Golden Jubilee of Joining of 72-76 Batch of REC in ABAD WISPERING PALMS KUMARAKAM ON 27 ,28 ,29 January 2023
About three months ago, I received a phone call from Thomachen. Thomas George, whom we affectionately call Thomachen, is my classmate and close friend. We were Civil Engineering students in the 1972-76 batch at the Regional Engineering College, Kozhikode. After graduation, we both joined the Kerala PWD as Assistant Engineers at the same time. After 32 years of exemplary service, I retired as a Superintending Engineer, and Thomachen retired as an Executive Engineer. Post-retirement, he has been living comfortably with his wife Reeni in the ancestral home he inherited in Kottayam. Reeni is also a remarkable woman, having retired as an Executive Engineer from the PWD. Regular phone conversations between us have been common.
However, what TG (Thomas
George) mentioned that day was not something he usually talked about.
"Hey Manu," he said, "We are going to celebrate the golden
jubilee of our joining the Regional Engineering College. What do you say?"
I know him well. He is the kind of person who completes any task he takes up
with perfection. It was clear to me that he had already made up his mind about
this and was calling to seek support. Without any second thought, I immediately
expressed my willingness. At the same time, some doubts started creeping into
my mind.
Earlier, it was this same Thomachen and another classmate, Georgekutty (whom we all call Achayan), who had organized the silver jubilee celebrations splendidly. Twenty-five years have passed since then. Most of us are now 68 years old. I raised my doubts about whether such a grand celebration could be pulled off at this age.
Thomachen said, "Hey
Manu" (he calls me Manu), "If Achayan and I stand together, it will
happen. All we need is your cooperation."
"Thomacha," I said, "This is a costly affair. Large amounts of
money will have to be advanced. And there’s always the chance that those who
confirm today might back out tomorrow."
"Manu, everything will work out. I have faith in our people. Anyway, you
will be there in Kumarakom, right?" Thomachen ended the call.
Although I had given him my assurance, I still had my doubts about whether this meeting would succeed.
Two days later, Thomachen called again. "We are planning for the end of January. That will give everyone enough time to book tickets and make other arrangements. We are going to visit some resorts in Kumarakom. Our aim is to find the best one with good discounts. We are also communicating with some people experienced in such matters."
When Thomachen said he was trying to get the best discount, it didn’t sound like an exaggeration. I was aware that both Thomachen and Achayan were working tirelessly for this. Even so, money was an essential requirement. Achayan took the lead by opening an account in his name. No amount of gratitude towards Achayan would be enough for this gesture.
The first person to contributed money was Ashok Kumar, known by the nickname "PME," who is still working as a consultant for the Chennai Metro. Ashok Kumar’s contribution laid the foundation for others to follow. Soon, many more came forward to register and make payments. This boosted the confidence of both Thomachen and Achayan.Throughout this process, Thomachen kept me updated on the progress through phone calls. He shared details like arranging a musical troupe led by Madhu, who had come from Canada (back during our campus days, I didn’t know Madhu could sing so well). He also mentioned organizing a boat trip with local toddy, courtesy of Jimmy.
January 27, 2023
And so, the day finally arrived. Thomachen had informed me that approximately forty families and an additional 30 individuals were expected to attend. Most people were scheduled to arrive on the 27th, while the rest were expected to join the following morning on the 28th. Apart from those traveling from Ernakulam, everyone else participated fully, while some from Ernakulam joined partially.
I was curious why people from the nearby districts did not attend both days. Upon inquiry, Thomachen explained that it was due to their family commitmentsMyself &Lekha travelled in my own car. Joining us were Antoo P.D. (retired as a Superintending Engineer from the Mumbai Port Trust and now residing permanently in Mumbai) and Abraham Philip, fondly called AV during college days (from Thane Mumbai).
Jojo, Vijay Kumar Singh, Satyanarayanan, Anilkumar Bajpayee's daughter, Bajpayee, Haridas, Aravindakshan, and Ravindran posing for a photo at Ramavarma Club.
Antoo, who works as a CEO of a company after retirement ,have joined at Ankamali with me. Abraham Philip, who had flown in from Mumbai and landed at Nedumbasseri Airport, joined us at the airport junction. Our lunch was arranged at the Ramavarma Union Club in Kumarakom.Listening to AV’s jokes and stories, we didn’t even realize when we reached the Ramavarma Club.
By the time we reached the Ramavarma Club, several people had already arrived. Among them were Benchi and his family from Bangalore, Nagesh Kini and his family, Anil Kumar Bajpai, his wife Nalini, and their daughter Jaya (Jaya is a software engineer in Pune), and Vijay Kumar Singh with his family. All of them had arrived earlier that morning.
Anil Kumar Bajpai had travelled from Allahabad to Bangalore and then accompanied Benji to Kumarakom. Vijay Kumar Singh, a retired Superintending Engineer from Bihar,reached from Bangalore . Bajpai still works as a professor at Allahabad University. Mani P. Benjamin, who had worked with Hindustan Aeronautics, and Nagesh Kini, who retired from Neyveli Lignite Corporation, were also there. Mani P. Benjamin continues to work as a consultant.
