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.
