Modern School Alumni Celebrate First-Ever Grand Reunion with Fond Memories

Surprises, screams of joy from the hearts, smiles of high decibel – all these went uncontrollable at this event. Though it was supposed to be a reunion – of old students of Modern Senior Secondary School – the gathering seemed like a kids’ fun zone as the ‘ties’ (40s, 50s & 60s plus some 70s & 80s – teachers) became ‘young teens’ at the venue Varadhammal Chockalingam Marriage Hall, Madipakkam. All of them, say some 300 plus, had assembled at the hall to relive their days in the alma mater and to show their respect & love to their affectionate Madam Nagarathnam, who turned 80 this year.
(Our official video of the event on Youtube
Link - https://youtu.be/zEg2IiDSJIc?si=rwp1xHW6sxjtHY7K)

Just like the school days, Madam Nagarathnam began the memorable journey, saying:

> “I worked at Modern School for only a short period of time, still, the school gave me so many sweet memories that I carry upon till now! Very happy to be here.”

Mrs. Prema Veeraraghavan – “It was ma’am who gave me the opportunity and confidence to teach for higher classes, eventually changed my life.”

Mrs. Padma – “This idea came to us last year when some of us went to ma’am’s place to wish her for the 79th birthday. We planned it very clearly by conducting virtual meets every Saturday to connect all the members who are abroad. It is heartwarming to see the way the event has turned out to be.”

Mrs. Shanthini – “Very glad to be part of the inaugural edition of this alumni meet. Truly a memorable day!”

Mrs. Nirupama – “I am residing at Coimbatore, came here for some work. Unexpectedly the return trip was repeatedly getting postponed. But now I think it as God’s plan to make me attend this event. I'm very happy to be a part of this celebration.”

Dr. K Mohana (Former Principal) – “Ms. Nagarathnam ma’am has contributed a lot for our school. She has always been a guiding light for us.”

Mrs. Usha Shanmugasundaram (Former Head Mistress) – “This day is very memorable! We have to follow the footsteps of our predecessors! They are our inspiring guides!”

Mr. Vijayanand (1982 XII Batch; now HR Leader, Coach, Counsellor, Bangalore) – “Reuniting students from 1982 and teachers in their 70s was no small feat, but with shared purpose and nostalgia, we made it happen; our Modern School’s 1st Alumni Meet while honouring our beloved Principal's 80th birthday.”

Mrs. Jayalakshmi K – “Laughter, tears, and warm embraces filled the room as decades of life melted away in the comfort of shared feelings and rekindled friendships.”

Mrs. Sudha Aravindan (Connect Media World) – “As the daughter of AGS Colony’s very first resident (L Ramasubramanian - V Ramasubbalakshmi) and with Modern School being our family’s cherished institution, I feel truly privileged to express my gratitude and fond memories by sharing this special occasion by offering media coverage.”

Full Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEg2IiDSJIc

Special highlights & heartfelt moments

The entire alumni group unanimously decided to meet every year on Friendship Day — the first Sunday of August — to keep this beautiful bond alive.

In a meaningful gesture, everyone was given a badge, a cap, and a sapling as souvenirs of the day.

The event also included breakfast and lunch, adding warmth and togetherness to the celebrations.

Mr. SN Sriram took the thoughtful initiative to make the entire event eco-friendly - from cups for coffee and panagam to bags used, nothing was plastic, making the celebration even more special.

Mrs. Jayalakshmi’s (EMCEE) mic skills kept the hall alive with stories and laughter, impressing everyone with her lively hosting.

Mrs. Gomathi mami (Padma’s mother) shared heartfelt memories of seeing the school grow from barren land into a three-storey institution. (Watch Nanganallur Connect’s exclusive interview with Gomathi mami – “Andha Naal Nyabagam” on our YouTube channel. Link - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8Fb3lUhTJe5E7OpcwqWzqmyoAs3_QhRa&si=ScdJ_jRB8TD48LMp)

Teachers were honoured with mementos and shawls by alumni; in return, they gifted silver plates embossed with sweet words about Modern School.

Special thanks to Mr. Kanniappan, owner of Varadhammal Hall and an alumnus himself, who offered the venue out of love for his alma mater.

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For these folks of the formative Nanganallur, it was more than a memory recall, as almost all of them were strolling into the days of their ‘family school’ (for many) ‘running’ through the corridors and ‘rolling’ on the prayer ground with their pals and pet rivals.

What makes the group members honourable is their achievements in life and social position, thanks to the school, teachers and their beloved madam. (All photos are attached below the article)

Cultural events added soulful grace:

Sapna Krishnakumar – Vocal
Soumya Ramnarayan – Vocal
Sruthi Ramnarayan – Vocal
T Satyamurthy – Mridangam
V Rajagopalan – Violin
Ravi Vikram Rajen – Vocal
Shivani Goutham (VI std), student of MSSS and grand daughter of our economics teacher RV Kausalya - Bharatanatyam dance performance


Core members who made this event possible:

K. Padma, K. Vijayanand, K. Vijayaraghavan, K. Jayalakshmi, K. Ganesh, K. Srividhya, N. Srimathi, K. Vijaishree, T. Ravirajan, S Paavai,  SN. Sriram, S.V. Anand, R. Subramanian, Mrs. Kanakavalli.

Principals of Modern School through the years:

Sri Ananthapadmanabhan
Ms. Ganapathi
Ms. Jagadeeshwari
Ms. Nagarathnam (first principal during and after recognition)
Sri Sivaswamy
Ms. Seethalakshmi
Ms. K. Mohana
Ms. L Padmavathi
Ms. Sripriya

At the end, a beautiful group photograph of the alumni captured the spirit of nostalgia, love and unity - a perfect close to a historic first reunion.

Nanganallur Connect was honoured to be part of this special day.
Editor Dwarakesh Aravindan, an alumnus, feel proud to cover and celebrate such a heartfelt occasion.

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