By Atul Kunwar
Excitement and anticipation picked up pace as the “AFCS batch of 80” Goa Jamboree D-Day inched closer. Banter and updates on WhatsApp exchanges raced to a non-stop rhythm – preparations, flight details, airport transit, memories of past reunions.
And before long it was time to journey to Caravela Goa – for the eagerly awaited annual gathering of “AFCS – 80”. The OC had the batch galvanised – 50 signed up for the 46th anniversary Jamboree, 46 finally trooped in. From all over India – by flights, road and two locals from Goa too (no trains this time!). While Australia, UK & Singapore were represented, America backed out (else Alisha Chinai’s ‘Made in India” song would have been most apt).
While planned as a 2-night celebration, joining the OC a day earlier is gaining traction – 15 of the 47 made it a 3-day affair!! We also had the highest representation of giggly girls thus far – 18. There were a few ‘first timers’ too – all girls (Meeta, Saba & Pisty). And we missed few regulars who got caught up last minute and could not make it.
But here we were. At this well scouted Goa beach resort (cheers to Sunil & OC) – clean private beach, 9-hole golf facility, rooms for all in a single block. The retreat to a boisterous bunch of classmates truly enjoying being together – sharing notes, memories, anecdotes and just having fun. There was much excitement as ‘goody bags’ got handed out – with printed jamboree shirts, Stetson hats and Tohl goodies evoking Ah’s & Ooh’s!
Then came a surprise turn in weather – a heavy downpour leading to a pleasant evening. Though forcing a change of venue from the planned beach shack party to an indoor Varca social. Rather than dampen the mood, it just set the stage for the Jamboree to rachet up a notch. Friendship and merrymaking was in the air!!
The evening was superbly anchored by our one and only Sudhanshu – his guitar strumming led non-stop endless repertoire of everyone’s ‘favourite’ songs across decades, delivered with his customary boundless energy. And then Bogie (Rakesh), Namita, Sonia and other got into the act with captivating vocals to churn out timeless classics. The entire cohort joined in a melodious chorus, singing aloud and shaking a leg in an impromptu performance for the ages. With Spirits, snacks and food selection only adding to more ‘feel good’ and ‘being happy’ till Cinderella time – when the music took a break. The girlie gang reconvened at kachori queen’s den for a hearty gossip session, while others retired to their rooms. All well captured in photos and videos to savour as memories – including a new group chant of “Kheech Meri Photo” (courtesy Narpat)
Day 1 was a rocking success!
And it raised the bar for the day to follow.
Day 2 started really early. The professional runners of the batch – Anjali & Narpat hatched a conspiracy to knock on all doors starting 0630 hrs. to cajole as many as they could to head to the beach for a morning stroll. Felt like boarding house days once again – the dreaded morning bell for exercise, only this time Chandan our erstwhile boarding house captain did not show any desire to join the group!! 15-16 responded and set out for a wonderful walk on the pristine beach to the sounds of gentle waves, flock of birds and sunrise. While the runner duo made their own tryst with a beach run along with recent running convert Nityanand. The golfing foursome of Bogie, Sharat, Channu & Narpat – never to resist an opportunity, tee’d off on what looked an easy course – only to be acknowledged for the challenges it threw up. Kishore was on hand to capture key moments with his wit and camera. And the rest leisurely enjoyed early morning views and sounds with tea/coffee in the company of friends.
By 8 am, the breakfast area became the ‘adda’ – big spread, live counters and specials accompanied with filter coffee/masala chai. Conversations galore flowed across tables – ranging from serious global-socio-economic-political issues to trending sports-films-music to highlights from our own lives/ecosystems. Everyone seemed so comfortable and at ease – no ego’s, no angry voices, just friends enjoying being together.
After a leisurely breakfast, the congregation shifted base to the Beach shack to make up for the missed opportunity from the prior evening. Beer, cocktails, KB’s candid snaps and more boisterous conversations flowed seamlessly. Some then ventured into the inviting sea for a dip and waves, others headed to the pool to chill, catchup and exchange updates. What was interesting was the constantly changing composition of groups – how easily they formed and re-formed allowing for maximum interactions.
Lunch followed. And before heading for a little rest, the OC reconfirmed the Jamboree photo shoot scheduled for 5pm. And reinforced the dress code – floral blue beach shirt, blue jeans, striking hats and white/blue sneakers. And it was wonderful to see everyone make it to the photo shoot on time – looking resplendent and eager.
The reunion group photo shoot itself has evolved over the years. Our usual suspects – KB, Sharat & Narpat have perfected the process. They seem to miraculously organise us the motley bunch into the right number of rows – balancing left & right, heights and even how the legs of those sitting cross from one side to the other!! The outcome as always is superb – whether the overall group photo or the section wise one or the 18 girls special this time.
After getting captured by the camera, it was time to set out on a bus journey to the jetty to break free on a special river cruise. It turned out to be a 90 min one way drive – the boisterous bunch took to it with panache – singing songs, leg pulling and getting set for a special evening of revelry. Along the way, liquor reinforcements were requisitioned for the party.
Our exclusive boat (Ohana) was a ritzy 2 level one – an airconditioned lower deck as the music/dance venue. And an open upper deck – bar/food and conversation setting. Turned out to be a highly enjoyable 2 hours – DJ playing numbers from our younger days, special high energy dance performances by many – and attempts at pole dancing too! Too many names to single out and mention – suffice to say the floor was very busy. And Drinks, snacks and Biryani kept the energy and mood going.
Short of midnight we alighted from the boat and headed back in two buses – 90 mins of singing, anecdotes and more conversations, including when/where next reunion first cut options. One of the buses developed a clutch engagement issue – the skillful driver though somehow drove it all the way back to the hotel, just that it could not make the final climb to the lobby!! But the passengers were oblivious – just enjoying every minute with friends.
Day 2 came to a close around 1am – with more memories and hoarse throats! Big success!!
We were now in Day 3 territory.
A few headed out real early. Some took one last stroll. The rest met over breakfast to exchange notes, compliment OCs for an excellently organized reunion, say good bye’s with hugs and to reiterate how much everyone is looking forward to the 2027 reunion.
AFCS batch of 80 reunions are truly remarkable. What stands out is how we pull it off year after year! Take a bow everyone for attending and adding to the get together. And cheers to the OC for a reunion delivered to exacting standards.
Au-revoir till the next!
Everyone – Keep healthy & smiling!
AFCS – 80. Closer | Stronger | Forever
The Chronicler
