Planting a green housemate – exciting, novel company within our roof!

        When asked about living and non-living things in school, we all were taught to answer, “Plants, animals, humans are living in nature”. While this statement was to be accepted as an answer, classification of plants under the category of ‘living’ always appeared unusual. 

      

       With no hands, legs, eyes, ears, nose or skin, accepting trees as one among us was extremely difficult to digest. Though we love them for their green shade, soothing warmth, freshness of leaves and beauty of flowers, I never imagined to be able to visualize this life in them.

         It is only after me and my husband welcomed a very first plant within the roof of our house, when a wonderful feeling entered our lives. A feeling that introduced us to the life embedded within its roots, a feeling that showed us the magic within its leaves, a feeling that made us realize strength within its soil, we experienced the entry of a new house-mate! While till date, I always wondered about the joy of gardening, presence of one single plant changed it all.Amazed by how people experienced happiness with hands in soil and mind in its nurturing, my gardening experience in childhood was only limited to the job of watering; owing to forceful instructions from parents!

     Though a student of Horticulture, I could never contemplate my mother’s happiness on seeing roses bloomed to her plant or father’s excitement to feed with them fertilizers. Filled with energy as if they played with little kids, I always struggled to experience the same kind of joy with these potted green mates.

     Not sure if I could ever understand this form of life, my husband’s enthusiasm to nurture a plant provided a much needed opportunity. As we brought his favorite lemon grass plant and began preparations for its stay, the entire experience resembled the arrival of a housemate! Shopping for pot, soil, fertilizer and planning for its watering schedule, we were filled with unusual energy and experience.Displaying my horticultural knowledge, as I won my husband’s confidence to take care of our new roomie, I experienced the joy of being an in-charge. As a new friend entered into our lives, I was amazed at the power of its love. Blessing us with its company, I saw myself appreciating its presence. 

   Though we have been enjoying the company of this green housemate from a very short while, it inspired me to pen down some interesting aspects of these green friends.

Ø Silent motivators: As quiet spectators that offer us their presence, plants are the best silent motivators. With their fresh energy and beautiful existence, they inspire us to continue our efforts with magnified strength and amplified vigor.

Ø     Selfless beliefs: Trees and plants inspire us to live for others. With no agenda for themselves, plants introduce us to their selfless beliefs. Providing every part for the benefit of others, their life equips us with many lessons for the future.

Ø    Modest needs, simple living: While plants never communicate with us in the form of speech, their life demonstrates modest and simple practices. Adapting themselves to the surrounding conditions, they inspire us to be flexible in life. Survival in any given condition is an important lesson to be learnt from these green teachers.

Ø    Radiating joy, spreading energy: One single look at these plants in the morning can fill our life with joy. Capable of transmitting energy within our system, their freshness can wish us with wonderful moments ahead.

Ø    Punctual schedule, timely conduct: With schedule in line with the rising and setting sun, plants seem to have a fantastic body clock! Rising with morning greenery, shining with afternoon sun and resting with evening darkness, they move along with the rest of nature.

Ø    Essential and beneficial company: With need for industries, thirst for development and love for materials, our efforts are being directed towards destruction of this green cover. While we march towards their elimination, while ignoring their significance, we may find ourselves alone on a barren land. Their presence is very essential for our planet as our mother earth relies on perfect coordination and balance between all life forms.

So while, this new member in our house has filled our lives with exciting experiences and amazing lessons, it has brought me closer to the life within plants. Though it may not be able to acknowledge our happiness with a nod or greet us with a smile, its thin swaying leaves seem to convey a lot!

       

     

A walk down the school memory lane - Part 10

Nothing good about this ‘Good-bye’ – farewell to school life!
 

     As all roads have to end somewhere, walking down the school memory lane brought me to the unavoidable farewell. A ten-part series of blogs that took me to the most beautiful memories, these posts offered me an opportunity to be back in school once again. While I wished to admire, enjoy, talk and be soaked in this nostalgia forever, I saw myself at the end of road with no access ahead.

   

     Past memories shower us with happiness only if we leave the present for a short while, nostalgia spreads around enthusiasm only if lasts for a brief time. With this, as I reluctantly agreed to end the school series, the sadness to leave and a longing to continue for just a little while, resembled my school farewell in every way. Disliking its compulsion and discipline while entering and exiting the school gate each single day, yet hoping to never depart away from it, the final day of farewell delivers the sad truth to each of its students.

      During the final year of school, every student longs to taste freedom of the outside world, only to realize that the voice of teachers’ instructions inside was more melodious than the chaos of independence outside. Eagerly waiting to march in a free field with no limitations and restrictions, farewell day appears totally appealing to mark an end to school life. 

