My father’s bank job and the frequent transfers that came along with it made it impossible for us to stay in one place. It was a boon in disguise as that’s how I got admission in the school which laid a strong foundation for life!

In the next 12 years, I attended 4 different schools, but never felt awkward. All had the same uniform, course, and vibe!

A diverse group of students came from all strata of society and different states, which made the class look like Mini India. Many of us would keep on moving from one school to another after every few years.
We would sing ‘Hum honge Kamyab’ with the same eloquence as we would sing, ‘Ae Matire Moro Mote’. This instilled a great sense of respecting cultures, understanding diverse points of view, and adaptability in us.

With just Rs.5/- as a fee per month, the kind of quality education we received, is unheard of. Irrespective of school, all teachers were always focused on concept clarity in depth. They encouraged us to be curious, discover things on our own, and learn something new every day, a trait that has helped me so much in my career.

CCA classes, every Saturday groomed us for the better. Co-curricular activities, and competitions, helped in personality development. One such zonal competition travel during class 4th is etched in my memory but that story is for another day.

Sports Day celebrations were days when friends would become foes and the house was everything (we had 4 houses – Ashoka, Raman, Shivaji & Tagore, and I shall be a cheerleader for Tagore house forever). The rivalry would go on for days, but winning and losing is part of life was a lesson learned early.
March Past practice in the bitter cold of January – I am sure many of us would remember it for what discipline is all about.

Annual functions were elaborate affairs where we would miss classes for days, practice for hours and finally perform in front of everyone including parents. The pride I would see in parents’ eyes, all the efforts put in by the entire school was worth it.

Independence day and Republic day celebrations even on Sundays were happy days, and we never thought of bunking these celebrations. Maybe the sumptuous 4 Motichoor Laddoos were a big draw!

SUPW class, a lot of us remember it for making Silk thread Rakhi on a bangle or cross stitching on a handkerchief where boys struggled and girls had a mischievous laugh. But in the hindsight, it instilled a sense that work is gender-neutral.

Thanks to my Library teacher, she pushed us into reading English books from an early age. Today, I am a voracious reader, all because of her. ‘Noddy’ is still my first love.

As you celebrated your diamond Jubilee (60th year) on 15th Dec, I want to say thank you ‘My Alma Mater’ for playing an important role in making me who I am.
Thank You Kendriya Vidyalaya, I am, and shall remain a Proud KV’ite all my life!