“Standing here today, I feel like the boy I once was, sitting in classrooms, dreaming big, and occasionally finding myself in a bit of mischief,” said Harish Salve, senior Supreme Court lawyer and former Solicitor General of India, as he addressed the audience at St. Francis de’ Sales High School and Junior College’s 155th anniversary celebration.
Salve reminisced about his school days, charming the audience with vivid memories of lazy Hindi periods and sneaking out to bunk classes. “This school gave me more than just an education; it instilled values that have stayed with me—respect for diversity, the power of hard work, and the spirit of service,” he added.
The milestone event was graced by Archbishop Elias Gonsalves, Vicar General Fr. Anthony D’Souza, Principal Fr. Prashant, and Sr. Martha, headmistress of the primary school. The atmosphere was a blend of nostalgia and joy as alumni spanning decades reunited to celebrate their alma mater’s legacy.
A unique highlight of the reunion was the dress code: alumni from the 1970s to the early 2000s wore their school uniforms—white shirts, khaki pants, ties, and badges—sparking smiles and laughter. The sight of grown men and women reliving their school days in uniforms brought a wave of nostalgia.
The event, themed “Echoes – A Journey Through Time,” opened with a heartfelt choir performance of the school anthem, stirring emotions among attendees. The ceremonial lamp lighting, led by Salve, his wife Trina, and Archbishop Elias Gonsalves, marked the beginning of the festivities.
Neville Cassad, from the 1979 batch, became emotional as he reunited with his former teachers. “Meeting them after so many years brought back a flood of memories. They were not just educators but guiding lights who shaped our lives,” he shared, his voice filled with gratitude. “Seeing them again feels like reliving those cherished school days.”
Mohandas Vaikatt (Monu), from the 1981 batch, shared his reflections with a smile.
“I had some of the best years of my life here. The friendships, the lessons, and even the mischief we got into shaped who I am today,” he said warmly.
Tejinder Singh Renu, a student of the 1983 batch who spent a full decade at SFS from 1st to 10th grade, shared his nostalgic reflections. He fondly recounted the mischief and fun that defined his school years. “”Those were the days of innocence and pure joy From playing silly jokes to spending time with friends laughing, these memories are forever in my heart,” he said.
Sanjay Raghatate, from the 1989 batch and former general secretary of the Old Boys As sociation then, shared his fond memories. “Being a bit naughty was almost a tradi- tion here. We would tease our teachers just enough to get a playful slap it was almost a badge of honour among us naughty boys,” he said with a smile.
The celebration also honoured its oldest alumnus, 88-year-old Dr. Praful Sutaria from the 1953 batch, who traveled from the UK to join the festivities. Sharing the stage with him was former government pleader Adv. Prashant Sathianathan, highlighting the enduring bond shared by the SFS community.
The 155th anniversary celebration wasn’t just a gathering; it was a heartfelt tribute to the school’s rich history and the values it continues to instill in its students. It was a day of laughter, memories, and the timeless spirit of St. Francis de’ Sales.
Performances showcased the school’s vibrant spirit, while Archbishop Gonsalves highlighted the values of unity and service. Alumni Tejinder Singh Renu and Neville Cassad added charm by donning school uniforms, reliving their student days with pride.