Nostalgia-Class of 83 OLF
Abhi kuch baras pehle TV per ek serial aaya karta tha “The Wonder years” aur main isko bila nagha dekha karta tha becoz it reminded me of my wonder years in school. Life was beautiful then, full of mischief and innocence. Even now after almost halfway through life, I fondly remember those friends, my numerous crushes, sports, teachers and exams.
I went to Our Lady Of Fatima school from class 1 till 10th which was or rather is still the best school in town.
Probably in mid of 2010 I met Akhilesh and Sheeba on the facebook and communication followed. Despite a gap of nearly three decades in between I could recall these two school friends distinctly. Finding them after these years was truly exciting.
Online interaction graduated to phone calls and then someone from the three of us projected the idea of meeting sometime. Desire to meet in person grew and eventually quite unbelievingly we were around 35 classmates who met on the 2nd April 2011 at Ghaziabad Indian Air Force base where Akhilesh is posted. It was my moment of pride was when at the gate of air base, a young air force boy politely asked us whether we were Wing Commander Chauhan’s guests. I was overjoyed at being so respectfully welcomed and that my childhood friend was “Topgun” a-la Tom Cruise. By the way in one of his pictures on FB he does look like the Hollywood star, on a sports bike next to a light airplane on runway.
I being far away in Kuwait could do no better than giving suggestions about venue and food. Akhilesh and Sheeba beautifully coordinated among the classmates and an account “Class of 83 OLF” was created on FB by Akhilesh and it grew bigger within months. Phone numbers were exchanged and these two minds working behind this re-union interacted with other friends over phone. I planned my trip to India accordingly. I believe Akhilesh was encouragingly supported by Supriti, his very sweet wife.
The airbase inside is a different world, Lush green with luxurious houses and deep woods all around. Initial gathering was on roof of a sports club overlooking the golf course. Setting was perfect, weather was soothing and emotions were heightened beyond capacity. Nostalgia was being defined; hugs were passionately squeezing and long. I don’t have words and how would anyone know what it feels like meeting friends separated by 28 years. It is beyond comprehension for those who have not experienced it. I have practically observed that school friends connect at same frequency and energy that flowed between us during school days, far from inhibitions. Except ounces of flesh or grey hair nothing had changed much, their mannerisms, speech and faces were just the same which I had in my memory or which I sometimes dreamt of. Some of them have grown in stature and money but this day we met like school going teenage boys and girls full of joy and enthusiasm. Young children of these friends who had accompanied to this union must have enjoyed their parent’s return to school age.
Honestly speaking, I could not recall some of the faces but with the remaining ones attending this meet, I had beautiful associations during school. Akhilesh was in skit which we presented in farewell party to outgoing class X. He was a real naughty character full of gimmicks, naturally good at comedy. Rehearsals were hugely entertaining. We, including Mrs. Pant, our class teacher, often would have tears in eyes, laughing. Akhilesh and I continued meeting even after high school till he qualified and moved to NDA.
Sheeba was the most smiling face of our batch, none could ever know even if she was sad or she was actually never sad as she always smiled. Meeting Iqbal bhai her husband and her lovely kids was a beautiful experience too. Iqbal bhai is a chartered accountant; his pure lakhnavi andaz in chaste Urdu is a treat to soul.
Mukesh was the chairman of our Khadda committee named after a small crater in corner of OLF sports field. This khadda was surrounded by bushes and three or four of us would go there to eat lunch in recess. Aijaz Masud and Pankaj are the other two whom I can recall.
Recess se yaad aaya k cycle stand k barabar mein ek canteen tha jahan par samosey miltey they 4 aaney ka ek hota tha aur us samosey ka zaiqa school k baad phir kaheen nahee mila. Jis din jeib mein aath aaney hotey they us din lagta tha k duniya pe apni hukumat.
I have fond memories of almost all present that day, Rohit was undoubtedly the most handsome guy in our class, a blonde with neatly creased uniform always. Anupama was another ever smiling face who, if I am not mistaken was extremely fond of playing basketball. After passing out from school we learnt that Rohit and Anu married. Before Mujib Zuberi’s genius was discovered, Amber was the only genius we knew. As a quiet and composed boy he called for respect even from the teachers. As anticipated and predicted by Gupta sir, he topped in boards and not Sachin Saxena who otherwise was always “First in Class”. Amber remains every bit the same, a sober Mathematician. Even though Mujib Zuberi despite trying hard could not make it to the event, yet, he was fondly remembered by almost all there. Few days later in Aligarh some of us gathered again at Rohit’s place and he joined. There we learnt he was OSD (Controller of Exams) in AMU. A post normally held by civil services personnel.
After this initial meeting and group photographs, we moved down to a room for a formal gathering. Akhilesh spoke for a while and I took over from him. It was around 2 in afternoon and the world cup final between India and Srilanka had just begun in Mumbai and could be seen on the TV hung on the wall to my left. I was extempore in telling the gathering that in 1983 when we passed high school, India lifted the world cup and today we are meeting, we would win today too. The guys cheered. I then acknowledged Facebook without which it would have been nearly impossible to meet almost all of these childhood buddies. Finally I sang my all-time favorite Kishore Kumar number “AA Chal k Tujhey Main Lekey Chalun Ek Aisey Gagan k Taley”. Applause was more formal than to take as real appreciation.
