To most New Zealanders, especially those residing in Auckland, George Street in Papatoetoe brings memories of yesteryears with its old buildings and educational institutions.
That was the mood for a group of men and women who embarked on an emotional journey back in time at a meeting held at the Grange on August 17.
They reminisced their formative years in Fiji’s Nehru Memorial Primary School (NMPS), keeping aside all the trappings of their professional, social and domestic lives away from the event.
It looked like a school assembly. It was so in many ways.
While balloons, streamers and candles gave the venue a festive look, male and female mannequins dressed in NPMS uniform added lustre to the gathering.
Among the highlights of the programme were a haka by Krisneil and Aariyal Prasad (twins of Avendra and Roshni Prasad); speeches by Dr Yogesh Rathod, Kusma Nand and Rajni Jumar; dances by Dr Nalini Rao and others; and songs by Mukesh Raj (Auckland) and Manjit Singh Chopra (Sydney).
We recognised and honoured our revered teacher Moti Ram in absentia.
The success of the first meeting held in Sydney (Australia) on March 24, 2012 (Indian Newslink, April 15, 2012) encouraged in repeating the event this year in Auckland.
Warmth & Apathy
What makes school reunions so excited that alumni (some of them with age, time and financial constraints) do their best to be present at these occasions?
On the same count, why do some people, living in the same city, do not bother?
For most of us, the meeting was a recollection of happy childhood memories and carefree days at NMPS.
I am grateful to the alumni of the NMPS including those who sent messages and greetings, the organising committee in general and Umesh Ranchhod and Roshni Prasad in particular and photographer Shavindra Sharma son of Committee Member Rabindra Sharma and grandson of former NMPS teacher for ensuring the success of the event in New Zealand.
Former NMPS students in Brisbane have shown interest in hosting the meeting next year. Looking forward, we would be happy if the assembly can be organised in Wellington in 2015 and in Fiji in 2016 to mark the 50th Anniversary of the School.
Arveen Sharma is Senior Procurement/Contract Management Officer at the Treasury Directorate of the Federal Government of Australia based in Canberra. He is standing at extreme right in this picture featuring members of the Organising Committee (from left) Rabindra Sharma, Pritesh Patel, Rohit Patel, Dr Yogesh Rathod, Roshni Prasad and Umesh Ranchhod.
