Ujire: ‘Meluku’ Rekindles Friendship and Memories at SDM Secondary School

Mangaluru, May 19, 2026: What began as a simple desire among old classmates to meet once again eventually blossomed into Meluku — a heartfelt reunion that brought alive two decades of memories, friendships, and gratitude for the alumni of the 2003–2006 batch (A Section) of SDM Secondary School, Ujire.

Meluku, meaning “recollection” or “nostalgic remembrance”, was organised as a celebration of 20 years of friendship and shared memories. More than 50 former students and eight teachers participated in the gathering, which turned into an emotional celebration of school life and enduring bonds.

As friends met after years, conversations effortlessly drifted back to their school days — the innocent quarrels, playful arguments, classroom mischief, and the nervousness they felt whenever teachers entered the room. Laughter filled the venue as many fondly recalled how they would secretly imitate their teachers and mimic their mannerisms among friends.

The reunion recreated the carefree spirit of school life through games, songs, introductions, humorous sessions, and nostalgic storytelling. Many alumni said the event made them feel as though they had stepped back into their teenage years.

What made the programme even more meaningful was the effort behind it. Several alumni travelled long distances and adjusted personal commitments to attend the gathering. Batchmates living abroad and in different cities across the country also actively contributed towards organising the event despite being unable to participate in person.

“Initially, when the idea was shared with the teachers, they were all excited and encouraged us to organise the event. The support of our classmates and the encouragement of the teachers helped us conduct the programme successfully. To ensure everybody could attend the program, we decided to hold it on a Sunday- May 17,” said Sharath Upadhyaya of Killur, who is now based in Bengaluru.

Organising the reunion, however, was not an easy task. Alumni members said the journey from a simple idea to a full-fledged programme involved months of coordination and planning. Efforts went into contacting each classmate, reaching out to teachers, and carefully chalking out every aspect of the event.

A dedicated WhatsApp group was created to reconnect old friends and streamline communication, gradually turning scattered conversations into an organised effort. The team also worked on designing and later releasing the official invitation for Meluku, a few days before the program, ensuring the reunion reflected the warmth and spirit of their school days.

A touching highlight of the event was the felicitation of teachers who had played an important role in shaping the students’ lives. The alumni unveiled the official Meluku logo and honoured their teachers with mementoes and souvenirs as a mark of gratitude. A special memento was also presented to the school.

The alumni also expressed their heartfelt thanks to the teachers, the SDM management, and philanthropists Dr. Veerendra Heggade and Hemavathi V. Heggade for the support, values, and encouragement they received during their school years. Many participants emotionally recalled how teachers had stood by them, guided them, and inspired them beyond academics.

The reunion also carried a message of social responsibility. The alumni announced their commitment to support economically underprivileged students by contributing towards their educational expenses.

Mathematics teacher Sadashiva Poojari attended the programme as chief guest. Teachers Kalavathi, Raveesh Padmaraj, Suresh, Sriram, Ramesh Mayya, and Yuvaraj were also present and warmly interacted with their former students. Three teachers who could not attend — Meenakshi, Jayashri, and Jagadish — were also specially honoured for their contribution.

Amid the cheerful celebrations, the alumni paused to remember friends and mentors who are no longer with them. Tributes were paid to departed classmates Benny, Satish, and Vishwas, as well as former headmaster Shishupal Jain and former physical training teacher Jinendra Jain, whose influence, the alumni said, continues to remain unforgettable.

“Honouring our teachers was a long-cherished dream of our batch, and we are happy that we could fulfil it through the Meluku programme,” the alumni said.

The programme was compered by Vidyashree BS. Ismail Farooq delivered the welcome address, while Rakshitha proposed the vote of thanks.

As the event concluded, it left behind more than nostalgia. It became a reminder of how school friendships, shaped by shared experiences and caring teachers, continue to remain alive even after decades.

Though life had taken the classmates in different directions over the years, the reunion reflected how their bond had remained unchanged. While some alumni continue to live in Ujire and nearby places, others are now settled in cities across the country. Professionally too, they have moved into diverse fields and careers, each building a different life journey.

Yet, during Meluku, everyone came together not as professionals or individuals from different places, but simply as classmates reconnecting with the friendships and memories that once united them in the classrooms of SDM Secondary School, Ujire.