SJBHS OBA Day 2013

The 95th Annual General Body Meeting of the Old Boys' Association of St Joseph's Boys' High School, Bangalore was held on Sunday, Sept 8, 2013. The day began with the Holy Mass starting at 7:15 AM.

Hymns and prayers constituted an hour of thankfulness, seeking blessings and poignant moments of remembrance.

The School Band gets ready for the ceremony during which a wreath is laid at the War Memorial.

The War Memorial is one of the unique landmarks in Bangalore.  Old Boys who have laid down their lives during the many wars, trying to protect the country, are remembered and thanked.

Like the old days when we used to be in School during the Assembly held in the morning, Old Boys line up according to the Houses they belonged to. Unfurling the School Flag is followed by singing the School song "Ring Out The Battle Call Of Duty".

Time now for the customary breakfast in the lower level.

A short prayer before the breakfast, in gratefulness for all that we have received.

Sausages and eggs, a decades old tradition looked forward to by Old Boys, a reminder of the old 'Refectory' food.

There is food for those who don't eat sausages and eggs.

Rahul Dravid, one of our most famous Old Boys, inaugurates the Office of the OBA in the new Sports Complex that is scheduled to get completed in early 2014.

A view of the Sports Complex, as we wait for the group photograph to be taken. The photo is taken in two batches, before 1990 and since 1990. The Sports Complex has unique facilities. It is designed to house an indoor pool, basketball court, table tennis tables and an indoor cricket pitch, believed to be the first of its kind in India.

The OBA General Body Meeting is attended by about 100 Old Boys.

Keenly awaited events follow the Meeting. The Fellowship and the Hockey match between the Old Boys and the School team. The line for the Draught Beer from the tap is long and slow. To speed up the process, each person was allowed two glasses at a time.

The Hockey match is held on soggy ground. The School team is no match for the Old Boys' skill and stamina. The Old Boys win 11 - 1.

Meanwhile, beer, pink stickjaws, groundnut stickjaws, veg samosas and non-veg samosas are in great demand.

The ever popular Biriyani is served at 2:30 PM.

Some Old Boys are multi-talented, not only do they sing but they play an excellent game of Hockey, as well.

It gets close to 4 PM, and the fellowship continues.

Three Cheers for the OBA! Three Cheers for the School!

Thank you, Rev Fr Principal, OBA Committee, Old Boys and Families..!! Until next time, then..!!