Alumni Reconnect at Diamond Jubilee Celebration in Day of Nostalgia
Photo Collected
The Mandargaon High School premises in the Manoharganj upazila of Cumilla were transformed into a landscape of nostalgia on Saturday as the institution celebrated its 60th anniversary. The diamond jubilee and inaugural reunion brought together nearly 700 former students, ranging from seasoned professionals to those who have only recently entered the workforce, all returning to honor the school that has served as a beacon of education in the region since 1966.
Despite an overcast sky that threatened rain, the festive spirit remained undeterred. Donning commemorative colored T-shirts and identification badges, alumni spent the day navigating familiar corridors, gathering under long-standing trees, and sharing stories that bridged decades. The event, which officially commenced with a recitation from the Quran and the national anthem, served as a poignant homecoming for those who have since gone on to hold significant positions both domestically and abroad.
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The program featured a series of heartfelt tributes, including a discussion session and the honoring of former teachers. The sight of retired faculty members returning to the campus prompted emotional reunions, with many former students expressing their gratitude through tears and embraces. During the afternoon, representatives from various graduating batches took the stage to share anecdotes of their youth—recounting stories of classroom mischief, the strict but formative guidance of their mentors, and the camaraderie of their adolescent years.
For many, the event was a realization of the enduring bond between an institution and its pupils. Zahirul Islam, a representative of the 1997 graduating class, remarked that the gathering successfully bridged the generational divide, making seniors and juniors feel like members of a single family. Meanwhile, Dr. Lalon Mia, the member secretary of the celebration committee, noted that the event was an exercise in returning to one’s roots, highlighting that the success of the milestone celebration was the result of collaborative efforts across all alumni batches.
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The celebration also provided a platform for alumni to reflect on the physical transformation of their alma mater. Mahbub Alam, the convener of the celebration committee, recalled how the school once operated out of modest tin-roofed structures, contrasting those memories with the improved infrastructure visible today. Throughout the grounds, families mingled as parents pointed out their former classrooms and playgrounds to their children, illustrating the legacy that the school has built over the last six decades.
Teacher Dilip Kumar Shil expressed profound pride in seeing his former pupils return as accomplished professionals, noting that such reunions represent the greatest achievement for any educational institution. The gathering also drew the attention of local leadership, with Member of Parliament for Cumilla-9, Md. Abul Kalam, commending the alumni for their initiative and dedication to their roots. As the day concluded with a raffle draw, a vibrant cultural program, and the unveiling of a commemorative publication titled “Neere Fera,” the event reinforced the sentiment that while time moves forward, the influence of a formative education remains timeless.
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