      It is only on the day of farewell that we realize, we are forced to leave so many things behind! Beyond the perfect discipline, punctual conduct, forced instructions and supportive teachers, we bid farewell to every single moment of growth. A place that developed us into responsible individuals, our farewell extends to the supportive environment, joyful atmosphere, cheerful surrounding and competitive aura.

      It spells out separation from our classmates who stood by us in every single adventure. Be it an examination or a routine day at school; be it a picnic, function or competition filled with fun, farewell forces us to say ‘good bye’ to all such memorable moments.

        Struggling to cope with studies, working hard to excel in every grade and striving to deliver the best, school life keeps each one occupied. While engrossed in it, we detest it to the core, but the day of farewell leaves us with an emptiness, marking an end to everything. Though challenges of further studies await our admission, they can never replace the innocence, fear, excitement and joy of being at school.

      Bidding good-bye to school friends was undoubtedly the most difficult task. The sudden realization of being away from classroom chaos, group discussions, adventurous plans and random talks cannot be put into words. Though as friends we stay in touch forever, it can never replicate the feel of being right inside the school building. Writing, reading, studying, fighting, talking, thinking, complaining, discussing, planning - every single activity carried out within the four walls of classroom remind us of a beautiful era.

       Nothing can bring this phase back where worries of homework, excitement of tiffin and joy of meeting friends kept everyone busy, day in and day out. While each student had long list of complaints during every single day at school, they would be magically converted into praises on the day of farewell. Though all have reasons to be sad about the feel of school or reasons to run away from its grip, final day soaks everyone in its shower of love. Warmth of its care and comfort of its safety seem so wonderful, leaving behind fearful thoughts of the future. Worried about the challenges ahead, separation from school and uncertainty of course ahead combine into complicated feelings.

        A wonderful phase in each one’s life, school stays within the heart forever. Be it any occasion or any location, be it any audience or any situation, mention about school memories brighten up the moment.  A topic close to all, school converts each person into a wonderful speaker, offering so many factors to talk about!

      From tears of nursery classes to excitement of primary grades, from friendship in secondary grades to seriousness of final year, school life shall follow me as a wonderful dream. Though I may conclude this series about school, I shall never be able to conclude my thoughts as we all hold an unlimited access pass to this land of happiness, joy, fun and memories!

A walk down the school memory lane-Part 9

‘Out of the book’ learning

         A place that imparts knowledge, a place that offers education, a place that takes us through a planned curriculum, a place that evaluates our step-wise learning – besides polishing us with knowledge from the books, a school teaches us a lot more. 

        Though course taught in the classroom tests our skills in examination, our school blesses us with several opportunities of ‘out of the book’ learning. Not included in any subject or printed in any book, this valuable knowledge takes us a long way in real life.

        While seated on the benches of classroom, in front of the blackboard; as we focused on our subjects and stayed engrossed in books, the child in us was unable to appreciate this precious knowledge. Only after we leave school forever and walk ahead on the path of future, we understand those pieces of essential learning.

        As memories of school, we understand the meaning of every single experience, be it strict discipline of our Principal or light moments with teachers, be it random talks with friends or any group activity with classmates. Every moment spent in school decodes itself to reveal its true significance. As puzzles that never made sense back then, we come closer to the real purpose of school education. Molding young minds, preparing them for the world ahead, guiding them at every step, encouraging them for trials and errors; school certainly does a lot more.

        Complaining about every single aspect of school, it takes years and years of separation to appreciate all that it offered. As we sit back and think about our progress, school dominates every single sphere of life. From bookish knowledge to extra-curricular activities, from sharing with friends to communication with elders; school was nothing less than a finishing academy, bringing out the best in each of its students. Treating every student equally, its goal was to transform little kids into strong individuals.

Though schools differ, generations change and cities vary, school life is always same for each one. Memories, moments, learning and experiences unite everyone under the same banner.

 So what are these ‘out of the book’ lessons that school taught us? Are they same for you and me?

 Here is the syllabus sheet of my ‘out of the box’ learning course. Let us see if it matches yours!

Chapter 1: Treat every individual equally

               Just as the school uniform dresses everyone with the same attire and unites all; it is essential to avoid discrimination and treat each one equally with same amount of respect.

Chapter 2: Participate in every activity

                One may not ace in sports or be an expert in dance, one many not enjoy singing or  look forward to fitness exercises; yet school motivates each one to try out every  activity. It is more about enjoying oneself and less about winning that brings happiness in a monotonous life.

Chapter 3:  Make new friends, meet new people

                 Not restricting to a comfort zone or set of same friends right from the nursery class,       school encouraged us to make new friends and talk to different people. Shuffling of  classes  and creating new groups during activities imparted this necessary confidence.

