Vizhuthugal Diwali – Alumni Meet 2021

Preparation work started one week earlier to the program. The program date was fixed as 31.10.2021, Sunday. People in charge were appointed to invite former students via phone and WhatsApp, to collect things, to purchase things, the location was fixed, the program agenda evolved gradually.

During the festivities our study centres become clean and beautiful. But, our office gets cluttered during big events. People pick up items, look for stationery, leave things. Diwali gifts, festive items, and children's toys were piled up in the office.

Alumni started arriving around 4 p.m. The reception was wonderful with flowers. The meeting was under a guava tree. Individual photos were taken against the backdrop of an old door frame. The tea party began. Mutual health inquiries and chats made the time pass very quick.

Men, women, and kids were separated at 5 p.m. The children were then separated from their parents for some time. They went to have joyful time with games. They were greeted by the big Mickey Mouse. An exciting hour for the kids with balls, swing, toy tent, colouring, rhymes. At the end, all the children were presented with piggybanks.

In a different area, Karthik Bharathi facilitated a discussion on simple lifestyle, the need to avoid materialistic greediness, saving schemes, medical and life insurance schemes. The alumni added their points to the discussion. After him Arun, Ramki, Surya, O. Mani shared their humorous and memorable incidents while studying here. Participants were given a book written by Nammazhvar, a cloth bag, and Diwali sweets.

In another centre, Renuka, a nutritional enthusiast and a mom shared her insights about nutrition and food habits. She talked about essential nutrition for children from simple, home-made, fresh ingredients. Mothers asked their questions and got clarified. Renuka took the seminar through pictures and experiences. Participants were given a pot and seeds.

The kids were handed over to their parents. We all gathered at Vandugal Arangam, where videos created by Vicky and Arun were screened. The videos comprised of Diwali and Alumni meet photos between the years 2007 to 2020. Everyone floated down memory lane. They were immersed in photos while talking and smiling.

When everyone came out for the Diwali celebration, a large Diwali banner stood blocking the street. The children were separated by class. In front of every class is a desk with Diyas. Each alumnus went to a class and lighted the lamp with them. The light of the lamps adorned the street. A child representing each class came to the stage and we lighted Diwali sparklers. Diwali was born to us on that day itself.

Students from “Priyakalalaya Natyalaya” gave an amazing Bharathanatyam performance. Three children stole the attention of all. The cheers of the people would have been a great inspiration to the little artists. It was the first time in Karumbalai that people were able to witness a classical dance like Bharathanatyam in their street. A dance performance by Madurai Seed Youth was also colourful.

We usually have one senior alumni or volunteer in our Diwali program. Unexpectedly senior member Solomon Raja (1999) attended. He also made a donation to the festival. The program was attended by 20 alumni and 140 children. Four alumni came with their wives and kids. Great fun for everyone. Dinner was provided to alumni and young people, and the children were provided with Diwali special Murukku and Athirasam. With applause and Diwali greetings, everyone said goodbye.