Fifty years after their final farewell, the Class of 1975 from St. John's High School in Chandigarh returned to their hallowed school grounds for a heartfelt reunion. The event, held on December 23, 2024, saw alumni, many accompanied by their spouses, gather to dine, share memories, and relive the joys of their formative years together.
A Nostalgic Return to Hallowed Grounds
The open-air gathering took place on the school's majestic lawns, where the warmth of camaraderie easily dispelled the winter chill. For these Johnians, who had joined the institution as toddlers from 1965 onwards, the evening was a seamless journey back in time. Conversations flowed effortlessly, filled with stories, gentle teasing, and the rediscovery of long-forgotten episodes, all met with peals of laughter.
The school itself is an integral part of their story. Founded in 1959 on a sprawling 33-acre campus in Sector 26, Chandigarh, St. John's High School carries the enduring legacy of the Christian Brothers Society. This society was established by Blessed Edmund Rice in Ireland in 1802. The campus is also noted for its distinctive architectural heritage, designed by the renowned Pierre Jeanneret.
The Bonds That Forged a Lifetime
The reunion was more than just a social event; it was a tribute to the foundation that shaped their lives. Heartfelt tributes were paid to former teachers, and gratitude was expressed to the present Reverend Brothers Beddoe, Phillip Pinto, and Augustine for their gracious welcome.
Alumni reflected on how the years at St. John's moulded them not just academically or professionally, but as individuals grounded in strong values. From mastering English grammar with Wren & Martin to learning the discipline of fine writing from teachers like Vera Foster, the lessons endured. The evening stirred vivid memories of Sports Days, drama productions, cricket matches, football goals, and the once-coveted gold cards from classroom assessments.
The Organising Spirit: An Ambition Fulfilled
Organising this milestone reunion was described as both an ambition and a labour of love. The effort ignited on WhatsApp groups, where initial messages quickly turned into enthusiastic confirmations. The timing, strategically coinciding with the annual St. John's Old Boys Association (SJOBA) Ball, proved irresistible, drawing Johnians back to Chandigarh from across the globe.
The SJOBA itself was highlighted as a vital bridge between the school's past and present, nurturing a powerful sense of belonging among generations of "Old Boys." For one alumnus, the pride was twofold, as his son Ankit also benefited from the same nurturing environment at St. John's.
As the night unfolded, the stately school building, the Brothers' residence, and the vast sports grounds transported everyone back. They remembered races run, javelins thrown, and march-pasts perfected. Even the old dread of missing parent-teacher meetings was recalled, now as a source of shared amusement.
The ultimate joy of the reunion, as expressed by the attendees, was being remembered not for what they had become in life, but for who they were during their school days. The event served as a potent tonic of rejuvenation, celebrating the enduring spring of education initiated by Blessed Edmund Rice, which continues to flow through the Society's schools worldwide, including over 20 in India.