Chapter 4: Share and care in a team

               Offering the experience of team right from junior classes, the entire class strength worked  as one single unit. Providing equal opportunities to answer, read, discuss or participate during  every event in class, it taught us the meaning of team spirit besides sharing and caring with  those around.

Chapter 5: Discipline and punctuality take you a long way

                While punctuality of school bell and discipline within school premises pushed us away  from it over and over again, we realize the melody of its sound during independent  phase of  life. Sincerity in work, discipline in approach and punctuality in every task  were our unwanted guests back then, while today they are the only keys to open the  doors of success.

Chapter 6: Comparisons and jealousy fill your life with negativity

                Discouraging feelings of jealously and acts of comparison, school taught us the need to be satisfied with our own things. Demanding, fighting, complaining or crying could lead us nowhere as their job was nothing else besides spreading dark negativity.

Chapter 7: Practice till you master  

                Innumerable efforts, consistent hard work and determination are routes to master any single job. Unless one practices with complete dedication, it is impossible to be an expert at anything and everything under the sun.

Chapter 8: Honesty is the best policy

               School teaches each one to adopt the policy of honesty. Lies, cheating, misconduct may take one towards success through a short-cut , only to realize it was a wrong location in an opposite direction.

Chapter 9: Habits and manners accessorize our appearance

               Good habits and manners give identity to our existence. These seeds sown right from school shall remain with our character forever.

Chapter 10: March ahead with pride but never forget the roots

                As the first ever training place that prepares us for the future, our school contributes to a great extent. Memories of school always remind us to appreciate our roots. While we walk towards success, we must never forget the role of our parents, siblings, friends, college as they make us what we are today.

   This ‘out of the book’ learning course has been interesting in every way. Nostalgic walk on the school memory lane has taken me back to its premises – forcibly pushed as a student, longing to enter as an adult! 

A walk down the school memory lane- Part 8

Unanimously detested, universally disliked – the undesired work of ‘homework’

Work for all…..

         So while this walk has been full of happy moments, wonderful memories, nostalgic remembrances and colorful past, not every aspect in school was loved, enjoyed or desired! Think about your loads and loads of homework for a while and you will understand my sadness and hatred instantly. An endless struggle to be dealt at home, I always believed ‘homework’ is the first word that kids start to dread for the rest of their lives.

        As students, the dread lies in ‘completing it’ while as parents it lies in ‘getting it completed’. Either ways, this villain wishes to stay with us forever! It may not be easy for teachers too, as evaluating, rectifying and grading a wide range of interesting offerings demand lot of strength, courage and patience!

       

Impossible to escape

            When I first thought about this facet of school life, I chose to keep it at bay keeping in mind ‘not so’ interesting shades to this story, but compulsive nature and forceful approach of homework gripped me in its stride. Demanding a post in its memory, I was once again caught under the load of this work! Though there have been many years since my last encounter with school homework, writing this post brought the same feeling all over again. Writing under a deadline and completing it a perfect manner, the influence of ‘homework’ managed to reach my blog too!

         With an aim to involve students into studies and keep them in touch with their course, homework takes birth in every classroom and every grade. Though beneficial for our progress and essential for the years ahead, it is impossible to appreciate its significance while being buried deep within. By the time we understand the real reason of this self-declared 'punishment' and value of teachers’ demands, we find ourselves instructing our kids for their share of homework!

Teacher’s privilege, student’s problem

       As a kid when I listened to teachers’ instructions while filling the book with list of homework, I always admired their luck and privilege to be able to do so. Wondering about their happiness while ordering us with so much work, I waited to stand at the other end of table. With passing years and increased maturity, I realized it was always meant for our own good. Practice of spelling, handwriting, multiplication tables and question-answers did contribute in our development, but this level of understanding delays in its appearance. While engrossed in its completion and surrounded by its influence, it is nothing less than a big problem!

      Discussing the purpose of this homework, I clearly remember our words back then. “Once we are elder, what is the use of these tables?” or “Who writes so much while in office?” were our innocent queries as we viewed teachers’ strict words and parents’ disciplined instructions as ‘benefits’ of being ‘elder’! Waiting to be free from this bondage felt like a dream, as amidst words, calculations, questions and answers the prospect of no forced work at all appeared tempting by all means.

   

      It is only after we depart miles away from a wonderful school life, that we realize red marks on notebooks and shouting from teachers back then were more amazing than performance reviews and confusing instructions from our boss today! While our troubles were limited to which subject to complete first and what answers to write for the questions, we were never left alone to experiment and explore.  Independence and uncertainties of life as adults offer no such guidance or support!