Vijay kumar Singh &Benji having a chitcat over a cup of tea
Abraham philip ,Sathyanarayanan,Haridas and Aravindakshan at Ramavarma club
Mr.Jojo Joseph and Mr.Joseph Augustine, along with their families, joined the gathering at Ramavarma club from Ernakulam. After a sumptuous lunch, we departed for the Abad Whispering Palms Resort, where we were to spend the next two days.
Mr.Tom Joseph had called earlier to inform us that a van full of our classmates were arriving soon from Kozhikode. He updated us by phone that they had started their journey at 6 a.m. and had already crossed Aroor in Alleppey. Mr. Moideen Kutty Mathari and his wife Nadira, who have settled in Michigan, USA, had travelled miles to attend this grand reunion. Moideen Mathari, who graduated in Civil Engineering with distinction, now works as a consultant in Michigan.
Mr.Abdul Razak and his wife Sherin were also attending. Interestingly, Sherin is an alumni of the Regional Engineering College (REC), and both their daughters are also alumni of NIT (formerly REC), underscoring Razak’s deep connection with the institution.
P.V. Gopinathan, who retired as a Chief Engineer from the Water Authority, P. Gopinathan and Radhakrishnan, who retired as Executive Engineers from the Irrigation Department, along with Kappada Ramesh and his wife Rani, Abu Baker, and Scaria (fondly called Kattangal Scaria), were part of the group, as informed by Tom Joseph. Although Tom Joseph is from Kanjirappilly, after retiring from the Irrigation Department, he is now running a renowned valuation firm in Kozhikode. Abdul Latheef(a quarry owner&buisiness man), a former member of our college football team, was also part of the gang.One notable absence at this grand gathering was Mr Abdullah. He had informed us with regret that he wouldn’t be able to participate as he was in Dubai at the time. Abdullah had retired as a Director of BARC Mumbai and is now residing with his wife Afsa in Kozhikode.
Since we couldn’t wait indefinitely for the Kozhikode group, we proceeded to check in at Whispering Palms. The resort was located about three kilometers from the Ramavarma Club. Thomachen and Achayan had already arranged the room allocations in advance, making the check-in process seamless. We collected our room keys and headed directly to our rooms.
By the time we settled in, the gang from Kozhikode had also arrived at the resort.
Female presence from the 72-76 batch: Rajitha Kumari, Thangamani, Pushpa, and Leela.
The four girls from back then today: Leela, Pushpa, Thangamani, and Rajitha Kumari."
At this point, it felt as though the REC campus was being recreated, with happiness and excitement flowing abundantly. It was in 1972, at the age of 17, that we arrived at the REC campus, with youthful exuberance and dreams in our hearts. Back then, 95% of the students resided in the hostels. Half of the batch hailed from Kerala, while the other half came from various states across India.
In our batch, there were students from states like Kashmir, Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and more. However, the majority of non-Keralite students were from Andhra Pradesh. Among us were also two students from Nepal, and it is a sad truth that even in this era of connectivity, we have been unable to get in touch with them.
Vishnu Prasad Shrestha and Anand Kumar Battaju, the two Nepalese students, were my classmates in the Civil Engineering department. They were dearly loved peers. Vishnu, who was slightly stout, and Anand, who was lean, were both unique personalities. They are likely spending their retirement years somewhere in Kathmandu. However, our inability to reconnect with them remains a sorrowful fact to this day.
Pushpa (Electrical branch)in a victory ceremony during a sports meet
During the visit to charminar in Hyderabad
REGIONAL ENGG COLLEGE MAIN BUILDING A VIEW DURING 1972
A journey through the forests of Wayanad – An old photograph.
College bus driver and students heading to calicut town on – A photograph from 1972."
One of our favorite pastimes was gathering at the valley in the evenings to sing songs and share stories. For those who weren’t interested in sports or other activities, the valley provided a way to spend time meaningfully. The 400-acre campus always stood as a haven, waiting patiently for dreamers to weave their aspirations.
GOOD OLD DAYS OF REC.ABDUL RAHMAN ( behind extreme right) WAS WORKING AS A PROFESSOR IN BRAZIL WHEN HE LEFT US ALL FOR HEAVEN
One of the main reasons for the strong bonding among the students of REC was that most of us would only go home only during Onam and Christmas. Since many of the students were from central Travancore, the lack of transportation facilities often motivated them to stay back in the hostels of REC. For students from other states, the likelihood of going home at least once a year is certain.
Additionally, the food served at REC was one of its distinct attractions. There were four large hostels on campus at the time. A, B, C, and E. First-year students stayed in A Hostel, second-year students in B Hostel, third-year students in C Hostel, and final-year students in E Hostel. D Hostel was under construction at the time. Interestingly, we were the first batch to reside in D Hostel.
- A Hostel had the Pure Vegetarian Mess.
- B Hostel was known as the Beef Mess, as it served a variety of non-vegetarian dishes.
- C Hostel catered to North Indian students.
- D Hostel was known as the Mutton Mess, as beef wasn’t served there.
Students were allowed to dine in any mess of their choice. Even now, I remember that the mess bill was below 90 rupees. You could eat as much as you wanted without any restrictions. Many students, right after their games, would head straight to the mess. We’d often see plates piled high with chapatis and curries.
