Karnal, November 24

Former cadets of Kunjpura Sainik School, also known as Kunjeyans, on Sunday enlivened the bygone era as they visited their alma mater to attend the old boys meet.

As per tradition, Principal Col VD Chandola and the staff extended a warm welcome to the former Kunjeyans. The old boys fondly remembered war heroes and paid homage by offering floral tributes at the War Heroes Memorial.

The senior most Kunjeyan, Lt Gen RK Hooda (retd), laid a wreath to start off the proceedings. The golden jubilee batch (1969-76) paid their gratitude to their alma mater by donating Rs 17 lakh for giving an imposing facelift to the Sant Kumar Stadium.

The stadium was inaugurated by Olympian and ex-Kunjeyan Col Sant Kumar who represented India in 1,500m at the Moscow Olympics. He was a bronze medallist in 1500m at the Asian Games at Bangkok, Thailand.

In addition, the staff room was also renovated by grants of Rs 4 lakh from the silver jubilee batch of 1987-94.

After the wreath laying, the guests went around the school and were impressed to see the developmental projects going on in the school. The new synthetic volleyball court impressed one and all. The new hostel building (Block B) is also near completion.

The old boys felt nostalgic visiting the play fields and their dormitories. The young Kunjeyans put up an exhibition of the artefacts prepared by them in their hobby clubs ie art, craft, electronics, science and adventure club.

As part of the exhibition, students of Atal Tinkering Lab assembled and operated four drones which was a huge attraction for the guests.

The former students were highly impressed by the creative genius of young Kunjeyans and felt the school is shaping the personality of the boys well.

Apart from the display of gymnastics, the dog show and horse show were the cynosure of everyone’s eyes. A tug of war between old Kunjeyans and present Kunjeyans was also held.

Along with old boys, some former teachers graced the occasion. Michael Beaumont, an English teacher from 1970-72, flew from Manchester to join his students.

Later in the day, a cultural programme was specially prepared by the present Kunjeyans for their elder brothers and other dignitaries. It included mime, solo and group dance performances.