 

Different students, different approaches

      Over-sincere, notorious, extra-careful, careless, honest, obedient, easy-going, hard-working, lucky, while every classroom is a blend of such different type of students, the approach of each of them towards their homework differs by many ways than one. While sincere, hard-working and obedient never disappoint their teachers, the notorious ones give them consistent opportunities for disappointment.

        From careless students forgetting their homework at home to extra-careful ones creating copies of the same, from honest students fearlessly announcing their incomplete work to lucky ones escaping punishment, from intelligent rankers with excellent efforts to photocopying types waiting to copy-paste from them; teachers witness so many diverse varieties within the walls of a classroom.

       While teachers exhaust all possible means of punishment; students ensure surplus stock of reasons, excuses and routes to escape. As one belonging to the sincere camp, I did complete my homework to avoid troubles, but not without the usual supply of complaints.

       During regular working days as this homework became one with the schedule, completing course of work on holidays, festivals, occasions or birthday felt extremely difficult. Hoping for a worldwide halt to homework, our innocent minds secretly prayed for a timely ban, allowing us to enjoy, relax and rejoice!

      Though homework was always famous for bad memories and boring stories, it sometimes offered surprising rewards. As a ticket to gifts, games, outings or entertainment, excellent behavior and perfect schedule of completion brought some good moments too. Yet, no amount of gifts or praises delivered same happiness as the golden words of ‘no homework today’ from teachers.
      So, as long as one walks in and out of school during childhood, this homework will enter and exit along!

    What was your equation with homework? Was it love-hate or only hate-hate all through your school?

    

        

A walk down the school memory lane - Part 7

Accessorizing our school life

          As the core of school, while textbooks, notebooks, papers, files formed an important part; along with them several other accessories chose to enter into the plot. Essential, unavoidable, significant, desired as they were utilized every single day at school, their role was definitely large enough to deserve an independent mention.

        Be it school bag that posed as an all-in-one package or water bottle for those quick breaks, be it our favorite tiffin filled with loads of love or stationary box full of wonders, be it school uniform that we detested daily or tie and belt to be worn regularly, every accessory made it big in the academic journey. Many a times while the primary focus of books was too boring to think about, these colorful, fancy accessories provided the much desired spice!

         Right before the school commenced, thought of purchasing these new articles was the center of attraction. Devising novel plans to convince parents for new things, their endless efforts to show us good features of the last year used ones, our tricks to highlight the faults in the old and finally reaching a common ground with some old and some new; this to-and-fro shuttle with parents every passing year was a sport in itself. Among siblings, the competition of bagging new items resembled a tough battle. While as kids, we only knew the act of demanding, our parents and teachers worked hard to teach us its true value. It all makes sense today, as I look around at students with fancy accessories and an endless wish-list!

All-in-one secretive school bag!

       Famous for carrying a bulky bag, I could not resist the temptation of using the word ‘secretive’! Every passing grades, as I carried a big bag to school, my parents and sister always wondered about the secret contents within it. With an aim to prevent any punishment, as I carried every book carefully, along with extra ones too, my bag supported me as a strong, sturdy partner.

       As a probable way of posing harm to students, when the load of school bags was reduced to a great extent, it was a total relief and delight to all the parents. Every new year brought amazing new trends in these bags. Horizontal style in the primary years and vertical back pack in the secondary ones was an unstated golden rule that we all followed! Stuffing it with all possible requirements, opening- closing it innumerable times and protecting it with utmost care, school bags were close to us all through the journey. Emptying and cleaning it completely was certainly a tough task!

       A companion that accompanies each one during every single day at school, these bags are truly an entry pass into the institution. Nostalgic memories of bags used in school life do have the power to make us think about its value and weight all over again.

Uniform fashion compulsion- a style statement detested then, missed now!

        Wearing same uniform every day for the rest of school life was never a pleasure to look forward to. Dressing up perfectly with discipline as we teamed it up with tie, belt and hair band, it was a compulsory affair undesirable by all. With only one single variation of sports uniform, monotonous attire was a part of life. 

       The wait appeared too long as we hoped to enjoy fashionable independence in college and office. Different clothes, diverse styles, variable colors attracted us towards adulthood, creating a strong impression of never missing the checks and squares of uniform ever again! But as said, we always miss the past or dream about the future, the freedom of choosing styles for ourselves now, do pull us back to the peace of having a fixed school uniform.

     Offering the benefit of one single attire daily during school times, increasing confusion of choosing a dress is a total challenge. Deciding what to wear consumed good amount of time and continues to do even today as it is not as simple as picking up a designated uniform! As I miss my school uniform and the peace of mind that followed, I realize my mistake of underestimating those wonderful checks and squares!

