4 days ago
Gathering of hearts in Kuantan at five-school reunion
The reunion celebrated teachers and their impact on students at the five heritage Tamil schools.
Alumni and teachers of five heritage Tamil schools came together in Kuantan, Pahang, to celebrate their 'Unfading Memories' (Marayatha Ninaivalaigal).
The reunion at a hotel in the city brought together 150 former pupils and 25 retired teachers in a tribute to social values that shaped generations.
Attending alumni were from SJK (T) Jalan Penjara Kuantan, SJK (T) Lian Hup (Atarbara), SJK (T) Ladang Kuala Reman Panching, SJK (T) Ladang Jeram and SJK (T) Jabor.
Though some of these schools have since closed or had name changes, the spirit that they were founded in and the legacy that they created continue to live on in the thousands of former students.
Present at the reunion were alumni batches from 1954 to 1991 with attendees having travelled from across Malaysia, as well as from New Zealand and Singapore.
For many, the reunion was their first time reconnecting with childhood classmates and long-retired teachers.
'This is a gathering of hearts,' organiser Kamala Udayan said in her opening speech.
'We are here because someone once believed in us, guided us and lit the flame of knowledge,' she added.
The most touching moment came when the oldest attending teacher Thulasi Sundram, 87, was honoured on stage by the most senior student of the 1954 batch, which drew a standing ovation.
The teachers were also celebrated with tokens of appreciation, floral garlands and handwritten messages from former students.
They listened to stories of how their words and actions left a lifelong impact.
The programme featured a blend of traditional performances, nostalgic photo displays, video tributes and emotional speeches.
Former students took to the stage to recite poems and share reflections about their school days, and the values they still carried.
The reunion also reaffirmed the importance of Tamil vernacular education and teachers' roles.
As the evening drew to a close, candles were lit to remember departed teachers and classmates.
Old friends embraced, took photographs and promised to stay in touch – proof that bonds formed in school and guided by caring teachers never truly fade.
Reunion organising committee members shared plans to preserve these memories in a digital archive.
They are also considering making this an annual or bi-annual event to continue fostering community spirit, memories and appreciation.
In the words of a reunion guest: 'We may have left school decades ago, but the school has never left us.'
