Tilak High School is preparing for two major celebrations; the ex-scholars’ reunion this weekend and Tilak Night on July 25 which will mark the school’s 70th year of existence.
Principal Vinod Kumar said Tilak Night was initially celebrated annually before a school policy change in 2015 resulted in it being scrapped, however, it was reintroduced last year.
“So, we are celebrating seven decades of existence, that Tilak Night is a school event. We expect 2000 to 3000 people,” he said.
The event will be held at the school grounds while the ex-scholar’s reunion this weekend will take place at the South Seas Club.
“Normally every year we commemorate Tilak Day, so this year we have gone further because it’s our 70th year. That’s why we will have daytime activities, but at night we are having a function where students will display their talents.”
Mr Kumar said the school had produced high achieving individuals who had gone on to pursue respectable careers.
The school’s first location was on Tavewa Avenue where the Housing Authority of Fiji office was previously situated.
Mr Kumar said the school roll had grown to 1018 from its initial 300 students.
Former pupil Adam Ali clarified why the two celebrations are not being held on the same day.
“When you have a reunion, they want alcohol, and the school doesn’t allow that,” he said.
“There are a lot of questions firing back at me but there is a restriction from the ministry that they don’t allow alcohol.”
The reunion program will begin with a tour of the school from 2pm to 4pm before the evening cocktail party from 5pm to 7pm. Formalities will take place from 6pm while dinner will be at 8pm.
