Dear Jayati & Guys,

First, let it not be said that a Martinian has forgotten his manners - Jayati, you are a doll for being the first (and till now) the only person who posted photographs for all of us to see! Avik tried but the jury is out on whether he is a distant second or disqualified considering that all he did was email the same photgraphs a day later :-) Sorry Avik, ebaar saala toke support korte parlaam na.

Emotions possess magical powers, and nothing provides more proof than Dinesh's heart stirring message - if only such a mastery of the English language had manifested itself during ICSE & ISC! Or, Dinesh, have you relied on the tried, tested and true method of having someone else do it for you (maybe your kid or better half)! Just kidding.

Jokes aside, the 4 photographs that I viewed today on a grey, rainy morning in Germany has put enough sunlight (I do not mean the detergent) in my attitude that it can light up my life for the rest of winter; considering that I live in Canada, that is a lot of sunlight. On a similar theme, it was indeed blinding to see the sunlight bounce off some of you guys' shiny domes - Teji, you were hiding the shiny pate under the pagri and misleading people.

In ones' life, there comes a few events which can be classified as 'life-changing', or a milestone. This was one such event and a huge personal loss for me (and I presume for a lot of us who could not attend) which I can only live through the photographs that you guys email/post on the site and through some of you'll who I'll be speaking to in the near future. I am sure it was a huge emotional high for all of you and believe me when I say that I was there emotionally and mentally!

Class-mates are 'langoti yaars' and should not be using words like 'Thanks' and 'Sorry' but I will do this all the same just this once:-

'Thanks' to all you guys for getting this idea, putting up the website, co-ordinating and managing the administration of the event - it took a lot of planning and meetings (which was thirsty work judging by the copious quantities of beverages consumed in various business meeting locales like Saturday Club, CSC, CCFC, RCGC, etc). Please convey a very special 'Thanks' to your spouses for putting up with all this for nearly 2 years - guys, please make sure that the appreciation is genuine and heartfelt (a gift would not hurt) as this event is just the beginning and we do need them on our side for future events!

'Sorry' for not being able to attend, and a personal 'Sorry' to Jigme for me misunderstanding his message to non-attendees and letting loose a rant. Since I had emailed that message addressed to "All", I wanted to ensure that this too goes out to "All" and confirm that like two old Martinians we settled the matter with a few choice "gaalis" to each other and gave each other an electronic hug!

And yes, please let us try for an annual get together once a year in Cal - need not be fancy, but fun!

Once a Martinian, always a Martininan - viva La Martiniere Class of '82