laughter and Childhood Adventures
The air was thick with nostalgia as batchmates exchanged tales of their youth. Harmeet Bhatia, who flew in from the USA, recalled the spontaneous cricket matches in the courtyard. "We would play until sunset, sometimes ignoring classes, and then rush to the canteen for snacks," he shared, noting that those days taught them teamwork and the joy of simple moments.
From Australia, Hasnain Sadiq reminisced about secret trips to the library corners to read comics and occasional adventures skipping class to explore gardens or play football. Faizal Azeem from Canada laughed about science experiments that went hilariously wrong, ending with everyone sharing stories in the canteen. Rajesh Verma, now based in Dubai, recounted the classic prank of hiding a friend's textbooks before class and the subsequent dash to the field.
Organising a Journey Down Memory Lane
The event, meticulously planned by an organising committee, featured a lunch and a grand dinner, allowing families to mingle and celebrate together. Rahul Bhargava, an alumnus and key organiser, emphasised the reunion's purpose. "This gives us a chance to relive our school days and catch up with old friends. The friendships we built are memories that never fade," he said.
The organising committee comprised Vikas Tandon, Rahul Bhargava, Ajay Bhasin, Vikram Bhargava, Deepak Bhalla, and Gyanesh Mathur. The reunion also saw the presence of notable alumni like Vice Admiral Rajat Kapoor and Sanjay Agarwal, IPS, DG of Police, Rajasthan cadre.
A poignant highlight of the day was the unveiling of a plaque at the college listing the names of all batchmates, a permanent tribute to their shared journey. The event stood as a powerful testament to the enduring bonds forged within the walls of La Martiniere, proving that some connections truly do last a lifetime.
