Aloysian Alumni Reunion Day 2004
It was a scenario of 2 batsmen in a test match well past their centuries, making merry at the crease and continuing the innings to the excitement and joy of their supporters and fans. The two batsmen - St Aloysius College/Institutions stepping into the 125th year and the St Aloysius College Alumni Association, (SACAA) in its 103rd year. The Day-12th January, the Founders Day.
It was no wonder then that the SACAA annual reunion organized on the 12th evening turned out to be an eventful and memorable day. The participants at the evening function included not only the 700 plus who turned up for the function but also those in the distant lands, in the gulf countries, Europe and the United States who joined the organisers by sending in their sponsorships for the various events and items.
The stage for the function was set at the High School Grounds which occupies the central and the topmost spot in the college campus, with ample parking space. The evening bonanza began with a formal function with Gerald Fernandes, the SACAA President, welcoming the audience. This was followed by brief talks by Fr. Ronnie Prabhu SJ, Provincial and Fr. Eugene Lobo SJ, Director of SACAA and Principal. The high point of the formal function was the handing over by the SACAA President to the Rector a balance amount Cheque of Rs. 3 lakhs out of the total of Rs. 5 lakhs from SACAA as contribution towards a classroom in the newly built 9 floored Science and Research Block. Winston D’Souza, Hon. Secretary after reading out the report of SACAA concluded the formal function with a vote of thanks. Fr. Denzil Lobo SJ was busy with his camera recording the goings on. Also present were Fr. Swebert D’Silva SJ, Principal of PU College, Fr. Gilbert Saldanha SJ, Headmaster of the High School and Fr. Leo Pereira, Headmaster of the Primary School. There were a good number of staff members past and present and rightfully their tickets were sponsored by the old students – a small gesture for the hard times they had given their teachers.
The formal function was followed by a well lined up burst of fun filled and exciting events which included spot games, a “leg pulling” body building competition for the old students, a game of housie, quiz questions, most charming wife competition of Aloysian oldies, the Tiger dance and a bonfire accompanied with the lighting of fireworks. Over 50 gifts were given to the winners of various competitions and these gifts were again sponsored by the old students.
The Cosmic Rays Music Band of Prem Kumar an Aloysian Alumnus was in attendance with the most sought after scintillating songs and a melodies. Louis Pinto’s High Spirits counter of course was the most sought after. The programme was compared beautifully by the dynamic master of ceremonies Neil D’Souza. The top caterers in town and also one of the long lasting, M. D’Souza and sons provided everyone with a three course sumptuous dinner both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. It was indeed a memorable evening that wound up at 11 p.m. A fitting beginning indeed to the 125th year celebrations in the college, which will continue until 12th January 2005.