   Though we always had contrasting views about our own uniform; bitter ones while within the school premises and sweet ones while comparing it to the other schools, sad ones while talking about its color or pattern and happy ones while remembering it later, we realize its charm only after it refuses to fit our frame!

 

 Food for a break, water for a reason – the bottle and tiffin of joy!

        Trendy water bottle hanging around the neck and fancy tiffin box sitting in the bag were reasons to be happy during boredom of primary school life. Waiting for the recess break with eager eyes, opening up our tiffin box and experiencing mom’s love in the form of tasty delicacies kept us well occupied. Eating and returning with empty tiffin seemed as matter of pride, while ignoring the ‘not so favorite healthy items’ invited punishments and sorrow!

       As senior years approached, these tiffins and bottles changed to simpler ones,but interests towards friends’ boxes increased to a great extent. More inclination towards canteen food and less pull towards our own tiffin appeared and disappeared every now and then. Perfect excuse to halt for a while, water bottles appeared as handy ways to pause!

    

      Stationary boxes and range of contents in it added to these list of accessories. While such secondary aspects are only required to assist in the learning process, it is essential to limit them only to the required purpose. Spending money and time behind their changing trends may lead to comparison between kids involving them in unnecessary money matters.

      Though we may have never thought about it, bidding farewell to school meant good-bye to these wonderful accessories too!  

A walk down the school memory lane - Part 6

First day of school.....!

The excitement for a new start...

        Now though I have walked for several miles along this memory lane of school, I realized to have missed the very start of this game. After long, relaxed, happy and enjoyable summer vacation, when school call their students back to the academic adventure, it does deserve a post to its name. Blending happiness, excitement, sorrow and eagerness, this first day turns out to be totally memorable.
 
       No matter a student belonged to which grade, this first day at school always resembled a special event. Fortunate to be in the same school right from pre-primary till the secondary, first day meant meeting friends and new teachers.
   
      Excited to see our new class teacher and getting introduced to the entire team for different subjects were important tasks for the day. Hoping to be lucky with friendly and lenient teachers, most of the time was spent in discussing reviews from our seniors. Comparing the strictness level of teachers with friends from different divisions kept us occupied with lot of work right from day 1!

      Another form of excitement that gripped each one was the entry of new students in the class. Be it different area, different city or different state, when new entrants introduced themselves, there was happiness of making new friends. Behaving as more experienced and knowledgeable with respect to school, sharing essential facts and 'non so essential' features offered excellent means to break the ice with these 'new-comers'. While they must be excited for a totally new place, our excitement to know them as new classmates was not less either.

Approaching first day with emotional dynamics

       While first day at school was just a small affair, its influence was spread since a long time . With changing moods and different feelings, this day greeted with us diverse meanings. When acquainted with this date for the first time during the day of result, it appeared as a far away time in future. Not thinking about it while enjoying every single moment of freedom, it meant nothing at all.

       With mounting boredom of holiday routine and no other activities left in the pipeline, momentary dreams about reopening of school offered excitement and joy. Looking forward to meet friends and get into routine appeared tempting by all means.

        It also initiated the tiring course of holiday homework, completing all the work meant for two months within short span of two days was a draining activity, after all! While this eagerness lasted for a little time, approaching monsoon brought mixed feelings. Sorrow of parting away from freedom with happiness of receiving rain showers meant fusion of many things together.
 
       Purchasing new books, bags, umbrella, tiffin-box, water bottle; covering books and labeling them while enjoying the fresh smell of new possessions offered newly found happiness year after year. Deciding to study with all possible dedication and promising to ace every examination was the ritual followed each year in spirit of freshness and novelties all around. With passing time as the colorful first day faded to lighter shades, all these enthusiastic vows would disappear into thin air only to reappear around same time the next year.
   
        First day of school was probably the only lightest day in the academic calender as there were no studies or books, only talks and more talks. Discussing or writing about summer holidays was the first ever assignment,bringing nostalgic memories all over again. With duration of fewer working hours as the day would end quickly, its excitement continued till all members of the family heard a detailed account!
     
     

Day ends , routine starts

        All the fun, energy, enthusiasm would set away with setting sun as normal routine of school followed this much awaited 'first day'. Until next round of around 365 days, there was nothing besides learning, studies, examinations along with short breaks. Though short vacations during major festivals offered little relief, these could never replace the happiness of summer vacation. The joy of first day was totally different, after all it stood 'first' for a reason!

      How were your first days at school? Did you wait for its arrival or hope for its departure?

