Yash Chopra: Back to School

Soon after the announcement of being bestowed the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Yash Chopra had been flooded with invitations from all over to be felicitated. He did not think twice however before accepting the invitation by his old college, the Doaba College in Jalandhar where he studied more than 40 years ago. The timing was perfect. The college was celebrating its diamond jubilee year and Yash Chopra, being their prestigious student added to the spirit of jubilation. It was an event celebrated all over Punjab. The college made its best efforts to make Chopra's visit memorable. Yash Chopra did his schooling from Government Senior Secondary School, Ladowali Road, and completed his graduation from Doaba College, Jalandhar in 1951. Little did anyone know then that a prolific contributor of their annual college magazine 'The Doab' would one day be the first recipient of the 'Doaba Award' instituted by the college this year to honour one of its glowing alumni every year. The college management honoured Yash Chopra at a special function on January 14, 2003. Dr. R.P. Bhardwaj, Principal of Doaba College, said that it is a matter pride and great honour for the college to felicitate Yash Chopra during his visit to his alma mater. 

Mr. Vishwa Mitra Duggal, a college-time friend of Yash Chopra reminisces. "From the very day I got the news about the award being conferred on Yash, I have been having a feeling that I am getting the award. Yash was a very shy boy and had a few friends. He used to read a film magazine of yore 'Film India' with great interest and had almost no interest in sports". Duggal added that the entire mohalla was eagerly awaiting the son of the soil, particularly, after Yash Chopra sent a confirmation that he was coming to his ancestral place. 

Recalls an overwhelmed Yash Chopra, "I have never felt so emotional in a long long time. I was in a world where I spent time so many years ago. I forgot the Yash Chopra of today and transformed into a young boy. It was fascinating to meet my old teachers and present generations. The journey brought back so many memories of my younger days. It made me realize how cut out we are from realities. Living in a buzzing city we have lost touch with the grass roots of small cities like Jalandhar. The trip was such an enriching experience for me that I am tempted to make a film on my experience some day. It was an indescribable feeling to walk down the old corridors, meet the old Professors (looking older). The students were bustling with energy and curiosity, just like we used to when a celebrity visited the campus. The whole day went in a trance and at the end of the evening, I felt so humbled by all the love and affection showered over me." 

On their way back Yash Chopra and his wife Pamela Chopra visited the auspicious Golden Temple in Amritsar to thank God for all that He had given them in life.