All of us then briefly introduced ourselves where we stand currently in life as family and professionals. Although almost all have impressive profiles I was particularly impressed by Sharad whose wife is a talented poetess who beautifully sang her own lyrics in her own composition.
Midway through this session lunch was served, simple yet, delicious food added flavor to the party.
I would belittle the whole event by not mentioning Gauri who came all the way from somewhere near Kargil and Anand who flew from Chennai only to attend this meet.
We started dispersing around 5 in evening with determination to keep meeting in future too. If not the best, this was one from the best days of my life so far, which I will cherish for life.
Since then our FB accouts are flooded with comments and expressions of regrets from those who missed out. I found the best comment as “with Gauri commanding her Brigadier husband, Bharat in control of sea and Akhilesh guarding the sky” we (The class of 83) is a power to reckon with.
I conclude with the lines below thanking Akhilesh and Sheeba and all those who attended.
Yahin pe tha mera bachpan, yahin kahin pe tha
yahin hansa tha
yahin kahi pe roya tha
yahin darakhton k saye main
thak k soya tha
Yahin pe tha mera bachpan, yahin kahin pe tha
Yahin pe tha mera bachpan, yahin kahin pe tha……………………………..
Abhi kuch baras pehle TV per ek serial aaya karta tha “The Wonder years” aur main isko bila nagha dekha karta tha becoz it reminded me of my wonder years in school. Life was beautiful then, full of mischief and innocence. Even now after almost halfway through life, I fondly remember those friends, my numerous crushes, sports, teachers and exams.
I went to Our Lady Of Fatima school from class 1 till 10th which was or rather is still the best school in town.
Probably in mid of 2010 I met Akhilesh and Sheeba on the facebook and communication followed. Despite a gap of nearly three decades in between I could recall these two school friends distinctly. Finding them after these years was truly exciting.
Online interaction graduated to phone calls and then someone from the three of us projected the idea of meeting sometime. Desire to meet in person grew and eventually quite unbelievingly we were around 35 classmates who met on the 2nd April 2011 at Ghaziabad Indian Air Force base where Akhilesh is posted. It was my moment of pride was when at the gate of air base, a young air force boy politely asked us whether we were Wing Commander Chauhan’s guests. I was overjoyed at being so respectfully welcomed and that my childhood friend was “Topgun” a-la Tom Cruise. By the way in one of his pictures on FB he does look like the Hollywood star, on a sports bike next to a light airplane on runway.
I being far away in Kuwait could do no better than giving suggestions about venue and food. Akhilesh and Sheeba beautifully coordinated among the classmates and an account “Class of 83 OLF” was created on FB by Akhilesh and it grew bigger within months. Phone numbers were exchanged and these two minds working behind this re-union interacted with other friends over phone. I planned my trip to India accordingly. I believe Akhilesh was encouragingly supported by Supriti, his very sweet wife.
The airbase inside is a different world, Lush green with luxurious houses and deep woods all around. Initial gathering was on roof of a sports club overlooking the golf course. Setting was perfect, weather was soothing and emotions were heightened beyond capacity. Nostalgia was being defined; hugs were passionately squeezing and long. I don’t have words and how would anyone know what it feels like meeting friends separated by 28 years. It is beyond comprehension for those who have not experienced it. I have practically observed that school friends connect at same frequency and energy that flowed between us during school days, far from inhibitions. Except ounces of flesh or grey hair nothing had changed much, their mannerisms, speech and faces were just the same which I had in my memory or which I sometimes dreamt of. Some of them have grown in stature and money but this day we met like school going teenage boys and girls full of joy and enthusiasm. Young children of these friends who had accompanied to this union must have enjoyed their parent’s return to school age.
Honestly speaking, I could not recall some of the faces but with the remaining ones attending this meet, I had beautiful associations during school. Akhilesh was in skit which we presented in farewell party to outgoing class X. He was a real naughty character full of gimmicks, naturally good at comedy. Rehearsals were hugely entertaining. We, including Mrs. Pant, our class teacher, often would have tears in eyes, laughing. Akhilesh and I continued meeting even after high school till he qualified and moved to NDA.
Sheeba was the most smiling face of our batch, none could ever know even if she was sad or she was actually never sad as she always smiled. Meeting Iqbal bhai her husband and her lovely kids was a beautiful experience too. Iqbal bhai is a chartered accountant; his pure lakhnavi andaz in chaste Urdu is a treat to soul.
Mukesh was the chairman of our Khadda committee named after a small crater in corner of OLF sports field. This khadda was surrounded by bushes and three or four of us would go there to eat lunch in recess. Aijaz Masud and Pankaj are the other two whom I can recall.
