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Regular-article-logo Wednesday, 08 May 2024

Martinians go ‘back to school’ for the Annual Bonfire Reunion

There is no better way to spend a winter evening than catching up with old friends in a place where you created some of the best memories — school. No wonder the Annual Bonfire Reunion, presented by Association of La Martiniere Alumni (ALMA), in association with The Telegraph, on the La Martiniere for Girls School grounds, is such a draw year after year. The alumni of La Martiniere for Boys and La Martiniere for Girls came together to enjoy an evening of music, dance, food and a whole lot of adda as they gathered around the bonfire to keep the chill away.

TT Bureau Published 23.01.18, 12:00 AM
Prabhav Murarka (second from right) posed with his 2016 batchmates. “We are friends for 10 years now. We would often target the lessons we found boring and misbehaved just so we could get thrown out of the class and chill at this huge tank in our school. It was our bunking spot!” laughed Prabhav.

There is no better way to spend a winter evening than catching up with old friends in a place where you created some of the best memories — school. No wonder the Annual Bonfire Reunion, presented by Association of La Martiniere Alumni (ALMA), in association with The Telegraph, on the La Martiniere for Girls School grounds, is such a draw year after year. The alumni of La Martiniere for Boys and La Martiniere for Girls came together to enjoy an evening of music, dance, food and a whole lot of adda as they gathered around the bonfire to keep the chill away.

Mariam Zaki (right) with Rhea Dhote, from the batch of 2014. “December in Calcutta means the ALMA night for all Martinians,” said Mariam.
Nayona Roy, from the batch of 2009, wore a  cowl top paired with a black, slim skirt and leather boots. Her purse added a little bling to her outfit and let’s not miss that bright red lipstick.
Yashodhara Kundra (batch of 2016) showed off her love for LBDs in this Armani dress which she paired with black, strappy heels. “The highlight of the reunion for me was being able to reconnect with batchmates who I haven’t seen in a while. Singing the school song made me feel nostalgic,” said Yashodhara.
City-based band Here After got the crowd moving to covers of retro tracks like Red Red Wine, Mysterious Girl and Hello.
Vanshika Saraf, from the batch of 2017, took advantage of the perfect selfie backdrop provided by the bonfire and posed for a groupfie with her batchmates. “I do not want to let go of my schooldays. We wanted to meet all our batchmates and reunions are the best way to do so. If I am in town next year, I will definitely be here,” said Vanshika (fourth from left).
Simran Panchamia (left), from the batch of 2016, with her mother Hardika, who is from the batch of 1990. “My whole family is from La Martiniere. I was the captain of Hastings House in 2015 and 2016 and I met someone today who was the captain of the same house in 1953! This made me realise how old my school really is! Nostalgia would be an understatement,” said Simran.
This pretty lady’s dance moves caught our eye.
Javed Majid (second from right) had a “gala time” with his friends from the batch of 1995. “Today was a rocking night. It’s always great meeting up with old friends,” he said.
Martinians sing their school anthem Hail! Hail! The Name We Own!
There was no stopping the Martinians once DJ Sheik started playing Bollywood retro tracks.
DJ Sheik played a commercial and Bollywood set, with a hint of retro. 
The ALMA committee. “It is a pleasure to see smiles, hugs and friendships when batchmates meet with laughter in their hearts. ‘Back to school’ for all Martinians is nostalgia revisited! It is the perfect platform to renew old ties and foster bonds of friendship and camaraderie. Here we turn the clock back. That’s what a reunion is all about,” said Jayajit Biswas (first row, second from right), vice-president, ALMA.

Text: Urvashi Bhattacharya
Pictures: Koushik Saha

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