Slam books: Recalling the good old days

I have three slam books – the first one was in Class X and then one in Intermediate and another in degree. I can still recall how I went to the gift shop and put in so much effort to choose the perfect slam book - Yogesh Chauhan, corporate employee

The last day of school and campus life is understandably an emotional one. It’s the day when one has to bid adieu to friends and surroundings that played a prominent part in one’s formative years. Teary-eyed hugs and never-ending goodbyes are a familiar sight. But thanks to social networking sites, one can still stay in touch with friends and classmates. However, a decade ago when technology was still in its fledgling days, it was the good old pen and paper that came to the rescue of all and sundry.

Slam books, the treasure trove of memories, were the only option then. Young Hans takes a look into the evolving tech trends and also shares perspectives of those who maintained slam books. Pranank Koganti of Narayana Junior College is of the opinion that in this age the use of social networking is widespread. “This is the age of social networks, of Facebook and Twitter and WhatsApp. Kids these days do not use slam books.

I wouldn’t be surprised if there are students who aren’t even aware of what a slam book is. When media like cell phones and internet are available to keep in touch, the use of slam books to note friends’ likes and dislikes isn’t a prevalent trend. Also, in the tech savvy world books are slowly losing their sheen, and the same is the case with slam books, too! But slam books evoke stronger feelings than social media, especially once you get out of college.”

Chiranjeevi, a Class X student, believes that slam books are the best way to store memories. “The questionnaire in slam books is fun to answer. The best thing about the whole affair is that your friends write it out in their own handwriting and when you read them after a long time, they are sure to bring a smile on our faces,” said Chiranjeevi.

Echoing the same view is Yougendar, another Class X student who says, “With slam books you get to store a little bit of your friends, their likes, dislikes, etc. They are also useful in conveying important messages, if any.” Raj, a BA Political Science student, thinks that with the emerging technology taking over on a large level, people are using internet to keep memories of campus life alive even in later days.

“Nowadays, technology is so advanced that connectivity through phones and the internet has made everyday communication virtual as compared to the earlier physical interaction world over. A slam book is the best way to save memories of friends and store classmates’ details. But now everyone is available on social media and connecting with them has become easier. And that’s why I feel the slam book is irrelevant in today’s times.”

Though many people depend on technology to stay in touch, there are people who used slam books in campus life to save memories. “Yes, I used a slam book. For me it is S - stay connected with L - long lasting A - attachments and M - memories. Once in every few years I open my slam book and every page makes me nostalgic. I remember all those sweet and silly moments that I spent during my course. It helps me connect with my friends.

Though there are social networking sites and many other ways to stay connected now, for me writing is the best way to express one’s feelings,” says Monika, a software professional. Sharing her viewpoint is Yogesh Chauhan, a corporate employee, who says that social media may have bridged the communication gap between people but it has created a space where communication has become limited to liking photographs and status updates.

“I have three slam books – the first one was in Class X and then one in Intermediate and another in degree. I can still recall how I went to the gift shop and put in so much effort to choose the perfect slam book that my friends would eventually fill. It was an exciting feeling going to every classmate asking them to pen their details in it. Though I am very active on social media, many of my friends aren’t and that’s when you realise the importance of a slam book. I feel an amazing warmth whenever I turn those pages of the slam book and reminisce all those memories,” Yogesh shares.

By:Navin Pivhal