Alumni Reunion of the 1980 Batch of BBM Students from Poornaprajna College at "Inchara", Salmara, Shankarpura

Date: January 7, 2024

Venue: Inchara, Salmara, Shankarpura, Udupi District, 574115

Summary:

After a remarkable 45 years, the 1980 batch of BBM students from Poornaprajna College gathered for a memorable reunion at "Inchara" in Salmara, Shankarpura. This event was a significant occasion, marking the first reunion of this group since their college days.

Key Organizers:

Ramesh PR, Madhusoodan Kidiyoor, Meera Bhat

Special Contributions:

Hema Shenoy, CR Sridhar, Sri Padmanabha Bhat, Husband of Meera

Attendees:

1. Vasudeva
2. Ramesh P R
3. Madhusoodana Kidiyoor
4. Meera
5. Vyjayanthi Pai
6. Hema Shenoy
7. Raghavendra (Polla)
8. Indiravathi
9. Parameshwara Adiga
10. Narayan Prasad
11. Jesintha
12. Sureshramana Mayya
13. Shivarama Bhat. V
14. M S Bhat
15. Suresh Upadhya
16. Tabitha
17. Sridhar Kamath
18. Kishor C Udhyavara

The following individuals have received prior approval to be absent due to their pre-existing commitments

1. Sridhar CR
2. Chandrashekar Adiga
3. Suresh Ballal
4. Dathatreya
5. Muralidhar AR
6. Poornima Kamath
7. Madhusoodan Puthuraya
8. Ravikala Shenoy
9. Sadashiva Mallya
10. Shobha Nayak
11. Srinivasa Acharya
12. Venktramala Rao
13. Vijayamohan
14. Prabhakara Shetty
15. Devaraj
16. Nagaraj KN

Event Highlights:

1. Group Photo of 1980 Identification Challenge: Each member was given a group photo of the 1980 batch. The task was to identify each student in the photo by writing their names according to the assigned number and row in the photo.  A time limit was imposed, adding an element of challenge to the task. Narayan Prasad demonstrated exceptional recall abilities by correctly identifying 53 out of 62 students, winning the first prize. Indira showcased her strong memory as well, securing the second prize by identifying 43 students.
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3. Musical Chairs: The game of musical chairs was a lively part of the reunion. The well-timed stops and starts of the music, crucial for the game's dynamics, were skillfully managed by Sri Padmanabha Bhat, Polla and Vaijayanthi Pai. The creation and control over the music's tempo and rhythm added to the suspense and enjoyment of the participants and spectators alike. Jesintha emerged as the winner, with Suresh Upadhyaya as the runner-up.
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5. Memory Test: The memory test, an innovative and engaging activity at the reunion, was conceived and administered by Ramesh PR. He meticulously arranged a room with a variety of items, ranging from college memorabilia to everyday objects, to test the alumni's recall abilities. Participants were given a limited time to observe these items and then write down everything they remembered. This challenge, evoking the academic rigor of their college days, saw enthusiastic participation and impressive performances, particularly from Vyjayanthi Pai and Hema Shenoy, who secured the first and second prizes respectively. Ramesh's administration of this test added a unique and enjoyable dimension to the reunion, highlighting the enduring sharpness and wit of the alumni.
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7. Hitting the Wicket: The reunion of Poornaprajna College's BBM class of 1980 was notably brightened by a spirited 'Hitting the Wicket' competition, where alumni showcased their cricketing flair. Mr. MS Bhat emerged as a standout champion, impressing everyone with his remarkable precision and skill, clinching the first prize. Close on his heels was Meera Bhat, who displayed excellent prowess and competitive spirit, earning her a well-deserved second place.
8. 
   Meera's Exceptional Hospitality:

Meera's hospitality was a cornerstone of the event's success. She arranged a sumptuous array of food and sweets, along with ice cream, all beautifully packed for guests to take home. Additionally, her distribution of gifts to the alumni added a warm, personal touch. We celebrated the Birth Day of Indira with songs and dance. Holige, Mysorepak, and towels sponsored by Indira, the birthday celebrant

Special Appearance - Tabitha:

Tabitha's attendance, after 45 years, was a highlight, especially her elegant attire in a beautiful saree, which was greatly appreciated by all.

Future Plans:

The alumni expressed a keen interest in organizing future events, with a specific focus on including faculty members who taught them during their time at Poornaprajna College. This initiative aims to not only relive the memories of their student days but also to honor and reconnect with their mentors. Plans are underway to reach out to these faculty members and facilitate their participation in the next reunion. The idea is to create an even more enriching experience by sharing stories and experiences from both the perspectives of the students and their teachers.

