Three college-mates-- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, his predecessor Farooq Abdullah and former Hurriyat Conference Chairman Abdul Gani Bhat-- shared the dais on Monday for the first time after having drifted on different political ideologies for nearly 50 years.
Sayeed, Abdullah and Bhat appeared together at the centenary celebrations of S P College where they studied for degree course.
Bhat was the first to address the gathering and played to the gallery by recalling anecdotes from his college days.
"Mufti Sayeed and I were class-mates. We shared a habit-- smoking. Though I have quit, Mufti still smokes. But the interesting fact is I got more marks than him," Bhat said evoking laughter from the audience.
"We might be on different paths but we are together here as students of S P College," he said.
On a serious note, Bhat said Kashmiris should vow to work together towards resolution of Kashmir issue and live in harmony.
Abdullah, who was next to speak, was the darling of the crowd, mostly students. "Imaandari sa kahoon maine ishq karna isi college se seekha (honestly speaking, I learned to love at this college)," the former chief minister said to claps and whistles from the crowd.
"I do not know about Mufti sahib and Bhat sahib but those days I used to run towards the cinema hall," he said adding, the college has taught him how to hold his head high.
© 2024 Rediff.com -