Garhwal Post Bureau
New Delhi, 23 Aug: The St Joseph’s Old Boys Association, Nainital, hosted a memorable and emotionally enriching alumni get-together over lunch at Kota House, here, on 23 August. The event brought together more than 100 old boys, along with past and present Principals and Brothers and officials of the Congregation of Christian Brothers in India (CCBI), in a spirit of camaraderie, nostalgia, brotherhood and fellowship.
The gathering was organised under the leadership of the Old Boys Association’s Governing Council comprising President Col Kaizad Bhaya, Vice President Rakesh Bhatt, Secretary Amandeep Singh, Treasurer Gaurav Chaubey and Member Karanveer Gangola.
The event commenced with a solemn homage to the old boys and members of the St Joseph’s College, Nainital, family who are no more. The gathering thereafter celebrated the enduring bonds of friendship, brotherhood and shared memories that continue to unite generations of SEMIANS/SEMITES.
A special felicitation ceremony was held to honour the Brothers who attended the gathering. They were felicitated in recognition of their dedication, selfless service and noble contribution to the promotion of education in India. Their invaluable role in nurturing generations of young people and in upholding the values and ideals of education was warmly acknowledged and deeply appreciated by all present.
Another significant highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of the Old Boys Association’s newsletter, “SEM TATLER”. The original Editor of SEM TATLER, Col Rana Roy, was felicitated for his valuable contribution to and long association with the publication.
The gathering also reflected the remarkable continuity of the St Joseph’s legacy across generations. V Lal, the senior-most member of the Old Boys Association from the 1951 batch, and Ayushman Sah, the youngest member to join from the 2024 batch, were specially recognised. Their presence symbolised an extraordinary bond spanning more than seven decades and vividly demonstrated the enduring strength of the SEMIAN/SEMITE fraternity.
Following the felicitation ceremony, the old boys came together to sing the College Anthem, creating one of the most moving and memorable moments of the gathering. The anthem was led by Lt Gen Zamiruddin Shah, former Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University and a proud member of the 1963 batch. As generations of SEMIANS/SEMITES stood together and sang their College Anthem, the atmosphere was filled with deep emotion, pride and a powerful sense of belonging. For many, it was a moment that brought back cherished memories of their school days and reaffirmed their lifelong bond with their beloved institution.
The formal proceedings were followed by lunch, where old boys, Brothers and guests came together for warm and lively interaction. SEMIANS/SEMITES from different generations shared memories, renewed old friendships and rekindled bonds that had remained strong despite the passage of time and the distances that life had created.
The get-together was marked throughout by warmth, bonhomie and a deep sense of nostalgia. Participants fondly reminisced about their school days and greatly appreciated the efforts of the Old Boys Association’s Governing Council in bringing together members of the SEMIAN/SEMITE community from different generations.
The overwhelming response to the event reflected the strong, vibrant and enduring spirit of the SEMIAN/SEMITE fraternity. Participants expressed their appreciation for the initiative and conveyed their enthusiasm for more such gatherings and activities in the future.
The St Joseph’s Old Boys Association reiterated its commitment to further strengthening the bonds among SEMIANS/SEMITES, creating more opportunities for them to reconnect, celebrate their shared heritage and contribute meaningfully to their beloved institution and the wider community.
The gathering was not merely a reunion; it was a celebration of a living legacy—one that has continued to bind generations of SEMIANS/SEMITES together through shared memories, enduring friendships, pride and an everlasting love for St Joseph’s College, Nainital.
