Across the Fete Grounds

Children’s Day always carries a certain nostalgia, but this year, that feeling hit a little differently.

I still remember being one of those kids in uniform, impatiently waiting for the school snacks to be handed out so the fete could officially begin. This time around, I wasn’t waiting in line, I was the one behind the scenes, helping put the whole day together as a teacher. Watching a new generation of students step out onto the grounds, carrying big dreams and pure excitement, gave me a quiet, rewarding perspective I hadn't experienced before.

Of course, the food stalls were a massive draw, stocked with every treat a kid could ask for. From street-food favorites like golgappe, bhelpuri, papdi chaat, and hot momos to sandwiches, idli sambar, cupcakes, ice cream, cold drinks, and shakes, there was something to keep every young foodie happy.

The youngest kids, especially, seemed immune to exhaustion. For nearly three straight hours, they sprinted from stall to stall with unmatched enthusiasm. Even after the food ran out, their energy hadn't dropped a single notch.

A jukebox kept the energy high all afternoon, playing song requests that echoed across the campus. Once the stalls finally shut down, the school ground spontaneously turned into a massive dance floor. None of the kids seemed ready to go home; they jumped right into choreographed steps and sang along to every lyric they had memorized by heart.

When the last song finally faded out, the celebration wrapped up with happy, well-fed kids heading back to their friends and teachers. It was a long, busy day, yet seeing that much unfiltered joy made every minute worth it.

The Time I Swapped the Train for the Bus and Actually Survived

After a long time, I am back with a day in my life update! Today, I want to discuss my very first long distance bus trip.

Back in my college days, I used to wonder why on earth people chose long distance bus travel over trains especially when train tickets were available. I never bothered taking a bus back then. But last month, after a painful train journey from Delhi where my train was delayed by two hours, I decided enough was enough. It was time to shorten my travel time and give the bus a shot.

My journey started with a 20 minute trip down to Rishikesh. Since I am used to this route, it was easygoing and did not tire me out at all.

As soon as I reached Rishikesh, I saw a Haridwar bound bus pulling away. If I had arrived just two minutes earlier, I would have caught it! Instead, I had to stand there playing the waiting game for about five to ten minutes. I stopped checking the clock out of respect for my sanity. Finally, another bus arrived, and the 45 minute trip to Haridwar began.

Once in Haridwar, the real hunt started: finding a bus to Delhi that was actually moving and not just sitting there pretending to leave. Luck was on my side! The moment I sat down, the bus started rolling right at 10:00 AM. The conductor promised I would reach Delhi by 5:00 PM.

It turned out to be a surprisingly smooth ride. I scored the best seat (according to me) which was the seat directly behind the driver, that gave me endless legroom. A family sat beside me for part of the trip, but they hopped off after a few stops, leaving me with extra room.

Everything was going great until we hit a minor snag. We got stuck in traffic for quite a while near a festival venue. Food stalls, crowd pleasing shorts, and people casually wandering into the middle of the road had completely clogged the street. Despite the mini traffic jam, we reached the Kashmiri Gate ISBT in Delhi by 4:00 PM, an hour late by what was promised to me!

However, my victory was short lived because finding the Metro station inside the chaos of ISBT felt like a quest in a game. People kept giving me conflicting directions and sending me in circles. Finally, a kind lady who actually knew her way around pointed me in the right direction. Navigating the bus terminal was not easy, but once I figured out the signs, it was smooth sailing.

I boarded the metro, took a much needed short nap, and before I knew it, my stop arrived.

The long journey finally came to an end as I walked through my front door. It was a long, tiring day, but arriving home makes every bit of travel hassle worth it. Mom had planned a surprise feast for my visit, which, honestly, is not much of a surprise anymore because moms always do that! The feast began with a south Indian dish called Appam and stew.

Nothing beats the warm, comforting feeling of being back home. To everyone reading this who is currently away from home: I hope you get to make your own trip back real soon. And for those at home, enjoy a wonderful holiday with friends and family!