The weekly feasts were another highlight, as students themselves organized these celebrations. The food served was so delicious that it was unmatched even at home. We only visited our homes once in six months during that time may be due to the delicious food served in hostel mess.I still remember GOPALAN OF A mess who was very friendly with students.
My roommate, Dani, was often the mess representative, which ensured I had special privileges. I still remember the chicken biryani and the rich aroma that lingers in my memory. Even today, that taste remains etched in my mind.
As I mentioned earlier, the initial days of our college were marked by severe ragging. It was a period when ragging was rampant and unchecked in engineering and medical colleges. The authorities made no attempt to control this, possibly due to the lack of stringent regulations. Often, ragging turned violent and uncontrollable, primarily due to a small group of individuals who took it too far.
Typically, ragging would end within a couple of months, but for some reason, it didn’t happen in our batch. This extended ragging led to dismissals and other disruptions for some students. One such student was Philip Thomas from Thiruvalla. During that time, the movie "Chembarathi" had become a hit, and Philip was accused of ragging students in the manner of a character from that film.He himself called him SUDHIR the villain of this much acclaimed film. His dismissal was the result of this complaint.
When I recall ragging, the image of Kannampulli Murali comes to mind (now known as a Maoist leader). Murali and his group were particularly notorious for ragging, and their actions are still etched in memory. Others who faced suspension included M.Surendran(Palghat), Rajan Kombra(Wynad), and Narendra Kona from Gujarat. Their lives were significantly impacted.
It was while reflecting on my first year that these memories come back to me. Regardless, due to the strict implementation of rules, ragging has mostly disappeared from educational institutions. While there are some positive aspects of ragging, I stand on the side that believes it is not a good practice. Ragging often led to seniors dominating juniors, but it often became physically and mentally distressing, which is a harsh reality that cannot be ignored. As time went on, laws evolved, and attitudes shifted.
A skit
Another painful event that comes to mind is the accidental death of Madaswami, which also happened during our first year. Madaswami was a Tamil Nadu native studying pre-final Mechanical Engineering. The tragic incident happened while Madaswami and his friends were playing hockey on the terrace of C hostel. In an attempt to save a ball, Madaswami fell down and tragically lost his life.
One of the significant events of our first year that remains unforgettable was a major exhibition that took place in our college. Huge no of people, numbering in the thousands, came from Kozhikode and surrounding areas to witness this exhibition. The final-year students played a crucial role in making this exhibition a grand success. Since I was one of the first year students in the Civil Engineering Department, I was also involved in sharing information about various model display of bridges including cable-stayed bridge, which we had also helped to fabricate. Even today, I vividly recall the Clover Leaf design we showcased during that exhibition.
P.Rajan(brutally killed during the emergency period)
Mr P Rajan was our secretary cultural wing during pre final year.He was a good actor& singer
The painful truth that many of those who were with us during those days are not available today . Mr P Rajan, who is well known in the incident as the “Rajan case”, was also my close friend. Rajan was not only an excellent singer but also a brilliant actor. He was studying Civil Engineering and was in my class .He was a good student who was very keen in studying. I always remember Rajan walking through the corridors of our hostel humming Malayalam songs. I still vividly remember the day I saw Rajan for the last time. It was in the morning at around 12 o clock on the fateful day, he met me in corridor of D- hostel and requested me to attend the University Arts Festival conducted at Farook College Calicut.
Leela a&Thankamani at a function in college
"Peter, Sreedharan& Tom Joseph."
Let's pose one."
We only went home twice a year – just for one week each time. The remaining 340 days were spent in the hostel. In a time when there were no communication the only option connecting homes are via inland letters. That period from June 1972 to March 1977 was a unique phase in the history of mankind and I believe at least as far as our lives are concerned. Each one of us seems to be trying to hold onto the memories of that time, which reflected in the glow of our faces.
A photo session before boating."
Organizing Committee - Thomas George (TG) & George Kutty (Achayan)."
Jose Cherian (Canada), Rameshan (Kappada),&Mohan Abraham
Idikkula Mathew& Ramakrishna Thummala
Today, more than 50% of students at NIT are girls. However, back in our 72-76 batch (civil, mechanical, electrical), there were only four girls studying. In the Civil Engineering batch, we had three (Leela, Thankamani, Rajitha), and in Electrical Engineering, there was Pushpa.Mrs Leela retired as a principal from Govt Engineering College Kannur after serving in various Engineering colleges in Kerala, including Thiruvananthapuram Engineering College.Mrs Thankamani retired as an Executive engineer from the Irrigation Department and now resides in Perumbavoor. Mrs.Pushpa returned to Kerala after a long tenure in the U.S. and now works as a professor in an engineering college here.Rajitha was already married when she joined REC.She discontinued due to some personal problems and could not complete the course. But she is one who always arttend our meetings without any failure .We are greatly indebted to RAJITHA for her love to us, her batchmates
These four women would have definitely carrying the golden memories of navigating a beautiful life in a male-dominated world. It’s heartening to know that all of them are here with us today at Wispering Palm, sharing this joy and reunion.
