Alappuzha: Amid a demanding public schedule, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala slipped effortlessly into familiar company, sharing laughter with former classmates, enquiring about their children and grandchildren, and reliving college days through a gallery of cherished memories. Despite hours of waiting, there was no sign of impatience among his friends. Instead, they greeted him warmly, renewing bonds forged decades ago with ease and affection.

The reunion was organised by Milan, an association of former students who completed their law degree at Thiruvananthapuram Law College between 1977 and 1980. Held aboard a houseboat at Punnamada, the gathering brought together Congress Working Committee member and MLA Ramesh Chennithala and his batchmates, lending fresh life to memories long treasured.

For the past 18 years, the Milan collective has met annually on the second Sunday of December. This year, however, the reunion was held a week later due to the local body elections.

Around 45 former students, along with their family members, attended the event. The idea of forming such a collective was first mooted by Girija, Harish and Binu Kumar. In 2008, when Mr Chennithala was serving as KPCC president, he took the initiative to formalise the group, leading to its first official meeting. Since then, several classmates who had lost touch over the years have been traced and brought back into the fold.

While the alumni meet continues to be a source of joy, members of the collective also share a sense of sadness, as the whereabouts of 14 classmates are still unknown. The passing away of eight former students, too, remains a lingering pain. The gathering this year was led by former Police Complaint Authority chairman KV Gopikuttan and Milan coordinator Girijakumari,  who retired as an assistant EPFO.

Among those who attended were former Vigilance Tribunal judge P Suresh, former Punalur municipality chairman D Suresh, former Kerala University registrar Hashim, businessman Basheer and former Forest Commissioner George Thomas. Most members of the Milan collective are retired heads of various departments and senior lawyers.