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Don Bosco School, Irinjalakuda, Kerala
Bosconians Rock the Night for a Cause as COUNTDOWN Returns After 30 Years
News written by: Bastin Nellissery (INK)
After a nearly three-decade hiatus, the legendary rock music competition and concert of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco Irinjalakuda made a powerful comeback, as alumni returned “back to school” to relive memories and renew bonds. Branded as COUNTDOWN, the annual reunion of past pupils, the event was held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, transforming the school campus into a vibrant space of music, nostalgia, and social commitment.
COUNTDOWN is more than a reunion; it is the public face of the Share & Care Project, the charitable mission of the Irinjalakuda Past Pupils Unit. Conceived as an occasion for former students to gather every year and remember their formative years, the event also seeks to create new moments of joy and fellowship. The longing to reconnect and celebrate enduring friendships became the driving force behind reviving the iconic programme, with the office bearers and committee members working relentlessly to turn a long-cherished dream into reality.
At the heart of the initiative lies a strong social conscience. Through the Share & Care Project, the Past Pupils Unit provides financial assistance for students' educational expenses from families in deprived and needy circumstances. Following due diligence of family financial conditions and academic performance by an evaluation committee, the unit disburses around ₹1.5 lakh annually. The fund is sustained through contributions from past pupils and savings generated from events such as COUNTDOWN.
The event was organised under the leadership of Adv. Ratheesh Bharathan, President of the Past Pupils, Irinjalakuda Unit, along with the executive committee. The programme direction was handled by Fr. Bastin Nellissery, SDB, a former staff member and music coordinator at the school during 1989–90.
Addressing the gathering, Fr. Emmanuel Vattakunnel, SDB, Rector and Manager of Don Bosco Schools, described the evening as a revival of memories rather than merely a musical spectacle. “After three long decades, the legendary rock concert returns. It is not about loud music or dazzling lights; it is about memories coming alive, friendships reconnecting, and hearts beating together once again,” he said. Emphasising its value-based message, he added that it was “a concert with conscience,” carrying the slogan: Get High on Rock Music, Not on Drugs.
The night also honoured three distinguished music alumni: K A Stephanson (1973 batch), singer, composer, and lyricist; Mejo Joseph (1997 batch), music director of Notebook Malayalam movie fame; and Riyaz Qadhar (1993 batch).
The competitive segment, open to Don Bosco institutions across Kerala, featured four finalists. Don Bosco Music Academy, Kochi, dominated the night, clinching first place along with awards for best vocalist, guitarist, keyboardist, and drummer. Don Bosco College Mannuthy secured second place, while Don Bosco School Kattapana and Don Bosco School Puthuppally completed the finalist lineup.
Musically, the evening opened with a nostalgic performance by the BDS Band, featuring members of the 1989 school band. The finale belonged to Chapter XI, led by Riyaz Qadhar, bringing the revived COUNTDOWN to a rousing close—proof that while decades may pass, the spirit of Don Bosco rock endures.
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