Four Sainik School Alumni Reunite as Senior Armed Forces Officers After 40 Years
In a touching narrative of camaraderie, discipline, and national service, four childhood friends from Sainik School Kazhakoottam revisited their old school nearly 40 years after they last walked its halls. The significance of this reunion lay not only in the time that had passed but also in the extraordinary paths each had pursued since their school days. The young boys, who once shared dreams on wooden benches, returned as high-ranking officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
The quartet, comprising Lieutenant General Vijay B Nair, Major General Vinod T Mathew, Major General Hari B Pillai, and Air Vice Marshal K V Surendran Nair, belong to the 1985 graduating class of Sainik School Kazhakoottam, situated near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Their reunion occurred during an alumni gathering in July 2025, where they were celebrated as distinguished guests. The event also featured Air Marshal Balakrishnan Manikantan, another esteemed alumnus of the institution.
For the current students and staff, the presence of these four officers was deeply inspiring. It was a rare occasion when former classmates who had achieved significant ranks in the military returned to the very campus where their aspirations began. Their return underscored the crucial role Sainik Schools play in nurturing young minds and grooming future leaders for the country.
Sainik School Kazhakoottam has long been recognized for its contributions to the armed forces. Founded with the objective of preparing students for military careers, the school integrates academic instruction with physical training, discipline, leadership, and character development. Generations of students have been inspired by its mission to serve the nation in uniform.
The 1985 batch stands out in the school’s history, with around 14 students from that year joining the armed forces. During their school days, visiting officers left lasting impressions on many students, motivating them to pursue careers in defense services.
Lieutenant General Vijay B Nair, AVSM, SM, originating from Palakkad in Kerala, has had a remarkable military career marked by several operational, staff, and instructional roles. His service includes counter-terrorism operations in Jammu and Kashmir, participation in the Indian Peace Keeping Force in Sri Lanka, and involvement in United Nations peacekeeping missions, including a command role in Congo.
At the reunion, Lieutenant General Nair held a senior appointment with Northern Command and later took over as Commandant of the Infantry School in Mhow on May 1, 2026. The Infantry School is a prestigious institution responsible for training officers and soldiers in infantry tactics and leadership. His accolades, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Sena Medal, highlight his exceptional service and commitment.
Major General Vinod T Mathew, YSM, hailing from Thodupuzha in Kerala’s Idukki district, served as the General Officer Commanding of the Karnataka-Kerala Sub-Area. His career spans operational experience in counter-insurgency areas like Assam and Manipur and service in United Nations peacekeeping missions in Congo and Sudan.
Major General Mathew is noted for his leadership during the relief operations following the Chooralmala-Mundakai landslide in Wayanad in 2024. The Army's involvement in rescue efforts, under his leadership, was widely appreciated, showcasing the Army’s role in both national security and disaster response.
Major General Hari B Pillai, from Kundara in Kollam district, also boasts a distinguished career in the Indian Army. His service includes challenging assignments in counter-insurgency regions in Kashmir and the Northeast, as well as participation in a United Nations mission in Congo.
Currently, he holds a crucial role related to recruitment in the Bengaluru Regional Recruitment Zone, ensuring the selection of future soldiers and officers is based on merit and discipline, sustaining the quality of the Indian Army’s incoming personnel.
Air Vice Marshal K V Surendran Nair, VSM, represents the Indian Air Force among the foursome. Originating from Thrissur, he is a seasoned fighter pilot with experience flying aircraft like the MiG-21, MiG-29, and Sukhoi-30MKI. His ascent from a student at Sainik School to a senior Air Force officer fills the institution with pride.
At the time of the reunion, Air Vice Marshal Nair served as Chief Instructor Air at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, a prestigious tri-services institution. Here, he continues to mentor and inspire future military leaders, passing on the inspiration he once received as a student.
The alumni event was more than a formal assembly—it was an emotional return to their roots. The officers revisited classrooms, hallways, and familiar spaces, sharing memories and experiences with current students, emphasizing the values and friendships formed during their school years.
The event also marked the inauguration of a 150 kW solar power plant on the school grounds, adding a progressive aspect to the reunion. This gesture demonstrated the alumni’s commitment not only to commemorate their past but also to contribute positively to the school’s future.
For the students of Sainik School Kazhakoottam, witnessing four alumni in such prominent military positions was highly motivational. Their journeys evidenced that dreams nurtured in school could materialize through dedication and perseverance, and that childhood friendships can endure despite the demands of military service.
This story of the four officers is not just about personal success but also about shared beginnings, common values, and a lifelong dedication to the nation. Each chose a path of service, rising through the ranks with determination, symbolizing the spirit of Sainik Schools across India.
Their reunion, four decades later, offers an important lesson for aspiring defense personnel: success is built on small steps, strong values, and unwavering effort. The classrooms, parade grounds, hostels, and playgrounds all contribute to character development. For these four friends, Sainik School Kazhakoottam wasn’t just an institution; it laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to service.
Today, Lieutenant General Vijay B Nair, Major General Vinod T Mathew, Major General Hari B Pillai, and Air Vice Marshal K V Surendran Nair continue to inspire countless students, cadets, and defense aspirants. Their journey from schoolmates to senior military leaders is a celebrated chapter in the history of Sainik School Kazhakoottam.
Their story underscores the enduring nature of true friendship, grounded in discipline, respect, and a shared purpose, which can withstand the test of time. From their journey that started in the classrooms of Kazhakoottam four decades ago, their reunion today stands as a testament to brotherhood, leadership, and national service.
