Raja Setlur (Class of '78) writes about his experiences at the meet. Please note that this an exact reproduction of the mail that was sent to Prof Bansal.

To those guys who could not make it:

It was great fun. We missed you and wished you were there too. Most of us were put up at the Taj Ganges , Nadesar. Some at Univ Guest house. That morning ,the backslapping and the hugs alone were worth the effort and expense. On 27th morning the guys who were there aleready assembled at a lecture hall in Met dept. and were welcomed by Prof Bansal and Prof Ghose(Met). They then introdduced themselves and their families and sippped chai. Shriniwas Chandra wgo had a copy of the red book containing photgraphs circulated it among the ladies /kids for identifying their husbands/fathers.

Afterwards, they were taken in buses/cars around the Depts. and then stopped at DG where rooms bathrooms and mess were visited. Highlight: Anup's carving of his initials on the door of 149 is still there and the broken glass pane in Gerrard/Khalid's door is still in the same condition. Lunch with Khoa parathas etc. was in the open ambience of newly built Faculty GH. By this time the guys from Delhi came over in the delayed train.

Move over to ASsi Ghat where two motor boats were arranged along with snakcs and tea. A light rain and cold winds did little to dampen the mood. A visit to Sankat Mochan and we were back to the hotel to change for the dinner.

Prof Lele(Met) Director graced this occasion with his wife. Prof Ramachandra Rao could not make it as he had a fractured leg. After cocktails, some ribbing by Anup and Sathyu, a poem composed by Prof Bansal's wife and Charra's poetry, all alumni of 78 were presented witha a beautiful framed copper plaque showing scenes from the ghats, Buddha etc. Dinner, reminescences and discussions on how to contribute effectively went on till about 1am.

A bus trip to Sarnath followed by lunch that included the unforgattable lavang lata conluded the get together. All the above were videographed and photographed. These would be compiled inmto a CD and sent to all alumni.

The fun part was when at least 25% of the alumni could not be placed by their batch mates due to dramatically changed appearnce and had to introduced by someone else. Balding and graying apart, the trademark mannerisms and humor were still there. The event was even covered inb the local Hindi newspapaer.

Please get in touch with the guys nearest you who attended and have photographs , for a sneak peek !

Regards
Raja