Vantorians: Class Reunion of 1984/85

On Saturday, 27 February 2016, we had our class reunion of 1984/85 at Armada Hotel, Petaling Jaya from 12 noon till 4.00 pm. We studied together in lower and upper six at Vanto Academy, Petaling Jaya. We chose to have our reunion at Armada Hotel because our college was near the vicinity.

This reunion was a fabulous one because it is our first and largest gathering after 30 long years of having left the Institution. We were grateful to three of our class members who initiated and organised the reunion, namely: J. Kumar, Kuna and Thuraiveloo. A month ago before this reunion event took place, they started a “WhatsApp” group under the name of “Vantorians! FriendsAlways!”. Within a month J.Kumar and Kuna (the administrators of the group) managed to get in touch with 67 members and roped us into the chat group.

These past weeks after being grouped in “WhatsApp”, we reminisced about our school days, shared stories and jokes and brought each other up-to-date on what had happened since we went our separate ways in 1985. We are proud of this reunion because for us this Class of 84/85 was a gift to our institution and society. 

After completion of our studies in 1985, we faced a severe economic recession in our country. The recession pressured and affected most of us badly but somehow we didn't give up our enthusiasm in building up our lives. Some of us were pursuing further studies in the higher learning institutions, colleges and universities and others joined various sectors and careers. Today, we are proud to see ourselves as teachers, doctors, lawyers, police officers, business men and women, etc.

During this reunion we shared our life experiences as to how we carved fruitful careers, exchanged stories of personal accomplishments, relationships with others and personal development into admirable adulthood. 

Our institute’s badge has its inscription in Latin, “Domine Dirige Nos”. It means “Lord, guide us”.  The Lord and Master has really guided and directed us by not giving ourselves up at all to the fleeting world. We have fought the good fight which made us now someone valuable in the society.

I was overwhelmed and felt truly blessed to have an opportunity to meet them in this reunion. It was awesome to catch up with them after so long. I personally felt 30 years younger after meeting them. We shared tears, laughter and many hugs. It is such an honour to meet them. They were so accepting of me and I was touched by their warmth and kindness. I just didn’t want to leave the place because it was very emotional for me as it brought back a lot of memories. I felt a sense of loss that so much of my life had passed without knowing them these past years. They are now my wonderful friends and today I have learnt a great deal from them. I had an amazing time with them and they will always have a special place in my heart. 

Always Stay In Touch My Friends!