Gandhi Jayanti is a day that has been familiar to us since our school days. For many of us, the day is often remembered simply because it is a national holiday. However, beyond the holiday, the occasion holds a much deeper significance. It gives us an opportunity to remember Mahatma Gandhi, his principles of truth, non-violence, simplicity, and his lifelong commitment to the nation. It is also a day to reflect on how these values can be practised in our own lives.

The day at school began with the flag-hoisting ceremony. The students gathered in a semi-circular formation, facing the Indian flag with respect and attention. Dressed in their respective house uniforms, they stood together in four groups represented by the colours yellow, blue, red, and green. The Principal hoisted the national flag, followed by the National Anthem, which was sung with a deep sense of respect, pride, and patriotism. The gathering created a solemn yet meaningful atmosphere as the students came together to honour the nation.

The students were then reminded of the lives and contributions of two great leaders of India, Mahatma Gandhi and Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri. A brief account of their lives and contributions was shared, helping students revisit important moments from the history of our nation. The occasion served as a reminder that the values and principles demonstrated by these leaders continue to inspire generations. Their lives encourage students to understand that meaningful change begins with individual responsibility, discipline, honesty, and a willingness to serve others.

Following the assembly, the school organised a Swachhata Abhiyaan to encourage students to take responsibility for the cleanliness of their surroundings. The students were divided into four groups, with each group assigned a different section of the school campus and its surrounding areas.

With great enthusiasm and dedication, the students took part in the cleanliness drive. They carefully searched the different areas of the campus, looking behind trees, among the grass, around corners, and in places where waste might easily go unnoticed. They worked together to collect litter and ensure that their assigned areas were clean and well maintained. Their active participation reflected a sense of responsibility and teamwork, while also making the activity enjoyable and meaningful.

The Swachhata Abhiyaan was more than just a cleanliness activity. It helped students understand that keeping our surroundings clean is not the responsibility of a few people but a shared responsibility. Through their participation, the students were encouraged to develop the habit of keeping their environment clean and to understand how small individual efforts can contribute to a healthier and more pleasant community.

The celebration of Gandhi Jayanti thus became an opportunity not only to remember our national leaders but also to put their values into practice. The day reminded the students that respect for our nation is expressed not only through words and ceremonies but also through responsible actions, care for our surroundings, and a willingness to contribute positively to society.

Sunshine and cleaning 

After long days of gloomy weather, with barely any sunshine, everything seemed dark and dull, accompanied by a slightly chilly atmosphere. The drizzling rain often arrived unexpectedly and stayed for quite some time. The gloomy weather was not very exciting, especially as people often fell sick because of the sudden changes in weather.

After days of clouds covering the sky, the sun finally came out brightly today, spreading its warmth everywhere and helping to dry the wet surroundings. Since it was a holiday, everyone was out cleaning the area. The long-grown plants were cleared away, and algae was removed from the surroundings. There was always a risk of slipping, while the overgrown plants had also become a home to many small creatures and insects.

The walls were scraped to remove the tiny plants that had grown there and were making the place damp. Among them, small insects were also found. The sun was shining at full strength, helping to dry out the damp spots that had remained after the rainy days.

Even the tiny little hands were eager to help as much as they could. It was quite exciting for them, and they were very enthusiastic about the work. The whole experience reminded me of the cleaning I used to do at my grandmother's house. We would scrape away the plants growing on the soil, as the overgrown areas could become a hiding place for snakes if they were not cleared properly.

The long staircase that needed to be swept and cleared of dry leaves was a real backache because of the number of stairs leading down the hill. Nevertheless, this small community effort brought everyone together and made the surroundings as clean and spotless as possible. At the end, bleach powder was spread to prevent further growth of algae and to keep unwanted creatures from crawling around.

It was certainly a productive morning, made possible by the bright sunshine that finally decided to show up after quite some time.

