I consider myself privileged to have studied in such an honourable institution. 50 years in the life of an institution is a great milestone. It’s almost two to three generations that have passed out of this college. I don’t know how well people in the first batch can connect to the ones that have just passed out. CHRIST has evolved considerably and I recognise two distinct spans over the last 50 years.
I joined CHRIST in the year 1991 and prior to that, the college had already completed 22 years. Even during those days, CHRIST was one of the most sought after institutions in Bangalore. Although, I would say that it was for different reasons. If I were to simply state it, CHRIST may not have been a preferred institution for parents of kids back then. But I can tell you that the kids really wanted to be here for sure! It used to be one of the most happening places in Bangalore to have fun. Some of us who did not make it into college had plans to just sneak in during the Spring Fest. All the boys and girls around Bangalore just loved to be on campus during that one week of the Spring Fest as it was the best college fest in town.
Back then I would say that I was a ‘societal misfit’ and I had mastered
the art of failing my PU Exams several times. Somehow I managed to pass and joined CHRIST along with a few of my friends. Know that the impression we all had in our head was that we were joining the college of ‘Spring Fest’. But to our misfortune, Father Antony Kariyil and Finance Officer & Vice Principal, Father Thomas C Mathew had taken over the reigns to change the destiny of CHRIST. They had decided to develop the college into a place that would be fun to be in, but at the same time, one of the most sought after institutions for higher education in the country. Our batch and few other batches that followed were ones to witness the transformational change.
Being a part of a bunch of misfits who joined CHRIST to just let go and have fun, we did try to go against the disciplinary regimes set by Father Kariyil and team. When they clamped down on the ‘Spring Fest’, we turned into rebels. Not saying that we were serious rebel. Back then, we were just ‘wannabe’ rebels with absolutely no grit! But we still tried. We cut classes and protested to bring back the old Spring Fest. Within two days, Father Kariyil and team ensured that we were broken down and brought to our knees.
Another chapter in the glorious evolution of CHRIST came to an end. Today, this institution has evolved into something that those of us from 90’s could ever imagine. Although the management brought us to our knees, the kind of love and affection we received is something that endures till date. Those bonds we created are even stronger today. I am grateful to all the fathers and teachers who supported and molded me.
Krishna Byre Gowda
Class of 1991
Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Law, Justice Human Rights and Parliamentary Affairs.
Govt Of Karnataka