A walk down the school memory lane –Part 5

Uniting for a kick-start – the daily morning ritual called ‘assembly’

        While lost in the nostalgic sound of school bell; another regular routine bringing a fresh, new day at school caught my attention. Starting the daily schedule with prayers, hymns, songs, thoughts, news, school anthem while hoping for a good day ahead, these assemblies played an important energizing role. Waking each one’s sleepy mind and preparing it for the session of the day undoubtedly spelled out a lot of work.

         Initiated with an aim to bring all students together, promote exchange of thoughts and information, provide a platform to address the entire crowd and sing anthems to celebrate the pride and glory of school, these assemblies were a blend of many things together. With ‘interesting’ and ‘not so interesting’ features of the assembly, this timely management of a daily morning show certainly deserved credit.

      A school that encouraged its students to excel in every possible domain, we got the opportunity to participate in assemblies right since our primary days. With a new class conducting the assembly each day, the schedule offered an equal chance for every division. Hoping to bag some exciting portion, while contributing ideas as a team; planning and practicing for assembly was total fun.

       During the primary grades, this planning was in safe hands of the class teacher. As innocent and sincere kids, our job was to follow the instructions and wait for praises! Eliminating fear of speaking over the microphone, our teachers always encouraged every student to participate. Practicing, enjoying, worrying when the assembly proceeded in a flawless manner; it offered fame, happiness, pride that lasted all day long.

      Hearing our name in assembly was the greatest highlight as we hoped every friend, teacher and classmate took a note of our performance! Being happy about the task assigned for assembly, several days were spent soaked in its stories, both at home and school.

       In senior years, as the baton of planning, executing, conducting and presenting a class assembly was transferred in our hands, it changed the entire experience. Hunting for ideas, searching for novelties, discussing contents and deciding participants offered total entertainment. Topped with several arguments as we struggled to find a solution, our teachers were undoubtedly essential for the final verdict. Interesting features like news, puzzles, and jokes always encountered competition while dry sections like thoughts and articles struggled to find participants.

       Set against the backdrop of innovative themes, famous characters, interesting stories or novel plots; introducing the flow of items in an assembly was the most challenging task. Experimenting with unique ideas such as television series, movie story, a talk show or an interview, it was always exciting to look at compering ideas by different classes.

       Hosting the assembly as a compere or reading out news as a reporter were my favorite activities, as I prayed to bag this role during every turn of our class assembly.

         So, while conducting and participating in an assembly was an enjoyable experience, listening to assemblies presented by others appeared extremely difficult! Instructed by teachers to stay disciplined and appreciate the efforts of others taught us the role of audience. Staying silent and lending a patient ear to the person over mic was undoubtedly the first step towards success. It made us realize that the journey of a successful presenter starts from the audience!

         Though we usually heard this morning assembly from our classroom, one designated day of the week brought us closer to it, as our entire class stood in the school hall. Fearing to be within the visible radius of Principal, this important day demanded all possible attention and discipline hidden deep within.

        While singing the school anthem every passing day, I never imagined there was so much power in its words back then. With boredom and compulsion, as we joined in its tune as a regular chore, its rhythm and melody feel wonderful today.While remembering those beautiful moments at school, singing anthem with friends proved to be one of the best experiences of school life. 

     Wish we could record a video of our assembly at that very moment or capture images of the regime at that very instant. Though it is not possible now, melodious memories of this assembly shall always play the nostalgic tune.

      Let’s think about these wonderful assemblies we all had in school, though we were forced to pay attention back then, we shall thoroughly enjoy them today! 

A walk down the school memory lane- Part 4

Love-hate relationship with the school bell! 

Unavoidable, indispensable, loud, clear, commanding saga of the school bell….

         Besides the colorful events, playful memories, joyful moments and wonderful episodes during school life; there were several other aspects touching this phase each passing day. While thinking about such timely occurrences and memories of school journey,I caught myself remembering the loud and clear sound of our school bell! Though its schedule was as regular as the rising and setting sun, its presence and influence in life created a novel spark each day.

       As if pulling me back to follow its commands, this unavoidable and indispensable school bell ordered a powerful narration.

      A sound that demands discipline, order, regularity and perfection, school bell reminds me of the significance of tight schedule back then. Assuming different responsibilities and conveying different messages at diverse times of the day, this bell was capable of being liked and disliked all along the span of a single day! As a most wanted, hated, desired, appreciated phenomenon throughout school, its significance was too powerful to be avoided.

Different times, different meanings, different relations 

        Starting a new day with the ringing of bell, its loud noise seemed irritating, disturbing and unwanted as a big, long day awaited ahead. While waking up and preparing for an early morning school, every heart wished and hoped for the bell to postpone schedule; but its life-long trusted partnership with the school clock never made that possible!  Wondering about the strict discipline of this bell, all we could do was complain to ourselves. No matter how many times we expressed our hatred for this morning sound, it always waited for us;mocking at our helplessness.