A Week of Joy, Learning and Patriotism

A week full of fun and meaningful events where children got the chance to enjoy themselves while also learning important values. The Independence Day celebrations brought together a variety of activities, including quiz competitions, board decoration contests for both junior and senior classes, and sports events that allowed students to showcase their skills. Regular practice sessions for the Independence Day programme kept everyone active, involved, and excited throughout the week.

The Army Unit arranged a special programme for children belonging to different schools, all gathered together to celebrate the freedom that they received after the struggle. The day started with a March Past that included many schools. Our school had students from Classes 6 to 8 who were enthusiastic about their band and the March Past. They walked a long way across the streets, where people also joined in. Everyone had a flag in their hand that fluttered in the wind with pride. Alongside this, a cross-country race was also conducted as students showed their athletic skills. Some even tried it for the first time and enjoyed it.

After the March Past, the students gathered at the Town Hall, where the Army Unit presented a video depicting the struggle for independence and the remarkable changes our country has witnessed over the years. It offered the children a glimpse into the long journey of our nation and served as an inspiration to them as the future of the country. The programme concluded with the presentation of awards to the winners of the various competitions held throughout the week.

In the evening, a quiz competition, an art competition, and games like lemon and spoon, jalebi race, musical chairs, etc. were conducted by the Nagar Palika. The children who participated enjoyed themselves by actively being involved. The day ended with fun and games for the children, bringing a different schedule from their daily learning atmosphere.

Today, the entire day was packed with different activities, beginning with a parade towards a different route, which felt as if we were reaching every house and involving everyone along the way. Then, we went back to school and had a flag hoisting ceremony there, followed by energetic performances by the students as they danced, sang, and even gave speeches. It was quite a beautiful sight as the tiny tots did their best.

After the celebration at school, everyone again gathered at the Town Hall to watch the performances of children as they matched their steps together to the music.

Overall, the week was a wonderful blend of learning, celebration, participation, and enjoyment. The various competitions and activities gave children an opportunity to explore their talents, build confidence, work together, and learn the importance of freedom and unity. The Independence Day celebrations were not just a break from the usual routine but also a meaningful experience that reminded everyone of the sacrifices made for our country. It was truly a memorable week filled with enthusiasm, pride, and joy.

 The Joy of Going in Blind

After quite a while, I decided to watch something new, a movie whose trailer I deliberately avoided watching to keep the suspense of the movie and its characters intact. I had only heard one song, which heightened my interest in watching the movie without knowing anything further about the plot.

Watching it was a sudden decision, as I had never planned to watch it because the reviews were not very positive regarding the plot and the thrills.It turned out to be quite interesting because of its characters. 

The movie begins with a situation of war as it clashes with the ideologies of people from different places, dividing them into multiple groups. It foreshadows the upcoming incidents that move the plot forward.

The female character of the movie was not given much screen space, but she was portrayed as a character who dreamed big despite belonging to a very small community and village. She wanted to do something for her people, even though they did not accept her. Later, the very people who were against her were the ones who helped fulfil her dreams.

The movie had a very realistic approach, showing how people often forget all the good deeds. The drastic shift in people's behaviour is heartbreaking, as it is unexpected. The characters also face such dilemmas, which feel very real.

The negative character's name is mentioned from the very beginning so that he remains a suspenseful presence throughout the film. It presents him as a symbol of fear and an unknown power that ruled over the people like a shadow, even when he was not physically present.

The music plays through most parts of the movie, making it engaging. I was able to sit through and complete the movie without even realising the passing of time.

I enjoyed the movie with a cup of coffee on a peaceful evening, and it inspired me to write again after a long time.

On a dry day

with just us three 

on the way.

The path all dusty

rising with warm wind

gushing towards the face

kissing the face along the way.

A blinding love

far from comfort

with discomfort in eyes

still on the way home.

The big rain drops

falling on the ground 

like crystal balls

stilling the dust about to rise.

The sudden darkening of clouds,

a hasty decision

the sudden heaviness

with a chilling breeze.

The rain cooling the soul

the plants dancing happily

moving along with the breeze

after the long humid days.

