Alumni gatherings have become a common feature across educational institutions, each varying in nature, occasion, and experience. The St. Berchmans College alumni meet has evolved significantly over the years. In the past, such reunions were rare, occurring only on milestone occasions like jubilees. It was only in the early 2000s that the event became an annual tradition. Initially, the date, time, and venue fluctuated yearly, but by the end of the first decade, January 26 was set as the fixed date. However, the venue continued to rotate among locations such as Kallarackal Hall, Kavukattu Hall, the courtyard in front of the Kurialacherry Block, the Mar Charles Lavigne Indoor Stadium, and now the open-air pavilion before the iconic college tower. The event timing also shifted over the years, originally held in the morning with lunch but later settling into an evening format, culminating in dinner.

A significant addition to the alumni meet came after the college’s Navathy celebrations—the tradition of honoring the Golden Jubilee batch. Each year, undergraduate and postgraduate alumni who graduated 50 years prior are invited, ensuring a dedicated group attends. While reaching out to alumni from half a century ago is challenging, the SB Alumni executives have successfully managed this tradition for over a decade.

This year, time caught up with me—I became part of the Golden Jubilee batch, graduating in 1975. While I had attended the alumni meet in various capacities over the years, this was my first (and only) time experiencing it as a Golden Jubilee honoree.

My B Com batch 1972-75

I was a day scholar, and a 15-minute bicycle ride was all it took to reach college, allowing me to be home for lunch every day. However, unlike the hostellers or those who traveled together by bus, this left me with little opportunity to bond with my classmates.

We had the advantage of annual exams with long study holidays. We faced all the major subjects in our third year and had nearly two months to prepare. Since I was a science student during my Pre-University Course (PUC), I joined my classmates in group study for accountancy, which helped me grasp the fundamentals of the subject.

A group of students from my class approached me to lead a combined study session for the other subjects. They were considered irregular, less studious, or lagging behind. I agreed, and a group of eight of us would gather overnight at a relative’s nearly vacant house, discussing and studying together. Some of the more academically inclined students questioned both the effectiveness of this approach and my involvement in it. When the final results were announced, we proved the skeptics wrong—every member of our group passed on the first attempt, and I secured the second rank at Kerala University. Looking back, I owe much of my success to these two study groups—one where I played the role of a teacher and the other where I strengthened my understanding of accountancy. Years later, my classmates from the first group would jokingly claim that they were the ones who steered me toward a career in teaching.

A Memorable Golden Jubilee meet

Our SB B.Com batch of 1972–75 began planning early, reaching out to classmates as soon as last year’s Golden Jubilee news appeared in newspapers. Our What Sapp group kept the reminders alive, and three batch mates from Germany even scheduled their home visits to coincide with the event. Each 1975 graduating class chose their own gathering venue before the formal meeting at 5:30 PM. With 72 students in our B.Com batch—the largest among undergraduates—we had previously held two formal reunions in 2010 and 2023. Sadly, we identified 17 classmates who had passed away. Of the remaining, we are scattered across the globe, but 20 of us managed to meet before the main event, enjoying nearly an hour of reconnecting and reminiscing.

Once we arrived at the venue, we were swept into the larger crowd. I was invited to deliver a response speech on behalf of the Golden Jubilee batch, alongside two others. I was seated among the dignitaries in the front row.

Text of the speech

I am deeply honoured and fortunate to stand among those being celebrated today on the golden jubilee of their graduation from S.B. College. It is a privilege to be part of this momentous occasion, even as we remember the 17 of our 1975 B.Com batch who have departed this world. Of the rest, nearly half of us are here today, while others, spread across the globe—from America to Australia, and the Gulf to Germany—remain with us in spirit.

Being present here to receive this honour is a unique privilege, and for me, it is deeply personal. This campus holds a special place in my heart. I first entered the S B campus at the tender age of seven on the feast of Christ the King. I vividly recall the entry, shouting the slogan, Kristu Rajan Jaykatte, Kristu Rajan Ki Jay, unaware then of the connection between the College and Christ the King.

In 1972, I formally joined the B.Com program, graduating in 1975 with the second rank at Kerala University. This achievement was made possible by the exceptional guidance of my Commerce faculty, led by Prof. Sebastian George, alongside Professors K.J. Joseph, K.J. Abraham, K.J. Baby, and Joseph Abraham. I also want to thank my classmates from the study group we had before the exams.

After completing my postgraduate studies at N.S.S. Hindu College, Changanacherry, I began my teaching career at S.B. College in 1977—a career path I initially had not intended. Over the years, I served this institution in various capacities: as a Commerce faculty member for 25 years, Vice Principal for 5 years, and, in a historic decision, as the College’s first lay Principal for 3 years. My second chapter at S.B. College, from 2014 to 2020, was as Director of the MBA program, which I consider the most enjoyable and rewarding phase of my professional life.

Standing here today, at the age of 70, at the base of the iconic 100-foot tower of Christ the King, I am overwhelmed with nostalgia. It is incredible to reflect on how the campus that first welcomed me as a child has shaped the majority of my life. Of the 50 years since my graduation, I have been privileged to spend a significant portion serving my alma mater—an honour unique to me among the golden jubilee batch.

This journey would not have been possible without the grace of the Almighty, the unprecedented decision of His Grace Mar Joseph Powathil, and the unwavering support of His Grace Mar Joseph Perumthottam, along with Managers Msgr. Jos P. Kottaram, Msgr. Joseph Naduvilezham, the dedicated priests on the campus, the teaching staff, the support staff, and the loving students.

I must also acknowledge today’s chief guest, Prof. J. Philip, a visionary in management education. After retiring as Director of IIM Bangalore, he founded XIME Bangalore, which has since expanded to Kochi, Chennai, and a school in central Kerala. Respected Philip sir, you welcomed me with open arms when I retired as Principal of SB in 2010, and it is my belief that it was the halo of S.B. College that led you to appoint me the Director of XIME Bangalore. That reflected your esteem for your alma mater. I am forever grateful sir.

On behalf of my classmates of 1972–75, I express our heartfelt gratitude to S.B. College. Reflecting on my journey, I truly believe it is Kristu Rajan who gave me the crown of Principal of S B College.

Kristu Rajan Jaykatte! S.B. Ki Jay!

Cultural performances by the alumni and the current students positioned before and after the main event made the evening lively and nostalgic. The night concluded with dinner, as participants departed with cherished memories of the day.

Congratulations to the college management and the Alumni executive committee for the well-organised programme.

The students of SB College take immense pride in their alma mater, and this honoring ceremony for the Golden Jubilee batch is a touching acknowledgment that the institution is equally proud of its alumni.

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