Meet 4 Army Friends Reunited After 40 Years at the Place Where They Started Together

Four decades ago, a group of young boys at Sainik School in Kazhakoottam, Thiruvananthapuram, shared dreams, laughter, and aspirations under the same roof. On July 19, 2025, four of those friends—now distinguished military officers returned to their alma mater for an alumni meet that was as much a celebration of their bond as it was a testament to their service to the nation. 

Lieutenant General Vijay B Nair, Major General Vinod T Mathew, Major General Hari B Pillai, and Air Vice Marshal K V Surendran Nair, all from the class of 1985, stood as living proof that dreams nurtured with discipline and camaraderie can lead to extraordinary lives of purpose.

The reunion was more than a nostalgic homecoming; it was a moment to inspire the next generation. As they inaugurated a 150 KW solar power plant on the school campus, these officers reflected on the values instilled in them during their school years values that propelled them to the upper echelons of the Indian armed forces. Their stories, shared with current students and fellow alumni, were a powerful reminder that greatness begins with small steps, steadfast commitment, and an unwavering sense of duty.

Lieutenant General Vijay B Nair, now leading the Indian Army’s Northern Command in Udhampur, spoke of how visits from serving officers during his school days ignited his passion for the armed forces. A native of Palakkad, he has commanded anti-terrorist operations in Kashmir, served in Sri Lanka with the Indian Peace Keeping Force, and led the UN Multinational Force in Congo. His journey from a Sainik School student to a key figure in Operation Sindoor is a beacon of resilience and leadership.

Major General Vinod T Mathew, hailing from Thodupuzha, shared his experiences leading rescue operations during the Chooralmala-Mundakai landslide in Wayanad and combating insurgencies in Assam and Manipur. As the General Officer Commanding of the Karnataka-Kerala Sub-Area, his service in UN missions in Congo and Sudan underscores the global impact of his training at Sainik School.

Major General Hari B Pillai, from Kundara, now serves as Additional Director General of the Bengaluru Regional Recruitment Zone. His years of counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir and the North-East, combined with his UN service in Congo, highlight the versatility and dedication fostered by his early education.

Air Vice Marshal K V Surendran Nair, a Thrissur native, captivated the audience with tales of soaring through the skies as one of India’s top fighter pilots. Having flown MiG-21s, MiG-29s, and Sukhoi-30s, he now serves as Chief Instructor at the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington, shaping the next generation of military leaders.

The alumni meet brought together doctors, engineers, bureaucrats, pilots, and UN officials, all united by their shared roots. Yet, it was the story of these four friends classmates who grew up dreaming together and went on to serve the nation in extraordinary ways that truly captured the spirit of the occasion. M A Anil Kumar, another 1985 alumnus, recalled how 14 students from their batch joined the armed forces, inspired by the same spark that these officers now pass on to today’s students.

Their reunion is a powerful reminder: no dream is too big when fueled by discipline, camaraderie, and a commitment to something greater than oneself. The class of 1985 didn’t just return to Sainik School they returned to inspire, to show that the lessons learned in those classrooms and playgrounds can lead to a life of service, impact, and pride. For every student listening, their message was clear: dream boldly, work tirelessly, and serve selflessly. The nation awaits your greatness.