"A group of spouses."
Satyanarayanan , also nicknamed as Kalyani, Kumar S.L., Thadi Mohanan, and Moideen Mathari."
"Soundar rajan (Titanic) was the loverboy of our batch."
Dani Thomas,Binnu and Joseph Augustine
In a calm evening in June 1972, I arrived in Kozhikode city along with mybeloved father and rented a room at Imperial Lodge in the heart of the city. It was for joining a prestigious institution in Engineering situated some 15 km away from the city. Regional Engineering College was situated at Chathamangalam, a sleeping village some 15 km away from the city. Even after fifty years, I still vividly remember those moments. It was at Imperial Lodge that I got acquainted with Mr.Mohanlal, who was also staying in the room right next to us with his father. Mr.Mohanlal and I were together in the same class for next four years, attending the same practical sessions and sharing the same bench. Seeing him brought back all those memories to my mind.
The next day, after joining the college, my father finalized my accommodation at A hostel and left college at around 3 PM. From the room 221 in A Hostel, I could see him standing near the water tank, waiting for the bus to Kozhikode coming from Mukkam. His heart might have with pride to see his only son entering one of the best Educational institutions in the whole of our country. When I was looking at my father from that hostel window, I never realized the difficult times that lay ahead in the form of severe ragging.
Koshy Thomas and Ravi Varghese were my roommates in first year. The year 1972 marked the beginning of a period of severe ragging. Typically, ragging would end after a month or two, with senior students taking over the responsibility ending this cruel period. However, due to academic reasons, second year students who were authorised to end this phase were not available due to study holidays, and the ragging period got unnaturally extended. This led to numerous issues, including agitations &suspensions for some second-year students and preparatory students. Ragging, in a way, became a defining part of our journey, filled with extreme hardship. It was anatked truth that ragging was a very difficult period we had in our first year.Most of the seniors used to enter A hostel and did some kind of ragging including physical abuse.Some of them like Philip Thomas (second year) were very soft and tried to do some funny ragging etc but some of them were very harsh,Physical abuse was also rampant during that period.After the ragging was ended there was a great change among us which all could experience in our later years. it made us very bold to face any kind of difficult times taht may happen in our lives.Those who came as timid boys became very bold.The shy charector of all of had completely gone.
During this time, a tragic event struck our batch was the death of Jacob Madappatt, who drowned while bathing in a river at Chethukadav near Chathamangalam. That incident remains a painful memory even today.Others like Shashi Kumar, Jose George, Tadiyan Preman, and Viju Thomas also left us too early, leaving a void that remains hard to fill.
"A scene from the boat."
Oveli (Thomas kuriakose)and Lambu (E.P.Surendran) reliving their olden days in REC. Oveli is a celebrity now who is acting in TV serials after retirement from PUBLIC WORKS DEPT GOVT OF KERALA
The next four years, apart from the tragic Rajan incident, were filled with joy and celebrations. While writing all this, it becomes inevitable to mention Kattangal Junction and Hotel De Rani. Hotel De Rani at Kattangal Junction became a sanctuary for those who couldn’t find refuge in hostel mess due to shortage of funds. The special tea" viralidatha chaya" served there was something no one in our batch could ever forget. I doubt if anyone in our group didn’t visit Hotel De Rani at least once every day during those days. Mr Suresh babu nicknamed as "Aadu" (goat) frequented De Rani several times a day which I remember ,had also joined this gathering from Kozhikode.Mr suresh babu had retired as a Superintending Engineer from Irrigation Department Govt of Kerala.He is still working as a registered valuer based in Kozhikkode.
Who will forget Vijayettan ?About Canteen Vijayan and Papachan's tea shop known as State Hotel, there’s much to talk about, but perhaps that’s reserved for another context. Every Saturday at 2.00 pm, the college bus used to leave for Kozhikode town. We were all used to go to the city to watch movies and spend time in the beach. Those who had money often returned after visiting hotel Maharani after eating tasty Masaladosa. We cannot forget Queens Restaurant, Maharani Hotel, and their neighboring eateries. A shop that still lingers vividly in. our memories is the Touring Bookstall in Mittai Theruvu. From there, we used to purchase slide rules and all kind of Engineering books etc. which were essential for us as engineering students.Some of us (Mechanical engineering students) extracted a good sum of money from their parents to claiming to purchase Heat Engine Tables ( a small book) from the same place.
What also remains clear in our minds is the Crown Theatre & Davison Theatre. There were other theaters also namely Radha theatre and Apsara theatre.Nobody can forget these theaters. Movies like Qurbani and Yadoon Ki Baraat are still etched in our memories. Apsara Theatre, along with the adjacent A1 Tailors where we’d get pants and shirts stitched, are also unforgettable. Queens Restaurant was famous with its live cabaret dance back then, which might be a new revelation for today’s generation.
Kattangal Rani theatre was the refuge of students for second shows.I still remember seeing “MULLUM MALARUM” starred Rajanikanth.Rajni was just entering the films then.
" "Can time erase
The vividly painted
Pictures in our minds?
Can it fade away?"
These lines of a great poet seem utterly relevant here.
