Can you share some of your most memorable experiences or incidents from your time at Loyola College in Chennai?

I studied at Loyola from 1957 to 1967, covering my PUC, B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Chemistry. One of the standout memories for me was taking part in the anti-Hindi protest on January 25, 1965. We gathered at the Nungambakkam railway station around 11 am. When a local train from Kodambakkam showed up, we sat on the tracks, chanting slogans like "Hindi ozhiga" and stopped the train from moving. Everyone seemed to be on board with this, including the station master, the train driver, and even the passengers. There were two policemen there too, and they only asked us to keep things peaceful. The nearby road was open, and traffic was normal. It was a chilled-out atmosphere, with no damage or police involvement.

By about 1 pm, everyone started feeling a bit tired, so we ended the blockade, and trains started moving again. We all just went home after that.

Another interesting story, though it happened before my time at Loyola, was during my older brother's years. Back then, there wasn't a Nungambakkam station, and students had to get off at Chetpat or Kodambakkam and walk along the tracks to reach college. Sometimes, someone would pull the emergency chain when the train neared Loyola, and students would hop off. To stop this, railway officials placed policemen in the compartments. One day, a policeman caught a student and took him to court. But when they went to court, about 50 Loyola students showed up to say they saw the policeman pull the chain! The judge threw out the case and suggested that the Railways set up a station near Loyola. That's how the Nungambakkam railway station came to be.

In my third year at Loyola College, there was a student strike over some hostel issues. I had a test scheduled that day, so I headed to college but found the main entrance blocked by students. I heard that the entrance used by students arriving by train was also blocked. However, I remembered a building on the other side with a road in front, which I thought might have an open entrance.

When I got there, the gate was shut, but no students were around. I decided to climb over the gate and a small wall that separated this building from the college, and I managed to get in. I felt like I was on an adventure and went to my class, surprised to find almost half the class already there. They had arrived an hour or two earlier to avoid the blockade.

Even more surprising was that our lecturer showed up to conduct the test since so many of us were present. After the test, we checked out the strike, which had been going on for about two hours. From the balcony, we watched as the principal approached the crowd. He calmly asked the watchmen to open the gates and then softly instructed the students to return to class.

Starting with the Union secretary, all the students quietly went back to class without any more drama. It was quite an anticlimax.

During my time in the Bachelor of Commerce [B.Com] program at Loyola College, one of the most memorable experiences was definitely the annual cultural fest called "Ovations." The campus buzzed with excitement as students from all departments showcased their talents through various performances. I participated in a dance competition, and it was exhilarating to see so many people cheering us on. This event not only brought everyone together but also created a sense of belonging and pride in being part of Loyola. The energy and creativity displayed by my fellow students made it a highlight of my college life.

Another unforgettable incident was when a guest speaker from Deloitte came to our college to give a motivational talk. Being in the Bachelor of Commerce [B.Com] course, I was really keen to hear about the industry from someone so experienced. The insights shared about career paths and the importance of internships were truly eye-opening. It inspired many of us to be proactive about seeking internships, and I ended up applying for one, which I believe has set the groundwork for my future career.

Lastly, I will never forget the camaraderie I built during group study sessions before exams in the B.Com program. We had internal exams every month, which made studying a bit stressful, but it also brought us closer. I remember one night where my friends and I gathered in the library, cramming for a particularly tough semester exam. We ended up sharing snacks and laughter, turning what seemed like a daunting task into a fun memory. Those late-night study sessions not only helped us academically but also forged friendships that I cherish to this day.