       So while hatred and anger marked this first bell at school, the same sound was welcomed as it marked an end to a session before commencing the next one. For subjects and topics that appeared dull and dry, the sound of bell was definitely nothing less than music,while during fun-filled tasks,it appeared as an interruption! I always wondered if this bell watched all our sessions with careful eyes, ringing in too fast when not desired and making us wait endlessly when most needed. 

Happiness and bond with this bell!

      As if leading the entire school, this bell always had its way. When it rang at the perfect moment forcing a teacher to evaluate our homework some other time or postponing loads of work for the next session, we could not ask for more!  Moments like these brought us closer to its magic,convincing of its love for poor students! 

     As kids of primary grade and too small to understand the clock, we may not have appreciated the timely ringing of the bell. But as students of higher classes with better clarity; waiting for the bell to ring or looking around at friends with confused looks indeed formed exciting, fun-filled memories,as we think of them today.

      Sound of bell announcing recess was one of the most awaited moments of the day. A perfect opportunity to run away from class, studies, books and teachers, this session was more for fun than food! While eagerly waiting for this much needed break, its arrival felt totally exciting. The bell at the end of recess always seemed incorrect as if the school clock chose to run rather than stick to its usual walk!

       Reading, writing, studying, talking, complaining, enjoying as we managed to sail through one eventful day at school, the last bell of the day was undoubtedly the most loved one. Starting with hatred, progressing towards affection and finally filled with loads of love, this school bell offered diverse moments all within a single day. While bidding us good-bye at the end, it waited to greet us once again for a bright, new day. Hopes for its delay or wishes for its early arrival made no difference as it taught us discipline of a perfect schedule.

       Though a necessity and routine in each one’s life, memories of school bell do hold some exciting and interesting stories for each one of us. While writing about this important friend in my school life, I realized its valuable presence in the journey. Be it a regular school day or day of examination, be it a special event or celebration at school, this bell chose to ring and make our school life totally memorable. Such colorful memories remind one about the simple, routine, usual yet totally amazing happenings along this phase called ‘school'.

       Do you remember this disciplined, loud friend of yours?

       Did you wait for its sound all through the day?

      Time to end this piece… before the bell may ring and command me to do so! 

A walk down the school memory lane - Part 3

A chance to win, a chance to lose, a chance to showcase, a chance to prove - the exciting opportunities called 'competitions'

        Singing, debate, elocution, fancy-dress, dance, drama, handwriting, painting, drawing,quiz.... and an endless list of competitions; competing for an exciting life at school!

         Besides academics, an array of diverse intra-school and inter-school competitions occupied the course of our term. While pondering about the memories of school,I could not resist bringing them into the picture. Right from the pre-primary level till the secondary grade, every academic year greeted us with tons of opportunities to hold a certificate or display the wining cup! With an increase in academic level; the type of competitions and nature of performances did differ,yet crossed-fingers and wishes to win always remained the same.

         Designed and conducted with an aim to encourage all round development, these different
competitions forced students to look beyond their books. While most of times, it proved to be additional work for parents - preparing, practicing and working with kids gave them a chance to be back on stage in their own little way! With innovative ideas and interesting concepts, as we looked forward to these competitions, it spelled out lots of fun; after all it was our only tried,tested,valid, approved reason to stay miles away from homework!

        As kids of primary section, fancy dress was our most memorable competition every year. While parents were engrossed in racking their brains for novel ideas and spending time behind the costumes, we eagerly waited to try them out! Rehearsing the script at home with all possible energy and enthusiasm, yet forgetting the part on stage formed moments of fun and joy. When I look at my photographs dressed as 'vegetable garden' or 'doll', I feel amazed at my parents' skills to hunt for different ideas.
   
        While these performing competitions were favorite among all, those revolving around writing or reading witnessed less participation. With an aim to encourage these skills, when a tag of 'compulsory' decorated them, the entire class had no choice but to be a part of it!
     
        Organizing competitions as per season,month or festival was an interesting feature to match the changing time. From 'painting contests' about nature in monsoon to 'lantern preparation' during festival of lights; from 'Best out of waste' competitions at the end of term to elocution based on different themes; there was so much to learn from these deviations to the routine schedule.
   
        Debate and quiz competitions during our senior years were thoroughly enjoyed by all. While defending or opposing interesting topics, an official chance to fight was totally worth it! During higher grades, opportunities to participate in inter-school competitions meant lots of fun. Be it solo or a group event, performing and wining for the school was a matter of pride.