340 × 4 = 1360 days, spent
Together, with laughter and tears,For forty years we’ve come together From various corners of the world,To gather near the cool waters of Vembanadu Lake.
We cannot ignore the contributions of Thomachan and Achayan who made such a scenario possible. Again thoughts came rushed into my mind. In those days, amidst games and laughter, filled with various adventures, we spent our beautiful days in the campus here. The Study holidays transformed into a lively hub with the library and dining halls functioning round the clock. Many found refuge in the library, even while it was open late into the night, transforming overnight into bookworms from carefree souls.Study holidays were very crucial in those days.
Another vivid image that remains etched in my mind is the college elections. The campus had a non-political atmosphere, with elections devoid of any political influence. The custom was simple—small fragrant cards with each candidate’s name, pinned up and viewed by everyone, were used for voting. Semester divides didn’t exist. Such a joyful student life is something I doubt we could find in any other campus. If I ever get another life, I would most definitely wish to live in such a campus once again, where student life remains free from any interference from external influences.
The only connection with home was through occasional visits once in six months.
Teachers of that time had little concern for politics or anything outside of academics. Initially, in our first year, there were no divisions among students like Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil. Everyone attended the same classes together—Humanities, Engineering Chemistry, Physics, Applied Mechanics, Geometry Drawing, and Mathematics. We all studied together. Names like Miss Meenakshi and Sankaran nair of Humanities dept, Water Unni, Plastic John of Chemistry dept, Sulaiman&Ramakrishnan &Annamma Mani from the Mathematics department, and Mr Lonappan(he was our chief warden) from the Physics department still come to mind. Who could forget Professors like Mr.Jusse (Humanities) and Annamma mani, as well as Dr. Ramakrishnan from the Mathematics department?
Those are the memories that never fade. We tore through our first year, breaking everything apart—that’s true. By the end of the semester, when exams approached, everyone shifted their focus to study. Those long nights were spent studying. Our main building was open 24 hours a day for study. The large library that was open 24/7 remains etched in my memory even today.
It was in the second year that we moved to our respective departments. I switched to Civil Engineering. There were four batches at that time: two Mechanical, one Electrical, and one Civil batch. The Mechanical students proudly referred to themselves as “Royal Mechanical.”
The Civil Department had a faculty lineup of exceptional talents.Dr.Subramonia iyer, known as Mani sir, was the head of the Civil Department. I remember our Principal, Professor Bahavuddin, was also a Civil Engineer. who had taken a subject during our first semester.
During our 4 th semester Dr Uniikrishnapllai joined the college as professor in civil engg department. He taught us design of structures .Nobody can forget his classes .He taught us design of structures in 5th ,6th and 7th semesters in a raw. Chackochen, who taught us in the first semester of the Civil Department, later moved to Cochin Shipyard.
Dr. Achuthan, who took Hydrolics classes, Dr. Vincent Paul construction of buildings, Dr. C. Vijayan theory of structures. His storytelling method while teaching the theory 0f Structures was unforgettable. Classes by Dr. Vijayan were something we could never forget.
The classes taught by Dr. Chandrasekharan Nadar, especially his lectures on stuctural designs, remain deeply etched in memory.
I can’t forget Nagaraj, who taught us Transportation Engineering, who was nicknamed affectionately called “Plug,” or Lakshminarayanan, who taught Surveying in our third and fourth semesters. The Surveying classes remain vivid in my memory even today. Dr. Achuthan’s classes didn’t require strict attendance. Since there was no compulsion to attend, and given how dry the subject of Open Channel Hydraulics was during the fifth semester, many would skip his classes, especially since they were scheduled for the last period of the morning session.
In the final semester, we had Hassan, who taught Electronics, while Maths (Engineering Mathematics) continued until the fifth semester.
Dr. Ramakrishnan and Dr.Kurien, who taught Advanced Structural Design (Limit state Design), and Dr. Palaniraj, who also played a key role in the same subject, are worth remembering. P.S. Mani, who was an Associate Professor, taught Applied Mechanics in the first year authored engineering textbooks, and Dr. Balagopal were renowned teachers in civil engineering department.
Even after so many years, I can’t understand why only those four years in R.E.C still remain vivid in my memory. A hostel in the first year, B hostel in the second year, C hostel in the third year, and D hostel in the final year. The life in each hostel is etched in my memory. We were the first batch to stay in D hostel. That’s when the Emergency was declared and the police atrocities followed. 1976 became a year of significant events. Alongside that, we also had our final semester exams.
