Nostalgia Unlimited: Ooty Gears Up For A Landmark Reunion
By D Radhakrishnan
NILGIRIS: In existence since 1874, one of the best-known educational institutions of the Blue Hills, the Breeks Memorial School, is all set to cross a major milestone and its alumni are leaving no stone unturned to commemorate the occasion memorably.
Following practical issues, standing in the way of the celebrations, taking place in the institution’s sesquicentennial year, the organizers have fixed the 10th and 11th of January 2025 to conduct various events to mark the occasion.
The building which houses the school is sandwiched between Lord Wenlock Road above and Charing Cross below.
One of the most prominent and imposing landmarks of the hill stations, the building came into being in 1886, at a cost of Rs.38,180. With unique architectural features, the building is not only of high heritage value but also bears the name of the first Collector (then Commissioner) of the Nilgiris district Mr. James Wilkinson Breek (1868-72).
The institution is steeped in history and was the outcome of the steps taken by the people to gather subscriptions to raise a memorial for Mr. Breeks, in the shape of a school. It was originally part of the heritage court complex.
Though a few schools were established in Ooty before the Breeks Memorial School, the latter differed from all its predecessors, in being only a day school for, “Europeans, Eurasians and natives of the better class”.
The school is run by a committee headed by the district collector. The present head is Mrs. Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru. In a recent interaction with some members of the organizing committee, the Collector opined that such occasions should be utilized by the alumni to encourage teachers and students of their alma mater, to put their best foot forward.
A highlight of the celebrations is a reunion of old students on a scale that has hitherto not been witnessed. The Golden Jubilee of the Breeks Higher Secondary School, the sister institution of the Breeks Memorial School, will form part of the celebrations.
Christened Breeks Bandwagon 150, the reunion is expected to attract hundreds of alumni from all over the country and abroad.
Listed activities include a ceremony to pay homage to Mr. Breeks, whose final resting place is at the Saint Stephen’s Church which dates back to the 19th century, and a rally through the town.
