It
was a nostalgic and reminiscent night, meeting all those seniors and juniors,
remembering the mischievous acts which we all used to do during our school
days. The reunion of Bishop Westcott Boys’ and Girls’ School organised by its
alumni association of Delhi chapter brought back the rich memories of the
school days. The meet was graced by association’s patrons, incumbent President
and founding President as well. EWA- the Ex Westcottians Association was launched
in the year of 2007 and since then it is working hard to reach out to the under
privileged section of society.
In
order to add more alumni who are settled outside Ranchi, the EWA decided to
flourish its wings to different corner of the country. The Ranchi and Kolkata
chapter is very much in existence and are organising such kind of meet every
year. With a highly motivated effort, Sandeep Anand, the current President
under the guidance of Patrons- the Principals of the Schools - Mr. RI Thornton
& Miss Jacobs worked hard to schedule a meet in Delhi.
The
President asked 1991 batch pass out Manoj Singh, who is also his friend to
organise an alumni meet in the capital city. Through Facebook I came in their contact;
have no idea about how Swati Thareja joined it? We met in a mall in Noida’s
sector 59 and drew a plan out for the event. In our initial days, we were
confused with the venue and the numbers. However the dilemma concerning the
venue got over as we got help from Mr. PN Prasad, who is 1985 pass-out and
currently a Commandant in ITBP. We three met him at his mess in South Delhi camp
and spent three long hours discussing life in schools, current affairs, and day
to day life and of course Kejriwal also. Mr. Prasad asked us not take any
tension about venue but to focus on numbers. With an aim to inform more and more ex students, Rounaq bhaiya has been approached, as he was famous during his stay in the school. He assisted online in informing the schoolmates of mid 1990s and starting 2000s. Despite busy with his father's medical treatment, he was in regular touch with us for organising the meet.
Since
then we kept updating each other through social networking sites, emails and
phone calls. We started calling whosoever we knew, and then took the help of
Facebook and Linkedin in figuring out the Westcottians living in and around
Delhi. Got positive response from all batches and decided to fix some
registration amount so that the function could be made a huge success. Swati
was looking after preparing speeches, purchase of gifts and selections of the
games to be played at the venue. Here, I had a privilege as I wasn’t assigned
with much work except arranging a cab. Mr. Singh was busy with coordinating the
Chief Guests, President and others, besides arrangement of fresh roses.
On
8th of February, the day of event along with two other friends we
boarded a cab and directly headed towards the airport, as that was the meeting
point of the organisers, so that the chief guests and others could be welcomed,
warmly. We reached ITBP officers mess 15 minutes ahead of the meet to be
started.
While
addressing the Ex-Westcottians, Principal BWBS asked to do something better for
the deprived section of society, especially the disabled people. Latter,
Principal BWGS supported her counterpart views and blessed the Delhi chapter.
Alumni shared their memories, achievements and future planning. Some of the
senior alumni expressed to contribute monetary assistance to newly born chapter
of EWA, so that further works can be done smoothly. Some of them came forward
with a view to develop website while others with sponsoring the next meet.
On
the very next day, the Principals and other guests left for their city. I along
with Mr. Prasad and Swati went to the airport to see them off. Now, we are
planning on taking the words of both the patrons forward. We are dedicated and committed
towards our work. Our aim is to attain new heights and wave the Westcottian
flag.
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