The painful moments surrounding our dear friend Rajan’s death, who passed away due to police brutality, stayed with us as we completed our final exams. Even during those days, the Emergency was still in effect – declared on June 25, 1975, and lasting until March 21, 1977. The last part of our third year and the entire final year were spent under the Emergency. Even today, I vividly remember the day the Emergency was declared. All the newspapers had blacked out the front pages and editorial sections due to censorship. The Emergency began on June 25, 1975, and continued until March 21, 1977. Mr.Rajan was arrested on March 1, 1976. During that period, we were confined within the college campus, mostly unaware of what was happening outside. The Principal,Prof. Bahawudeen, and Vice-Principal, Dr. Abdul Gafoor, were at the mercy of the police. Terrifying news circulated about Rajan’s arrest, especially after the incidents at D hostel. One of those incidents was the death of Taylor Rajan. It was a case of suicide due to the brutal atrocities from the police.All these happened due to maoist attacking the Kayannur police station in February 1976. The brutality from the police after those attacks left a lasting fear among us. We even heard Ashok Kumar, a junior batch and the son of the renowned poet Idassery Govindan Nair, being arrested. He was blindfolded and taken across Kozhikode district. I still remember going to the mess and not talking to anyone, going straight back to my room in fear. We didn’t know which door the police would knock on. I still remember at D hostel, late at night, the police raided our batch mate Shivadasan'room. The sound of the door being broken down and police shouting "Hands up" will stay with me forever. It happened so quickly, there wasn’t enough time to put on a mundu and undergarment.
Though time has passed, that state of fear and uncertainty was very oppressive.
I definitely cannot forget Prof. Raghunath, who served as our Assistant Professor in civil engg department. He was our guide for the South Indian tour during our pre final year. That tour was towards the end of our third year. Whenever I try recall the tour , a soft smile always appear on my lips. Our group went from Chennai to Hyderabad, and it was during that journey that I contracted chickenpox. I was admitted to Kachiguda Fever Hospital. It was really terrible that i was all alone in an unknown place with no one to care for me. It was then that one of our classmates, Salim ( then Seeman Kutty), came forward to help. Salim’s house was nearby as he live with his uncle in hyderabad who was an industrialist. Salim was very kind enough to help me.Salim is now the M D of Koya & company which is a premier construction company in the field of water supply and is living in Hyderabad now.Prof. Raghunath made a promise to Salim that he Will arrange a special tour for both of us in the seventh semester. Sad to say it never happened.
Whenever I recall this, I remember how P.Rajan came forward to help during my confinement at Kachiguda fever hospital for contagious deceases. Mr.Rajan, who was killed due to police brutality during the Emergency, had a cousin named Krishna Kumar. During that time,Mr Krishna Kumar was working as a manager of the branch of Sudarshan Chit Fund a premier finance company at that time in Hyderabad. Since Rajan was also part of that tour, Krishna Kumar came to the hospital as per Rajan’s request. I will always remember and be really thankful to Krishnakumar for his generous help rendered to me during my entire stay in the hospital. He often arrived on his bike, bringing kanji for me for breakfast.I had been in that hospital for around 15 days.When myselef ans saleem were leaving the hospital to return home, Mr.Krishna Kumar and his wife came to the seconderabad railway station to see us off.
Thinking back, I can never forget the song “Thangamani Ponumani Chattambi Kalyani” (a popular song from Prem Naseer film “Chattambikkallyani”). Those funny moments when Thangamani cried in our class still lingers vividly in my memory. Two years passed, and then Rajitha left us. She had been married before joing our batch and chose to leave her studies to focus on family responsibilities. However, today, she continues to be a part of all our events, and she was also here for this gathering.
We could never forget Mahesh Prabhu. Mahesh and Ram Mohan were two friends from Kochi. Ram Mohan is no longer with us, and we deeply regret that Mahesh couldn’t be here either. He is currently resting in Bangalore due to physical ailments. Every time our friends visit Bangalore, they ensure that they meet Mahesh Prabhu, and I could visit him twice.
Mahesh prabhu and Idicula mathew at his Bangalore residence
I can’t conclude this without mentioning Shastha Prasad. Mr.Shastha Prasad, whom we lovingly referred to as “Shastha” was from Alappuzha, was a brilliant in our batch. After excelling in Mechanical Engineering, Shastha joined ISRO and settled in Bangalore. He retired from his position as ISRO Director and has since remained in Bangalore, dedicating himself to a charitable NGO helping the underprivileged. However, despite repeated attempts, he has never participated in any of our batch gatherings, leaving this as a bittes far as I am concerned, my golden period was the time I spent studying at REC (now NIT). Not everyone has such a happy experience, though. Perhaps some of the difficult moments during that period may have stopped them from moving forward.
To the question of whether such joyful years have existed in your life, the answer might not be the same for everyone. Hostels were full of celebrations, and we still remember those times. I recall placing the drinking sessions (with bucket ful of of toddy and mug)on the first-floor corridor and the good times spent drinking and dancing there.rsweet memory.
Some melancholic lovers also come to mind, like Saji George. I remember spending time with Saji frequently during college. But I have no idea where Saji george is now.
For me, my time at REC (now NIT) was the golden period of my life. But not everyone experiences college life this way—there might have been difficult moments and hardships for others during this period, and perhaps some of them were unable to move beyond those experiences.AThe magazines always came to my room, as I was the Common Room Secretary. Time, Newsweek, and various Telugu and Tamil magazines filled the room. I cannever forget the assistant I had back then—short, humble, and always cheerful—Moythu, who came from Malayamma. i still remember him walking with knee trouble.
Memories keep resurfacing, like the bubbles rising in a glass filled with soda. Maybe that’s why, during the ragging period, I noticed Frederick George standing calmly, despite having been ragged with 100 bites. Frederick is no longer with us. The scene of the second show at Kattankal Rani theatre, where someone from the rampart would come and disturb us, escapes my memory. Perhaps it’s due to age.
