The concept of the old boys network has long been associated with prestigious institutions, such as the renowned English universities like Cambridge and Oxford. These networks have been dramatically portrayed in English films, particularly showcasing their influence and support within the upper echelons of society. However, a school network that I know of has really stood the test of time.
Recently, I embarked on a trip to Arunachal and Assam with SJOBA Batch of 1978 (St. John's Boys Association), the boys alumni network from St. Johns in Chandigarh. Within the class of 60, there were two divisions of 30 each. Surprisingly, although I know about 20% of them directly or indirectly, this connection brought us all closer. Despite it being almost 47 years since they finished school, the group has managed to stay in touch and meet regularly. They've travelled to places like Lahul spiti and routinely attend each other's weddings, forming a strong family support system.
What distinguishes this network from the classical old boys network is its inclusivity. Traditionally, an old boys network resembles an ancestral community, focusing solely on the alumni. However, this network includes wives and now that almost all have retired or have some time in their lives, the bonds are getting stronger. The potential to extend to families is limited since most active members are based in Chandigarh, but they help out each others children quite often.
They call each other by their school names and add some variations as well to reflect what their current state in life is. They also included guys who left school before finishing their education. They tick off a friend who should not be smoking and vehemently disagree without creating bitterness of the sort that is usually associated with strong disagreements.
An exemplary aspect of this group is its commitment to maintaining relationships and offering assistance. Recently, when one member moved back to Chandigarh from Mumbai, the usual challenges of relocating and forming new friendships were alleviated. Thanks to the existing network, he immediately had a community ready to support him. This network demonstrates the power of maintaining connections beyond academic beginnings. More stories and experiences from this journey are to come as I am an outsider...though for a limited time I had temporary memmbership.
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