Batch Haldia 91 Reunion 2023

Reunion, simply put, is celebrating the bond of a cohort - nothing but cacophony of pure laughter, love, and liveliness. And where did I conjure up this definition from? Of course from the steady stream of updates from the bunch that planned to the tee and whipped up a vibrant, jubilant Batch Haldia 91 Reunion at Sunderban.

No, I wasn't a part of it, but as I always advocate, Covid has taught us to appreciate vicarious pleasure and social media has provided the powerful tool to do just that. Nobody misses the fun! And so here I go as requested by none other than our young-at-heart pal, Arindom.

How did it all start? Can't exactly place it - was it the exacting polling procedure to zero in on a spot through Google forms initiated by our budding entrepreneur Saugata or the artist Sabyasachi's dramatic graphical design of the tiger that'd be emblazoned on official t-shirt for the group when Sunderban was roughly thrown as the getaway venue.

Nonetheless, time took its course and the intriguing Sunderban was finalised by the popular voting. Kudos to the verve and silent efforts of the organisers - acco was booked, menu was firmed, t-shirts were printed. But for mute observers, such as us, the official excitement commenced when fashion maven Mahua declared the dress code. It went like this.

The most enthusiastic heart that was party to it, and no prizes for guessing the name, was our man of many colours, Rajib.

Mahua isn't somebody who washes her hands off with a declaration; she saw to the execution of her theme by assisting everyone, who needed suggestions and opinions in procuring the desired attires. This lent an edge to every AM and PM of the event with a unique shade that'd be indelibly etched in our mind - whether we participated or not. She coaxed and cajoled Manashi, Ipsita, and others, who were in two minds, into flowing dresses. The virtual spectators witnessed the entire saga and acknowledged in appreciation Mahua's sincere efforts and others' selfless support.

Thus the D-day started with smart casuals. Rajib, who was in a cosplay, parading like a Pharao with the gorgeous queen, Sumana, by his side at Cairo the day before, was suddenly by our side in t-shirt and shorts - what a transformation! (Unable to choose an adjective here - amazing, welcoming, friendly, or hilarious). Snaps of the undeniably elegant Subarna, in jeans and purple tasar top accessoried with simple jewelry, joining the journey, popped up on our group window. And a panoply of photos ensued from that cue. See for yourself!

Mimi gifts me-time to her dearest

Pubasa's cameo

On your marks, get set, go

Tea time

Definitely outdid JLo in Anaconda 

Embodies love and laughter 

Titanic friendship 

You know I booked this top for a year knowing fully well I'd look anything but you!

A fun-filled bus-boat trip later, the group freshened up, hopped into their pink-red-oranges to hit the dance-floor. 🕺 💃 I have few words to describe the exuberance - hopefully the pictures will speak better here.

And you have arrived at your destination 

Geared up in red, pink, orange - party lights will do the rest of the magic

Non-dancers isn't a term in Rajib's parlance

What's in Bobby that's not in this?

High octane razzmatazz 

All 15 in a fabulous frame - truly 'So beautiful, so elegant, just looking like a wow' moment

Little wonder, the dance-floor fun was too contagious to escape. The purple themed saree-kurta glamour-session was conducted the following morning, and was indisputably the pinnacle point of the reunion, closely contested by the group in theme t-shirt right after.

Fruition of Mahua's patience and perseverance

Statuesque 

Absolute beauty

Attitude is something you wear anywhere 

Don't miss Mr Krishna

Funny ramp walk - Mahua always has surprises up her sleeve 

That evening was a revel with revellers in stunning,  shimmering party gowns, designer shirts, and trousers. The tribal-dance show was accentuated by the pulse-pounding ebullience of our group. 

Psychedelic lights stirred with dance gowns and moves

That pretty much summed up how the team had a whale of a time. Concluding trip back home in beige, yellow, white looked as much fun and relaxing. Somlata was a beautiful exception from the prescribed colours, and for good reasons -  all the attention gravitating to her attractive robin-blue dress! Our childhood Ms Monitor was far from her usual serious-self, smiling and participating with equal raves and adhering to dresscode like a pro. A special spotlight on Dhruba, Arnab, Tarak who spiced up the reunion with their participation, support, and love for friends. 

Did I miss anybody?🤔 

I know I purposely did, so I can complete the coda of this chronicling with a momentous mention of the heart and soul of the party, our very own SRK, Roop aka Dam! Here are the final photos.

What's a reunion without an appetising spread of cauliflower curry, lentils, aloo poshto (potato with poppy seeds), crispy potato fries, crabs, fish, chicken, mutton, sweet-tangy chutney 

Dona, Sydney, Dec 2023