        Though within its premises, complaining about school was part of our regime; such inter-school competitions served to rekindle flames of love while on the outside. As a group when we worked together to win for our school, it brought us closer to values of unity, team spirit, coordination and cooperation. Memories of march-past competitions on various grounds, with numerous schools across the city, still appear fresh and recent, as each one of us worked hard for the wining title.
   
       With increased exposure to the virtual world and influence of reality shows, nature of competitions seem to have changed a lot. As school is the foundation for a child's future, it is essential that these competitions encourage them for newer experiences, yet preserve their innocence. Our teachers and management at school worked hard to give us these fun-filled moments on stage, while still keeping us rooted to our childhood.
   
      Though competitive spirit is essential to promote ideas,skills and talents of students, excessive stress on wining can rob away all the fun. Pressuring kids for the first position or tempting them with gifts to win, may inhibit their natural essence of trial and error. After all,like it is always said, wining and losing is part of the game and to enjoy this game, it is essential to play right till the end!

 So, as an after thought, which competitions did you enjoy?

Were you forced with the 'compulsory' tag or did you choose to participate yourself?

What was more interesting - participating as a kid or participating through your kid? 

A walk down the school memory lane - Part 2

Picking up fun, happiness,laughter, joy ....after all that is the purpose of a school picnic !

         As I continue to walk along the memory lane of my school, the next stop that meets and greets me is 'Picnic'. A day filled with fun, adventure, freedom and joy, this day meant total enjoyment for each student alike. From studious book worms to notorious pranksters, from shy kids to the outgoing ones, each and everyone waited for this day all year long.

        As soon as the notice for picnic entered our school calenders, the next cycle of events were totally predictable. Seeking permission from parents, requesting them for picnic money, promising to be well behaved and disciplined, agreeing to their prerequisite commands of studies and finally trying to win either mother or father depending on the past records of success rate! At times, even after all these attempts, if things refused to fall in place, playing the final card of  "All the other parents have agreed" or "Teachers have instructed it is compulsory"  was certainly the safest bet.

           With successful outcome of permission and payment of money,began the real fun! Planning, discussing, thinking and waiting, days were spent in picnic mode right since then. The day appeared to be far away as levels of excitement, happiness, eagerness rose to the peak. Though the location of picnic was same for at least a few years in row, complaining or making a sad face was mere formality as it never stopped us from revisiting, all over again. After all it was a day with real friends while being away from the educational ones ! 

               Bus rides till the location were filled with absolute fun in their own way. Singing, talking, shouting, dancing, the hour long ride seemed as short as few minutes,with an eager rush to run and start the day. Frequent instructions to walk together in groups and stay with teachers reached our ears as taste of freedom could spoil our taste buds !

              Rides and games kept us totally engaged as there was so much to do with less time in hand. Exploring all the options to extract maximum fun appeared to be each one’s motto, as everyone hunted for ways to stay entertained. Though teachers had more work than enjoyment while handling a batch of so many kids, their participation and enthusiasm magnified our fun to a great extent. Watching teachers in a different mood was totally exciting as we secretly hoped for its continuity in our classroom as well !

          Definition of picnic and mode of enjoyment transformed with passing years. As little primary kids, it meant swings, slides, running games and tiffin boxes (with picnic menu of potato and bread !),  under the guidance and instructions of teachers. While, as secondary students, it meant roller coasters, adventurous rides and outside food ! Hunting for unique games and searching for fun-filled ideas kept us occupied for days and days before the picnic as novelties brought excitement.

        With a day totally for ourselves, picnic did a lot more besides enjoyment alone.It taught us management of our belongings, time, safety and responsibility while being away from watchful eyes of parents. A day to be with friends, it filled our bags with valuable memories and precious moments. Staying in group, working as a team were some of the other essential things it conveyed us,as enjoyment expects numbers and fun demands crowd ! Looking beyond individualistic needs, it forced us to think as a troop.

      While a typical school day of five hours seemed to stretch forever, a picnic day of around 10 hours appeared to be so short ! Tired legs and sleepy eyes greeted parents as they hopefully waited for their parcel in one single piece ! Stories of picnic and tales of enjoyment colored the conversations for many more days in future, enjoying the fame of being a hot topic at both school and home.

       As I look back at my numerous memories of picnic year after year, I feel amazed at the excellent management by school staff and teachers. Handling so many kids would have been definitely more difficult than the dangerous roller coaster or the tallest adventure ride !

       While it is impossible to relive these past experiences of school picnics all over again, the happiness of picking, collecting and protecting numerous memories offer lots and lots of fun. Though we continue to enjoy picnics even today, they can never match the innocence and energy of school times.

So, do you possess similar memories like me?

Have you picked lots of fun during your school picnics?

How was the experience of permission process with your parents and what was your success rate?

What promises did your kids make, when they wanted to attend a school picnic?