A nostalgia-filled UP school reunion after five decades

While rummaging through a vintage trunk with posters, notices, and newspapers, an old photograph with frayed edges and mold patches caught the attention of 64-year-old Sajeev Kumar K G, a retired audit officer. It transported him to a sepia-tinted era.

- HIMA ANNA JACOB

Clicked in 1972, the picture captured 45 students of St Joseph's UP School in Kadavanthra, standing shoulder to shoulder, with oiled hair, wearing shorts and skirts. It was the group photograph of Class VI batch.

For most of them, life had taken its course after they bid farewell to the school in 1973. Five decades have passed. The idea of a reunion seemed like a dream too far-fetched. Sajeev, however, gave it a shot. And a few days ago, 33 of them gathered once again at the place where it all began. Silvering hair, deepening wrinkles, and countless untold stories.

"Before we headed to the school, all of us gathered at my place," says Sajeev.