Regional Headline :

MARKING A MILESTONE

It’s ‘back to school’ for the alumni of Sophia High School on Palace Road which is celebrating its 75th anniversary

Despite having graduated from school over 25 years ago, the memories are still deeply imprinted Nirupa Shankar, joint

MD, Brigade Group, Class 0f 1999

Being an alumnus, one never forgets one’s roots. The teachers and nuns

were inspiring fantastic role models, who ensured we learned and enjoyed ourselves Dr Pratima Murthy,

director, NIMHANS, Class of 1976

We are creating a living archive and Memory Project, which will become an ongoing documentary. The alumni association is being re-energised, and it’s heartening to see such enthusiasm Priya ChettyRajagopal, president,

Alumni Association, Class of 1979

POOJA DAS

nostalgia-filled weekend awaits the

alumni of Sophia High School on Pal ace Road, which will be celebrating its

75th anniversary on August 3. Back at

their alma mater — known for iconic alumni such as actor Deepika Padukone, Supreme Court Justice BV Nagarathna, and former Olympic swimmer Nisha Millet —on Saturday, the students will walk down memory lane as they go back to their classrooms, and interact with teachers and schoolmates.

For Nirupa Shankar, Class of 1999, the memories of Sophia’s are deeply imprinted, despite having graduated over 25 years ago. “The inter-school and inter-house competitions left a huge mark on me and created the ability to perform under pressure and push hard during ‘game time’. This trait still comes handy to me even today, at my day job,” shares the joint managing director of the Brigade Group.

Dr Pratima Murthy, director of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANYS), recalls her school days with great fondness. “Being an alumnus, one never forgets one’s roots. The teachers and nuns were inspiring, fantastic role models, who ensured we learned and enjoyed ourselves. I've always kept in touch with many of my teachers and the sisters. My kids studied there, too, so I've kept that umbilical cord intact,” laughs Dr Murthy, who was part of the Class of 1976.

Taking the mantle of the president of the Alumni Association recently, Priya ChettyRajagopal shares with excitement the meticulous planning that has gone into the upcoming celebrations. “There’s been so much work for the alumni event. It’s becoming bigger and bigger,” says ChettyRajagopal, adding, “We are creating a living archive and a Memory Project, which will become an ongoing documentary. Right now, we're getting vide0S, messages, and a

blog. We also want to get little bits and = pieces, like areport i Deepika Padukone

card, to create the

Memory Project.” The association is also planning to digitise the data they have amassed over the years to allow future generations to explore their heritage. “Imagine someone being able to check their grandmother’s report card or see what prize she got. It’s a small idea but big for people looking for memories,” she adds.

The event on August 3 will start with a guided tour of the school. With over 1,500 registrations, the programme includes school performances, lighting of the lamp and much more. “We’ll have an equivalent of a tree of life where you put your thumbprint in the colour of your house,” says Chetty-Rajagopal, hoping that it all concludes with alot of fun for the alumni. “The alumni association is being re-energised, and it’s heartening to see such enthusiasm.” The alumni meet will also see the participation of ‘old boys’, who studied in Sophia’s till Class 4 and then moved to other schools.

Sister Alpana Palatty, the principal, expresses her pride and joy. “It has been an overwhelming journey, marked by strong and positive vibrations, all aimed at making this event truly memorable for our alumni,” she says.