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KLE – Class of 96

Though miles may lie between us, we are never far apart, for the friendship doesn’t count miles, its measured by the heart. 

Back to College, back to connecting.  Together is the favorite place to be…Let’s get together..Is what we thought and planned. 

On June4th while chatting with Subbu (subramani) there was adiscussion on completing 20 years of our graduation way back in 1996.  So Subbu and I thought of bringing those memorable days back. What better way than Whatsapp.  On June 5^th we started this Whatsapp group KLE – Class of 96.Class reunions are a great way to catch up with old friends, relive old memories and bring back the innocence inside you.. It’s fun to share experiences with people you have known for many, many years.

 

It all started the journey of getting together.We were able to get around 40 people from our class.  Already the discussions had started onthe blasting that we received from our lecturers, last day party at a wine store where we were very lucky that the owner did not drive us out, to the record Jeans worn by Nagi and myself for almost 6 months. Already, whatsapp group had become Wattawatta and is still running in full zoom.  We needed to plan the big day to meet.  Looking at everyone’s calendar we finalized June 25^th as the day. The Place….KLE Footpath..While many people will say that high school and college was the best time of their lives, it’s also an honor and privilege to remember some former teachers from our college who taught us so much.

The first to arrive were Ramanan and Srinivas.  They were so excited that they started sending selfies on the group.  Waited for few more folks to join.  Sandy, Arun, Sridhar, Manjunath, Sunil NS, Subbu, Sanjeev, Dinesha, SunilMB, Suneetha, Bharathi, susheela, ShreeLakshmi, Bhavana, Jayamala, Devrani. We first did a formal reintroduction, as recognizing people was tough since many of us met after years.  It was interesting to see how people had changed. Everyone was really nice, an advantage of being older & mature.

It was really nice for everyone to get together and just walk around the campus;we get so busy with day to day jobs, that we don’t get time to keep in contact with our friends.  Also we could catch up on much needed talks with our friends and find out what has been going around their lives. We remembered our college Principal, Lecturers, parents and almost everyone were trying to make us study.  They tortured us, threatened us, called our parents and complained and at last came to the point of begging.  But you know, we guys were resilient.  We never cared.  (but there are times when i think we should have cared.)

Its feels so good to bring back memories of our college days i.e.20years back. Seeing the Classrooms which we had attended 20 years back, entered and sitting in front of the library and taking snaps was like getting back the old memories.

TT Mullayanagiri-Muthodi - Second Session .

Few first timers, couple experienced and many veterans teamed up for the most awaited Cycling and Trekking event 28th and 29th November… Place – Chikkamagaluru

The first destination looked like Nelamangala at some point. The trip started with sharing memories from the previous event and excitement of plunging into the 2 days of adventure, but there was more than we expected in many ways... First taste of adventure was with the TT tyre going flat even before leaving Bangalore; while it looked usual it was just going to be a major part of our trip. When the wheel got ready, many learned the mechanics of changing a flat tyre, few socialized over Peanuts and some curious with what the Nation wants to know? 

Reaching our first destination in Chikkamagaluru – Rangers Camp Homestay soon became a master project that was in Red status by now (those who can relate to a project status). Like any other project in red, with the help of all had turned this project too into Green, after cruising through the foggy roads we reached our destination at 9 AM IST on Saturday morning...

Action Items – Get the flat tyre ready – owner TT driver....

Learnings… TT can accommodate more than 13 people, in misery any music helps, there is always public transport to reach your destination and people are ready for pictures anytime :-)…

DAY1: After a quick refresh and south Indian breakfast, the team got into what was the most important agenda of the day - CYCLING. The cycles were ready and the team got busy testing and choosing their best ride. On completing the introduction and lessons on cycling/route, we all started from Lingadahalli and cycling uphill to Kemmanagundi check post (11.5kms). The route saw the best of nature and its beauty. The best friend to the end of this stretch was Perk.

From the check post to what was described as the best stretch - Bhadra Tiger Reserve to Baba Budangiri range.  The beauty of nature saw no bounds and mesmerized each and every one.

At the end of the cycling was awaiting an evening with High Tea served with loads of sweetness from the heart. The taste of the Onion Bonda’s and Chili Bhajji will forever remain as a taste to relish. Experienced so much love and caring to strangers with simplicity. Aunty /Aaji God bless you & your family.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kemmangundi

Kemmanagundi (or Kemmanagundi) derives its name from three Kannada words - Kempu (red), mannu (soil) and gundi (pit) and means a place with red soil.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baba_Budangiri

 Saturday Night Fever – What better end to the day, bonfire, warmers, game of dumb charades and what I must say a night filled with fun, laughter, enjoyment and learning.. Wondering what had learning to do. I learned that a letter in English can be represented with expressions/feeling...Like the famous one from the night – “EEeee”. Neither did I know that Apple had a different name - Phal. 

All in All, I could say “Is Raat Ki Subah Nahin” 

 

DAY2: Sunday was set to conquer the Western Ghats -- Mullayanagiri Peak, Chikkamagular (Highest Peak in Karnataka at a Height of 6300.17 feet from the sea level). We embraced the mountains and kissed the clouds. The winds blowing our minds off..

The peak also housed one of the best pictures of the day. It saw the most enthusiastic photographers and models. The shutterbugs were capturing every moment of the day that will turn to memories for years to come. 

On the top was the temple of Shri Guru Melu Gadridge Mullappa Swami Mutta – As told to me when prayed to, is supposed to remove all the thorns in your life. With the way down from the temple also got us closer to an end of our adventure. 

The trip ended with an orchestrated process of dropping and ensuring the free birds from weekend were back to their nests.Thanks to our Organizers (Fabulous and dedicated effort), Stay partners, Participants...

As I said earlier… KUCH KUCH Hota Hai…

With loads of memories and awaiting the next trip, it’s signing off from me. Until then BE HAPPY. DON’T WORRY...