I vividly recall the shopkeeper who opposed me when I sang while drinking in the corner. Bapsy threatened him with dire consequenses if he redicule me any further. That incident with Bapsi Phillips, brings a sense of joy now. Bapsi and I, along with KC George, met in Mumbai recently. KC, from the Thodupuzha gang, had settled in Kantivali, Mumbai. The fact that KC is no longer with us saddens me. He was a good person and someone who genuinely liked me.
We were awarded Merit-Cum-Means Scholarships during that time. The scholarship amount was 75 rupees per month—quite a substantial amount back then. In our dormitory, the fan was luxurious. Tom’s room had a fan, and occasionally, we would gather there just to enjoy the breeze. WheTalking about scholarships, I cannot forget Tamikkutty, who always facilitated everything for us. Tamikkutty (the clerk) was always helpful and kind to us.Maybe that scholarship was what made me believe I could study without any worries.
Didn’t I already mention that the initial months of the first year were the ragging period? During raggind period we fresheres were allowed , only the A Mess (vegetarian) . The other messes were in the senior hostels, and I didn’t have the courage to go there—that’s the truth. Gopalan ,cook from the A Mess comes vividly to my memory. Mr Gopalan provided us very tasty food without limits in the A Mess during first year.
After 25 years, we had a silver jubilee programme. It was the same Thomas George and Achayan who organized the Silver Jubilee, showcasing their organizational skills. Back then, we stayed at Kadavu Resort in Kozhikkode.
Writer&FAMILY
SOME PHOTOS TAKEN DURING THE SIVER JUBILEE AT KADAV RESORT
LEELA &FAMILY
DANI &FAMILY
ASOK &FAMILY
NEELAKATAN &FAMILY
SURENDRAN&FAMILY
Nagesh Kini & Mrs. Kini."
Everyone gathered at the swimming pool area. Tea and snacks were served – fruits and fried items. After having the snacks, I went to the swimming pool to take a dip. Rasaq, Mohanan, and Ravi (Jit) also joined. The rest of the group cheered us on.
January 27, 7 PM
The women were all given a break to play Anthakshari and other games, while the men gathered for fellowship at a designated spot. Everything was set up under the leadership of the Thomas george and George kutty achayan. As we started the fellowship with open bottles of Scotch, news came that a group from Andhra had arrived and who would soon join us. Sultan Salim from Hyderabad, along with Uday Baskar Reddy, Ramakrishna Tummala, and Subba Reddy, had come. The fellowship continued from 7 PM to 9:30 PM. It was truly a memorable time to reconnect, talk to each other, and relive old stories – an unforgettable moment in our lives. When Vijay Kumar Singh shared his story about the Bhang, I realized that the Bhang consumed was from Varanasi, brought by Singh along with Bobby( Premnath Balakrishnan.)
It was also the time when Salim and I often met in Hyderabad. How could I forget Salim, who had helped my daughter during her stay there afterv getting a job in hyderabad company? The first marriage in our group was Salim's daughter’s, and I was fortunate to be part of that event. I deeply missed Koshy Thomas who was always good friend of mine during those days during these moments. koshy tomas owns aconstruction company in Dubai.may be because of his pre commitments he could nort come to whispering palms.
Suddenly, there was an announcement that the restaurant would close at 11 PM, and everyone was directed to the dining hall. A rich variety of food awaited us there. After finishing the meal, the time was 11 PM. Tomorrow, we were scheduled for breakfast followed by a photo session and then boating, as announced by Thomas georg.
Back to room number 124. After a short while, slipped into deep sleep."
"Leela and Reeni and Lekha(my wife) in a friendly conversation."
"Idikkula, Gopi, Lateef, Sreedharan, and Razak."
SUNDARIKALUM SUNDARANMARUM
January 28, 10 AM
After enjoying a rich breakfast, we moved to the swimming pool area for the photo session. By then, the group from Ernakulam had arrived. I don’t know why, but they were only able to join for this one-day festival. Since they had no accommodation arranged at whispering palms, they were staying at the Paradise Resort. Fortunately, they arrived on time. However, unfortunately, Joyabraham, who is usually present at all events, could not make it for the photo session. But he managed to join us for the boating later, which was a moment of great joy for all of us.
From Hyderabad, SL Kumar and his wife, Bhavani, also joined the photo session at the last moment, adding a special charm to the event.
Everyone gathered. GT, who was experienced with the Photography Club at college, gave instructions. The photo session was completed in less than an hour.
January 28, 11 AM
At exactly 11 AM, two boats arrived, and we set off through the Vembanad Lake. The view of Vembanad Lake, stretching far and wide, was truly breathtaking and a delight to behold.
Vijay kumar singh,Raju oommen,Aravindakshan,Nagesh,Binnu,Asok kumar,Peter
After some light refreshments, pure country toddy arrived. Jimmy from Alappuzha brought it—no doubt, the best toddy. Along with it, Scotch and karimeen fish curry were served. What more could we ask for?
