Srikakulam : 

It was time to recall the good old days and catch up with friends for alumni of the 159-year-old NTR High School here Sunday. In a bid to save the institution from fading into history and revive its past glory, the alumni of the school had a meeting on the Friendship Day.

The alumni felt that their alma mater became a victim of corporate education with imposing buildings and land grabbers eyeing the valuable property. The old students decided to join hands to revive their school’s past glory by providing corporate-type education.

District collector Lakshmi Narasimham was the chief guest of the meet. He lauded the resolution taken by the old students, who had already become senior citizens. The collector promised to extend all help from his side and provide all facilities from the government side. He appreciated the alumni for coming forward to develop the school.

The NTR High School was established on Dec 7, 1856. Some of its students became IAS and IPS officers and some others became noted personalities in India. Poet and Kathanilayam founder Kalipatnam Ramarao, actor Raavi Kondala Rao, KV Somayajulu, sports person Khasim Khan and Chilukuri Narayana Rao were some of its students.

Reminiscing, the 90-year-old Govinda Rao, an alumnus, said the school had a hoary past. He vowed to fight back if the school was diverted or demolished. Another alumnus Govind Srinivasa Raman expressed anguish that the present rulers had brought the school to the current status. Retired drawing teacher Ramalingeswara Rao recalled that he had studied and worked in the school. Along with him there were 67 teachers who worked and studied in the school. He regretted that the school strength has come down to 200 now.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / August 03rd,  2015