On Sunday, August 18, 2024, the B Com batch of 1999 from St Berchmans College reunited after 25 years, naming themselves ‘Silvercom 24’. The batch had meticulously planned their silver jubilee celebration, showcasing their professional expertise. They organized a seamless half-day event, complete with:-

– A custom-designed logo

– Personalized invitation cards

– A 20-minute video profiling the batch mates

– A distinguished guest invitation (although the guest couldn’t attend)

– Gift hampers for all attendees

– A sumptuous dinner at Changanacherry Club, accompanied by a DJ and opportunities for fellowship

The profiling of the 30 students revealed an impressive diversity: 13 are Chartered Accountants, including one rank holder; 10 hold Master’s degrees in Management, with 3 earned abroad; 4 have M.Com degrees, 2 of which are from SB; 3 did animation course, 7 run their own businesses; and 3 are engaged in agriculture. Additionally, 6 are well-settled in Gulf countries, with one each residing in the UK, Germany, Australia, and Canada. Among them, there is a teacher, a Senior Civil Police Officer, an ASI, the Kerala head of an NBFC, 2 CFOs, an Associate Vice President at TCS, a model, and a picture editor at Malayala Manorama.

The B.Com degree served as a springboard, launching them to discover their unique career paths. This same degree has led them down diverse roads, shaped by their individual abilities, the effort they invested, and the challenges they’ve overcome. That’s the journey of life.

The programme also included speeches by the current Principal, Rev. Fr. Regi Plathottam, and their former teachers, honouring them with a shawl and a gift hamper.

The ingenious gift hamper deserves special mention. It included an assortment of items: a 1999 batch photo converted into a phone holder, a desktop timepiece, a vacuum mug, a ₹5,000 gift voucher (for teachers only), personalised thank you letter, a mouse pad and a custom-made nostalgic instrument box—a reminder of their academic days. The box contained yesteryear’s treats like puli mittai (sugar-coated tamarind), sharkara mittai (jaggery sweets), sugar-coated peanuts, jeera mittai, naranga mittai, Poppins, a pencil with Silvercom emblem, a sharpener, and a well-written poem on nostalgia.

Noble Gesture: An obituary reference was made to Rajesh M K, a former classmate who had passed away. In his memory, the batch contributed a fund to the Department of Commerce for constructing a house for a deserving student. It was a commendable and exemplary gesture.

What brought them together? Three key reasons stand out: strong peer bonds, the ever-welcoming alma mater, and a newfound appreciation for their teachers.

1. After completing their B.Com, they pursued different paths—further studies, building careers, starting families, and settling in various locations. Some remained in touch, while others reconnected through social media. The camaraderie and bond they shared during those three years have brought them together again today. Out of the 63 final-year students, 49 came together for the group photograph. Meanwhile, 28 alumni reunited from various places for the Silver Jubilee celebration.

2. Reflecting after 25 years, they realize the profound impact SB had on their careers and lives. They assembled to show appreciation to their alma mater, which marked its 100th anniversary in 2022, and to reminisce about fond memories on campus.

3. The teachers they once enjoyed, tolerated, and even struggled with are now seen through a new lens, shaped by 25 years of life experience. This gathering is the perfect opportunity to honor those teachers and show appreciation for their contributions to their education and beyond. In the 1999 batch photo, there were only seven teachers present. However, for the reunion, they managed to gather ten teachers from various locations.

As human beings, we all experience a learning curve that initially rises steeply, eventually levels off, and then gradually declines. Twenty-five years ago, when we first met, you were on that steep ascent, and we, as your teachers, were positioned higher, guiding you along the way. Today, we gather again, with you at the peak of your achievements, and us, the teachers, now on the downward slope. Now, it’s your turn to speak, and we’ve listened with pride and joy, grateful to have been part of your journey. This is the unique fulfillment that comes with being in this profession of professions—nothing else compares. Seeing our former students, once like minnows or kittens in the classroom, now soaring like eagles or roaring like lions, fills us with immense pride. These are the moments when we, as teachers, declare, “We are as proud of you, if not more, than you are of this college.”

Two questions arise:

1. Are we, as an institution, truly preparing and molding our youth for the future by fully utilising the success stories of our former students? When alumni share their own journeys, it has the power to inspire current students, ignite their aspirations, and motivate them to work hard to achieve their set goals. To make this happen, the first step is to map out the profiles of our alumni. Inviting them to meet and speak with students is the next step. The ultimate goal would be for former students to mentor and guide the current ones. Can we make this a reality?

2. My heart goes out to the former students who didn’t attend the gathering. Out of the 63 who graduated in 1999, 53 are part of their WhatsApp group and would have been informed about the meeting. The organizers also reached out to the others. However, only 28 showed up. I wonder what prevented the remaining 34 (excluding one who passed away) from attending. There could be various reasons, such as personal, family, or professional commitments, or perhaps some felt they’ve achieved success solely through their own efforts. Others might not see the value in such celebrations. Yet a few others may be struggling financially and didn’t want to incur additional expenses. How can we encourage more to join? What support can we offer to those who are struggling?

To watch the profile of 30 batchmates click here

To view the highlights of the celebrations click here

The batch claims the highest number of Chartered Accountants. If any B.Com batches from S.B. have surpassed this number, they are invited to step forward.