At 1 PM, a rich and sumptuous lunch was enjoyed. The Vembanad Lake, stretching far and wide, showcased Kerala as "God's Own Country." It made me realize how little our authorities are utilizing even 10% of the tourism potential here. The collapse of Pakistan serves as a lesson for our political leaders. They, too, have prioritized self-interest over the nation’s well-being, much like Pakistan. Here too, our politicians waste time, indulging in petty conflicts instead of contributing to the country's progress.
During lunch, Ruby, Joseph's wife, took the lead in a spirited round of Antakshari. As the game progressed with enthusiasm, tea and snacks were served. By then, it was 5 PM. The boat was about to return, bidding farewell to the Vembanad Lake.
At 7 PM, a musical program was scheduled. Everyone returned to their rooms to freshen up and gather for the program in the hall.
Skaria, Moideen Mathari, and Joseph are deeply engaged in serious discussions."
WIFE OF A Sreedhar
Peter is taking a class on the financial situation of India. I, Kappad, and Shivaprasad are paying close attention."
Idikkula, Gopi, and Sreedharan, together with Lateef."
Tom Joseph, Suresh Babu, Jose Cherian, and others, with Kappada in the background."
ASOK KUMAR ,SIMON,V.K.SINGH,DANITHOMAS
Discussing a potential project related to
metro systems in India, mentioning key individuals like Ashok Kumar, Dani
Thomas, Simon, and Vijaya Kumar Singh, and referring to metro development. It
appears to touch on metro developments in cities like Chennai and Kochi,
possibly as part of a larger initiative involving the 7276 batch of metro
development.
A vivid account of a musical program held on January 28th, highlighting key moments like the opening speech by Fr. George Kutty, a tribute to departed loved ones, and performances by Madhu artists like Sureshbabu and Karmachandran. The event appears to have fostered a sense of community and reminiscence, blending nostalgia with musical celebration.
The program culminated with a rendition of "Pala Temple Festival Song," bringing the gathering to a close. Following the event, participants enjoyed a dinner that reflected on memories from four decades ago, marking a deeply enriching and nostalgic experience. The following day was set for a breakfast meeting, further emphasizing the sense of connection among the attendees.
Things started happening on time. Salim, Ravindran, and Madhu met along with others.. After spending some time, we headed to the dining hall for breakfast. The breakfast felt very special, especially when eating with childhood friends.
Everyone was in a rush to leave. The ones staying in hotel Paradise didn't come to wispering palms; they will leave from there itself. The person we need to thank the most for being part of this gathering is Mr.Abdul Lateef. Shri Lateef, who wore a Calicut University football jersey, is now a quarry owner living in Kozhikode. He was uncertain whether he could participate having an accident a month ago, which led to a leg injury. However, he managed to attend at the last moment. Lateef's courage and determination, despite his circumstances, are truly inspiring.
Additionally, I extend our gratitude to SL Kumar, Sheshagirirao, Udayabhaskar Rao, Subba Reddy, and Ramakrishna Thummala, who came all the way from Hyderabad. I also acknowledge Anil Kumar Bajpayee, a professor at Allahabad University, along with his wife, and his daughter, a software professional from Pune.
Families like Vijaya Kumar Singh's, Nagesh Kini's, Mani P. Benjamin's, Sundararajan and Anil’s, Raju and his wife from Bangalore, and Mohideen Mathari from Michigan, USA, deserve our appreciation. Mr.Moideen Mathari, a recognized figure in Michigan, was invited by Mr.Obama for his swearing-in ceremonypresident of Unite States of America. We always knew Moideen would achieve great heights in our batch
"It’s only natural to highlight the contribution of Soundar Rajan in making this event beautiful. It was SoundarRajan who made the ‘REC 72-76’ sticker that continues to be cherished even today. Mr. SoundarRajan, who now serves as the President of a prominent chemical industry in Baruch, Gujarat, contributed significantly to keeping the spirit of our batch alive.Though Soundararajan’s deep affection for campus life wasn’t as apparent to me back then, everyone on campus knew of his connectionwith our beloved work superintendent, Vasu Master. Sundararajan became intertwined in that web of memories, deeply loved and respected by all."
JOSEPH & RUBI(Eventhough Joseph left us for continuing his Engg in Trichur engineering college after Ist year he was always one among us)
SHESHA GIRI RAO&ABRAHAM PHILIP
"It might be inconvenience to readers by delving into extensive details, so I will keep it brief. The majority of our batch, about 99%, belong to the upper echelons of society. Many have held prestigious positions and contributed to nation-building, leading peaceful and fulfilling lives after retirement. Some continue to work even today.. I believe two days here could feel like two additional years to our life span. That’s the value of friendship.I don’t know if there will ever be another reunion like this. Everyone is now in the evening of their lives. I wonder if the deep emotional intensity that arises when meeting after 46 years will ever be replicated. Although we didn’t ask for their journey, seeing Thomachan and Achayan filled my heart with gratitude. There are still many stories to tell. Every day spent here was filled with joy. I wonder if today’s generation will ever understand the beauty of those moments. Everything feels so different now.
A line from a popular cinima song rushed to my mind:
"Will we meet again on this beautiful shore in another life”
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