That nostalgia still lingers

“That Nostalgia still lingers…!”

September has been an awaited month, always! Especially since Carmel opened its arms and added me in its staff community! It was an important beginning but only a nano equation of my Carmel memorabilia! Never did it ever, strike me of the fun,the excitement, the adventure and the built-in experience of innocent love ,I would receive in bounds, before I entered this organization! From the beginning to the end, it has remained with me as the most panoramic fond experience of teaching students , as well as learning from them every moment of my presence in its premises!
I believe it was HIS magic. For a novice in teaching field, my class room interaction was nothing less. However well I prepared for class internaction,I trembledwith nervousness and hesitation. None but,It was they who took the lead in making me comfortable and relaxed. Their inquiry started my analytical reasoning. My explanation became more more understandable and student focussed. It’s result was that both of us not only felt satisfied but also looked forward to another interaction. In due course events as School Assembly,labour’s Day, Annual Function….and Teachers’s day also became a part of our long lasting relationship. My professional tenure stands out as an unique opportunity of affectionate classroom experience ,very different to that of my own school activities. Teachers’Day of my school time was never so exciting and memorable as that of our Carmel Convent, Bhagalpur.

What a galore of secret preparations started, from the very day ,students were allowed,a special period for Teachers’day function. I well remember the hustle and bustle in the corridors of Carmel premises and classrooms during which we were requested to remain in the staff-room. But truth is that we too were no less interested in knowing about the activities of the coming event. Many a time we shared the information that we collected in titbit. Perhaps we too assumed our child-like Enid Blyton secret spy role and tried all efforts to solve the suspense of Teachers day program. But monitoring of students by their seniors was so strict that our information remained incomplete and incomprehensible till the end. Perhaps that was the essence of all happiness on that day,when it culminated with cultural program ,games, the special lunch and not to forgotten,the gift that we carried home!

My childhood memories do have remembrances of wishing our teachers on this day in addition to performing a dance on stage for them. But that was not a matter of concern or interest! For me and my few very close friends with whom I shared my feelings.Actually it’s importance hid in the red lipstick that was applied on our lips for the program. Then lipstick was an article of expense and western fashion. Girls were barred from using it. Women used it occasionally for celebrations or marriages, only

That is why, it was an unusual pleasure and a great experience for us, in comparison to the importance of the occasion! Perhaps”Rosey lips, dimple chin….”, the kinder garten poem had set too deep within and in want of becoming”mother’s pet”, this red cosmetic gave a divine satisfaction! Many a time we cousins used the juice of pink portulaca flower during our “Tum mere ghar ,hum tumhare ghar”,a game we played ,enacting the roles of our mothers as housewives. This was done away from the guarding eyes of elders. We knew, we would be scolded and punished for painting our lips pink but there was little we could do to satisfy our longing for” rosey lips”. This held us closely knitted as best friends. We would help each other to keep this secret as carefully as possible. Today we all are senior citizens yet they are the most tickling laughs of those honey-loads!

Teachers Day celebration added a new and a more hilarious chapter to my life ,contrary to that of my own school days,latter one being more vast and widely organized.
It’s long captivating schedule from 8am to 2.30 pm,in the afternoon kept all of us teachers bound to the numerous activities, meticulously arranged by our Principal and class ten students .I am short of words to explain the goodness and warmth I received on Every Teachers’Day . My age though limits my memorability yet the joy experienced, holds love and revered good wishes for the Sisters of Avila Convent, the Students, the staff and the whole Carmel Convent Family, Bhagalpur.
Happy Teacher’s Day!

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