Top row, standing from left, (1) Madhusoodan Kidiyur, (2) Sureshramana Mayya, (3) Suresh Ballal, (4) Late Sri Sudheer Bhat, (5) Kishor C Udyavar, (6) Lawrance, (7) Vishnumurthi, (8)Vasudeva Rao, (9) Dinesh Nayak, (10) Suresh Upadhya, (11) Manohar Nayak, (12) Vamana Shetty. Second Raw from top and from left  -(1) Rajaram Semitha B (2) Vasudeva (3) M S Bhat (4) Vijaya Mohan (5) Dathatreya (6) Manohara Shetty (7) ---      (8) Srinivas Bhat (9) Lakshmikanth Upadhya (10) Madhusoodan Puthuraya (11) Late Nagendra Krishna Mallya (12) Third row from Top, from left (1) Srinivas Acharya (2) Sadashiva Mallya (3) Narayana Prasad (4) Late Sathish Ulithyaya (5) Balakrsihna Shetty (6) Narashima Murthi (7)  ----- (8) Shivaram Bhat V (9) Parameshwara Adiga (10) Nagaraj K N (11) Muralidhar A R (12) Chandrashekara Adiga (13) Raghavendra Rao, Fourth row from top, from left (1) Asha Hegde (2) Poornima Kamath (3) Sharada Pai (4) Vaijayanthi Pai (5) Ravikala Prabhu (6) Hema Shenoy (7) Rohini Acharya (8) Kanchana Shetty (9) Vanamala (10) Shobha Nayak (11) Meera Bhat  (12) Indira (13) Jessie (14) Tabitha Sitting from left (1) Sridhar Kamath (2) Prof. Keroor (3) Prof. Venugopala Mulleria (4) Prof. Sridhar Rao (5) Late Prof. Radhakrishna Achar (6) Late Prof. Ganesh Tantri (7) Late Prof. Krishna Dixith (8) Prof. Kishor (11) Prof. R L Bhat (12) Late Sri Sathish Yadiyal (13) Prabhakar Shetty

Conclusion:

The reunion at "Inchara" was more than just a nostalgic event; it was a celebration of lifelong friendships and shared experiences. The alumni left with a promise to maintain these connections and meet again, with the added excitement of involving their former faculty in future gatherings. The spirit of the 1980 batch of Poornaprajna College remains strong and vibrant, as demonstrated by this successful reunion.

The YouTube video showcasing highlights from our alumni get-together can be viewed at the following link:

Mangalore to Goa Vande Bharat Express: A Memorable Journey

On December 30, 2023, a significant milestone was achieved in Indian Railways' history when Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the new Mangaluru Central to Madgaon Goa Vande Bharat Express train. This inaugural event, conducted via video conferencing from the revamped Ayodhya Dham railway station, marked the introduction of a high-speed, luxurious travel option connecting Karnataka and Goa.

The Vande Bharat Express, operating between Mangaluru and Madgaon, promises to enhance tourism and provide a convenient travel option for commuters, including students, business professionals, and IT experts. The train, numbered 20646/20645, offers a scenic journey with stops at Udupi and Karwar. Departing from Mangaluru Central at 8:30 AM, it reaches Madgaon at 1:15 PM, and on its return, it leaves Madgaon at 6:10 PM, arriving in Mangaluru Central at 10:45 PM. Operating six days a week, this train excludes service on Thursdays.

This Vande Bharat service, the 41st in India, commenced its commercial journey on December 31, 2023. Ticket prices range from Rs. 1220.00 for AC Chair Car to Rs. 2210.00 for Executive Chair Car, with Tatkal options available at higher rates.

Eager to experience this new service, I, along with Dr. S S Karanth, his wife Smt Kusuma Karanth, my wife Dr. Shreemathi S Mayya, and my co-brother Sri Gopikrishna Bhat and his wife Smt. Saraswathi Bhat, embarked on this journey from Udupi to Madgaon. The Executive Coach, with its welcoming staff, comfortable seating, and amenities like newspapers and high tea, offered a luxurious experience, complemented by the lush green views outside.

Upon reaching Madgaon, we planned to visit the Birla Radha Krishna Temple but learned it opened at 3 pm. Instead, we first visited the Naval Aviation Museum in Goa, inaugurated in 1998. This unique museum, the only one of its kind in Asia, showcases a rich array of aircraft and naval equipment. Its outdoor gallery displays 13 aircraft, while the interior, designed like the INS Viraat, features various galleries, a Jet cockpit simulator, and a 'Shradhanjali' granite slab honoring Naval Pilots.

Later, we visited the Birla Radha Krishna Temple, a serene sanctuary blending traditional Indian architecture with modern elements. The temple, set amidst Goa's lush greenery, is not just a place of worship but a cultural hub, attracting devotees and art enthusiasts alike.

A small video - click the video below: 

After a fulfilling day, we met my relative Mr. Rathnakar Rao, a respected pharmacy proprietor and yoga teacher. We concluded our visit with coffee at Madgaon Railway Station and purchased Bibinka to share with our laughing club members.

Our return journey on the Vande Bharat Express was equally pleasant, marking the end of a memorable and satisfying trip. This experience on the Vande Bharat Express, from Mangalore to Goa and back, was not just a journey but a testament to the progress and luxury now available in Indian rail travel.