“Reliving the good ol’ days” was our tagline, and it proved to be remarkably apt. Our 30-year reunion was not just a celebration of time gone by; it was a long-awaited dream, one that began nearly five years earlier. Back in 2020, we were gearing up for our 25th-year silver jubilee reunion, excitedly making plans and collecting funds. But the world had other plans, as the COVID-19 pandemic swept in and forced us to cancel. Not ones to give up easily, we adapted and hosted a “virtual G2G,” a first-of-its-kind Karunya alumni meet, complete with online games, promised prizes, and a genuine attempt to bring our batch together despite the circumstances. As the world healed, we rescheduled for 2025, our 30th year, and that extra wait added to our excitement.
The reunion in 2025 was planned across three beautiful days, and more than a gathering, it was a return to our teens. The Organising Committee did a fantastic job bringing everything together, personally inviting faculty who had once guided and shaped us. As we prepared, we eagerly shared messages in the WhatsApp group, recollecting the good ol’ days. Baskar’s narrative recalled the Wednesday night’s parotta kurma, Sunday special biryani, and the limited-edition omelet and chicken/mutton that made us rush to the hostel by bikes and bicycles. He added that this reunion gives everyone a chance to reminisce about those old memories. Invitations were sent out, the agenda designed, and travel tickets booked. Around 90 classmates from the USA, the UAE, Oman, Singapore, and all parts of India flew in with suitcases packed with excitement!
Our first day began at Karunya Institute of Technology, where the Alumni Affairs department under Dr. Marshal gave us a warm welcome. With the guys dress in crisp white shirts and the gals in elegant sarees, we took a nostalgic walk through the campus. We visited our old classrooms and labs, now more advanced, with upgraded equipment, and were pleasantly surprised at how the campus had grown. Memories came flooding back, as we all gathered at the Elohim Auditorium for a formal program. The Vice Chancellor and other dignitaries shared heartfelt words, and our MCs kept the event lively.
It was a day full of emotion and talent. Kannappan took us back in time with a touching poem, while Shanmugam moved us with a heartfelt song performance. Ramesh Babu recalled Daphne Ma’am’s strictness and remembered Christy Sir, saying that he not only saw us as students, but also as friends. Swaminathan spoke about the inspiring work of the Connect and Care Trust, initiated by Alwin Jose, which has been supporting the children of our deceased classmates. Of course, no reunion would be complete without an endless stream of photographs. We captured every moment. We left with a beautiful memento gifted by the College, a cherished reminder of the occasion!
That evening took us to S R Jungle Resort, where the real fun kicked off. But before the celebrations, we paused for a moment of reflection, remembering dear friends we lost over the years: Baskar (ECE), Sekar (ECE), Valarmathi (ECE), Sanjeev Raj (Civil), Suresh Babu (Civil), Justin (Civil), Sureshkumar (Mech), Dhakshinamoorthy (Mech), and Ganesh (Mech). Their absence was deeply felt, and their memories honored.
From there, the mood turned joyful and light-hearted. We danced, laughed, reminisced, and shared many special moments. ‘I’m 50 years young!’ said Nagaraj. ‘This feels more like a family function than a formal meet after 30 years,’ said Rajesh. ‘It was great to meet friends after 30 years,’ said Bobby Markose, echoing what we all felt. Shaju Thomas reflected, ‘The happy teenage life I experienced 30 years ago came flashing back as I entered Karunya again’.
After a long, tiring day, the fittest among us set off on an early morning trek the next day, while others just wandered around, soaking in the time with old friends. That morning became one of the most memorable of all, the photo shoot! Dressed in coordinated outfits, under the scorching sun, we posed capturing memories to last a lifetime.
One of the most touching moments was hearing friends recount their first day at Karunya, especially memories tied to the Evangeline Auditorium, where it all began all those years ago, unsure, nervous, and excited. Some of us recalled coming from Tamil-medium backgrounds or all-boys schools, and adjusting to a co-ed English environment was a challenge. But those early struggles made the friendships we built even more meaningful.
That evening had two very special moments. First, the Connect and Care Trust team presented their journey, showing how the trust has helped educate the children of classmates we lost over the years. It was a deeply moving and unifying moment.
Then came the final celebration, a DJ night that rocked the floor! We danced like the years had never passed.
And just like that, it was time to say goodbye. Distributing mementos, and prizes for the virtual G2G 2020 marked the conclusion of our reunion. But these three days gave us something rare, the chance to pause, look back, and reconnect not only with each other but also with a version of ourselves we hadn’t seen in decades. We were students again, laughing at silly jokes, retelling the same stories, and basking in the familiarity of lifelong friendships. This reunion was more than nostalgia, it was a heartfelt reconnection with our alma mater. Together, we made a promise to give back to Karunya in ways that truly matter by mentoring students, supporting placements, and encouraging research activities through industry collaboration. With these efforts, we hope to inspire the next generation of Karunyans to reach higher and carry forward the spirit that brought us all together.
And finally as Shaju Thomas so perfectly put it, ‘time may change our appearance, but our hearts remain the same’.
Until next time – no rules, just love!