Recess se yaad aaya k cycle stand k barabar mein ek canteen tha jahan par samosey miltey they 4 aaney ka ek hota tha aur us samosey ka zaiqa school k baad phir kaheen nahee mila. Jis din jeib mein aath aaney hotey they us din lagta tha k duniya pe apni hukumat.
I have fond memories of almost all present that day, Rohit was undoubtedly the most handsome guy in our class, a blonde with neatly creased uniform always. Anupama was another ever smiling face who, if I am not mistaken was extremely fond of playing basketball. After passing out from school we learnt that Rohit and Anu married. Before Mujib Zuberi’s genius was discovered, Amber was the only genius we knew. As a quiet and composed boy he called for respect even from the teachers. As anticipated and predicted by Gupta sir, he topped in boards and not Sachin Saxena who otherwise was always “First in Class”. Amber remains every bit the same, a sober Mathematician. Even though Mujib Zuberi despite trying hard could not make it to the event, yet, he was fondly remembered by almost all there. Few days later in Aligarh some of us gathered again at Rohit’s place and he joined. There we learnt he was OSD (Controller of Exams) in AMU. A post normally held by civil services personnel.
After this initial meeting and group photographs, we moved down to a room for a formal gathering. Akhilesh spoke for a while and I took over from him. It was around 2 in afternoon and the world cup final between India and Srilanka had just begun in Mumbai and could be seen on the TV hung on the wall to my left. I was extempore in telling the gathering that in 1983 when we passed high school, India lifted the world cup and today we are meeting, we would win today too. The guys cheered. I then acknowledged Facebook without which it would have been nearly impossible to meet almost all of these childhood buddies. Finally I sang my all-time favorite Kishore Kumar number “AA Chal k Tujhey Main Lekey Chalun Ek Aisey Gagan k Taley”. Applause was more formal than to take as real appreciation.
All of us then briefly introduced ourselves where we stand currently in life as family and professionals. Although almost all have impressive profiles I was particularly impressed by Sharad whose wife is a talented poetess who beautifully sang her own lyrics in her own composition.
Midway through this session lunch was served, simple yet, delicious food added flavor to the party.
I would belittle the whole event by not mentioning Gauri who came all the way from somewhere near Kargil and Anand who flew from Chennai only to attend this meet.
We started dispersing around 5 in evening with determination to keep meeting in future too. If not the best, this was one from the best days of my life so far, which I will cherish for life.
Since then our FB accouts are flooded with comments and expressions of regrets from those who missed out. I found the best comment as “with Gauri commanding her Brigadier husband, Bharat in control of sea and Akhilesh guarding the sky” we (The class of 83) is a power to reckon with.
I conclude with the lines below thanking Akhilesh and Sheeba and all those who attended.
Yahin pe tha mera bachpan, yahin kahin pe tha
yahin hansa tha
yahin kahi pe roya tha
yahin darakhton k saye main
thak k soya tha
Yahin pe tha mera bachpan, yahin kahin pe tha
Yahin pe tha mera bachpan, yahin kahin pe tha……………………………..
10 comments:
Amazing write up Mujeeb, you captured the event right from its genesis, I couldnt agree more with any other perspective.
That was mw above-Akhilesh
Thanx boy....my humble acknowledgemnt to ur efforts in making this event a success
there can not be a better day than this... By just reading this I can visualize the whole get together..
nice write up...
Keep writing mujeeb bhai
thnx owais...I have another two posts on this blog , do read these also
I agree with you totally when you said that school friends meet no matter after how so many years, there are no inhibitions and they pick up right exactly where they left off. Had the same experience last yr when a few of us met after 25yrs!!
Bachpan ke sathiyon se mil kar purani yaden tazaa kar li tum ne...bahut khub. Koshish kar ke, bar bar milte rehna...:)
Doc
Age no bar! Mujeeb. Inspite of the fact that i WAS a total stranger amongst learned and able,yet I TOO JUST CANNOT EVEN DREAM OF FORGETTING THE EVER LASTING MEMORIES OF THE GRAND DAY. Your post has left me thinking of the most wonderful moments I had amongst all present on the occasion. It( your post) has come as a refresher course atleast for me. My family and I am indebted to ALL for the best ever moments of my life. This is what should be termed as "DREAM COME TRUE"
With my whole heart I thank ALLAH for sending an angel as your loved one..MUSTAFA MIAN.
"TOR DE TASBEEH KO IS KHAYAL SE ..FARAZ..
KYA GIN GIN KE NAAM LENA USKA, JO BEHISAB DETA HAI"
Sheeba, Nabia,Bilal,Hera and ye nacheez aap sab ko duaon mein yaad rakhta hai.
Mujeeb bhai, thank you for sharing your blog with me. What a wonderful write up this is, and in fact I felt like taking a ride down the memory lane. It seemed as if I am a part of the story myself, truly engaging and engrossing! If I end up organising a similar meet sometime in the future, surely, the credit will be to your write-up. Keep going; and of course keeping me posted. Good luck!
thnx kashif.....
yeah very nostaligic indeed! I think I would like to start my own blog after reading yours.
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