In a touching display of camaraderie and commitment to service, four childhood friends from Sainik School Kazhakoottam reunited recently after nearly 40 years. This gathering, marking their triumphant journeys from young students to senior officers in the Indian Armed Forces, took place during an alumni meet in July 2025. The participants—Lieutenant General Vijay B Nair, Major General Vinod T Mathew, Major General Hari B Pillai, and Air Vice Marshal K V Surendran Nair—represent the 1985 batch of the school, located near Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
The reunion held special significance, not only due to the passage of time but also because of the distinguished paths each individual has taken since graduating. Alumnus Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan was also present at the event, further enhancing the sense of shared history and achievement.
For the current students and staff of Sainik School Kazhakoottam, witnessing the return of four former classmates who have achieved high ranks in the armed forces was inspirational. Their presence underscored the pivotal role Sainik Schools play in molding young minds and preparing future dedicated leaders for the nation. The institution has long been recognized for its contribution to the armed forces, emphasizing a blend of academic learning with physical training, discipline, leadership, and character development.
The batch of 1985 stands out in the school’s history, with approximately 14 members joining the armed services. Many cadets were inspired during their time when serving officers visited the campus, engaging students and instilling in them the aspiration to serve the country.
Lieutenant General Vijay B Nair, AVSM, SM, who hails from Palakkad, Kerala, has had a prestigious military career, engaging in significant operational and staff roles throughout his service. His notable experiences include counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, service with the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka, and involvement in United Nations peacekeeping missions, such as commanding troops in Congo. At the time of the reunion, he was involved in Northern Command and later took command at the Infantry School in Mhow.
Major General Vinod T Mathew, YSM, from Thodupuzha, Kerala, has served as the General Officer Commanding of the Karnataka-Kerala Sub-Area. His military journey includes critical operational experience in regions like Assam and Manipur, along with leadership roles during humanitarian operations after a devastating landslide in Wayanad in 2024.
Major General Hari B Pillai, from Kundara in Kollam district, has cultivated a commendable military career, with noteworthy experiences in both operational contexts in Kashmir and Northeast India and participation in a United Nations mission in Congo. Presently, he holds an essential position related to recruitment at the Bengaluru Regional Recruitment Zone, shaping the future of the army by selecting and guiding prospective soldiers.
Air Vice Marshal K V Surendran Nair, VSM, represents the Indian Air Force among the illustrious group. An accomplished fighter pilot, he has notably flown aircraft including the MiG-21, MiG-29, and Sukhoi-30MKI. At the time of the gathering, he served as Chief Instructor Air at the Defence Services Staff College, a prestigious institution where future military leaders are trained.
The alumni meet was a deeply emotional occasion, allowing the four officers to revisit fond memories from their formative years. They took the time to connect with current students, sharing stories about their school life, the discipline they developed, the lasting friendships they forged, and the values that have guided them throughout their careers.
Notably, the event also marked the inauguration of a 150 kW solar power plant on the school campus, representing a forward-looking vision for the institution. This initiative illustrated that the alumni were not just celebrating their past, but also investing in the future of Sainik School Kazhakoottam.
For current students, witnessing the accomplishments of these four senior military leaders was an empowering moment. Their journeys served as vivid reminders that dreams, nurtured during school days, can be attained through hard work, dedication, and commitment. The reunion highlighted how friendships forged in youth can endure across decades, transcending various challenges and responsibilities.
The collective narrative of these four officers is a testament to shared beginnings, common values, and a lifetime of dedication to serving the nation. As they continue to inspire present-day cadets and defense aspirants, their journey exemplifies the spirit of Sainik Schools across India.
Ultimately, the reunion conveyed a powerful message: the path to success starts with small steps grounded in strong values and consistent effort. For these four friends, Sainik School Kazhakoottam was more than just an educational institution; it laid the foundation for a lifetime committed to service. Their remarkable story stands as a celebration of brotherhood, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the nation.
