Yesterday was a special day, and I had to take care of both. Mom had a meet up with her school batch mates at their school premise and it was also my son's birthday. Initially they planned the meet up for today (31st), but then I requested to prepone by a day, so that I can be available to take them and later join my son in the evening for a dinner on his birthday. Balancing both was a bit tough for me, but then we have to take care of both, parents being the higher priority.
We had booked a known driver, but unfortunately when we called him in the morning, he said he cannot be available, as his vehicle broke down the previous day at a distant place. For this reason, I was staying at my native place since our last cricket event - they cannot miss this event, its so important for them - look at their enthusiasm . At their age, even its unpredictable, who will be in the next event. So I got up at 5.30 am in the morning and took care of all the activities, helping Mom, to be able to start sooner, as we had to drive 100 km and also pick up one of her friend on our way. Once her friend joined, the conversation was unstoppable - happens, isn't it ? When you meet your school friend after a year, that excitement, happiness can not be contained.
It took a little more than couple of hours to reach the spot and then, I felt all of them were at the top of their world - meeting 1968 school mates at this age - a pure blissful moment for all of them - the photos and videos would explain all that.
A mini snacks on arrival - village style but very tasty.
Honoring Somnath Mishra very popularly known as HeadMastre (The Founder Head Master) who changed the lives of so many people - he sacrificed everything to build the school and grow human plant. That was the kind of ethics at that time for which, he will be remembered forever. Even my parents tell us his stories and we heard about few experiences in the Meet-up. One thing that I must appreciate - they still follow the values they learnt from their teachers.
The school was established in 1947 - you definitely can now imagine the hardship HeadMastre would have taken to build up this.
The old buildings are now demolished for modern infrastructure - and a memory from that time in the below photograph. Mom was recollecting how they were using this.
The meeting started with an honor to the national anthem and then speech from everyone was just so emotional - I barely can even think to meet my friend at this age. Most of them have health issues, but that excitement brought all of them to this far place.
Tribute to their friend who was actively managing these Meet-ups till last year, life is so uncertain.
He wrote an inspiring song for his friend who passed away - realities of life expressed with so much emotion.
The book written by one of their friend unveiled there and distributed to every one - where there is a will, there is a way.
Memory lane for him - walking 2 miles to come to school every day.
A meet without good food is incomplete.
Some Intense discussion on the table :)
And then some final words and depart with a promise to meet next year, only if.........
An old building in below picture waiting for demolition.
The blessed young man sitting in the center is the grandson of their friend who passed away and has taken the responsibility of all arrangements since then. Full compiled video covering everything, so that everyone can see it.
By the time we came back, it was late evening, so I booked a cab to drop my parents from my place and joined my son, but I will leave that to another post as the Zero night celebration is just a hour away. I know many people are eagerly waiting for this post and video, so I prepared this without taking any rest today - this is my new year gift to all of them - it definitely will mean so much for them.
And if you want to see the old event from 2021, then you can watch this :
Some of them are not there with us any more - this is life - unpredictable, uncertain - live every moment you have.
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