A brief joy with smiles,

some with umbrellas,

others without it,

enjoying the gift of nature

that balances out everything.

Lost in shadows, disappeared in night,

A speck of hope, a distant light.

At times it gleams a little near,

Blinking softly, crystal clear,

Before the darkness slowly grows,

Swallowing the light it owes.

Is it natural then to stray

Into a maze that hides the way?

Hiding in a corner small,

A shelter built behind a wall.

The heaviness begins to fall,

Breathless days that swallow all.

As if inside a room shut tight,

Yet something stirs the will to fight.

A shadow hovers, cold and grey,

Like stormy clouds that block the day.

A thousand paws that reach and creep,

But skies like these don't always weep.

The clouds must part, the light break through 

That clearing sky is coming too.

A long road stretches, winding still,

But hope anticipates with will.

The darkness fades, the shadows thin 

The light ahead will surely win.

                     

              A Road Trip We Never Planned

An unexpected road trip surely was not exactly on my list. It all began with our lack of knowledge about the route. The drive began slowly and continued for quite a long time. In the hot, slow breeze that heated the body, the car's chill was surely a relief, tempting me to doze off. But then the long conversations, wrong turns, and beautiful views overcame the tiredness. Today, let’s dive into a road trip along the expressway.

The journey began from the entrance of the college. It was after 5 PM, and the sun was setting, but the heat still remained unbearable. Even chilled water could not provide comfort. As I sat in the passenger seat beside my friend Garima, our ride began with a pep talk and her short prayer, as it was her first long-distance ride. She was nervous and slightly scared, but I was relatively relaxed and enjoying myself. We were not sure about the route, so we kept two map locations working simultaneously.

The roads were empty with minimal traffic, but still, at certain places, we had to move slowly. Soon, the expressway came into view, but two roads emerged, confusing both of us, and bam, we took the wrong road. Panic started as she was unable to turn properly, and the vehicle was getting stuck in the middle of the highway, which was surely scary. After a few attempts, she reversed the car, and we went back to following the map, even though the previous mistake had also happened because we followed the map. This was repeated once more farther ahead, but we managed somehow.

The drive on the long expressway was fun as it was empty, and alongside it, there was a beautiful view from my side window. At times, I was so lost watching outside that I would forget to respond. As the sky dimmed, we entered the village road. It was not so exciting, but yes, we had to cross that place. Slowly, our short ride came to an end.

Along the path, I explored places I had never been to before. Even though they were far-off and distant, they surely felt calm and peaceful. I enjoyed it because it was a part of town I had never visited before, and I might not go there again anytime soon. The ride was long and tiring, but it was fun. After a long time, I experienced a long drive again, and it made me realise how enjoyable driving can be, along with the small fear hidden within the courage and thrill.

A Place Called Mom

Mother a six-letter word,

So simple, short, yet so adored.

The first word we often speak,

Or maybe the second, yet unique.

It stays with us until the end,

Forever constant, our truest friend.

The warm embrace, the gentle voice,

The magic hands that make life rejoice.

Even the worst dish, under her touch,

Becomes a feast, enjoyed so much.

She adds a day more to our health,

A secret gift, her quiet wealth.

When far away, in hostel walls,

The bland meals bring nostalgic calls.

We miss her food, the love it shows,

Counting days until we close

The distance and return once more,

To her arms, our safe shore.

No long talks, just a peaceful gaze,

A quiet calm in simple ways.

Mom’s home a place to truly be,

No pretending, just honesty.

Everyone has their special story,

A private tale, unique in glory.

No one can judge, it’s just our own,

A cherished bond, deeply grown.

Every day is Mother’s Day, it’s true,

But today, we send our love to you.

To all mothers, present and near,

And future moms we hold dear.

A special mention to a woman so bright,

A friend, companion, and shopping delight.

My dear mummy, with love sincere,

Happy Mother’s Day, today and every year!

REVISITING SHERLOCK HOLMES

Detective stories have always been fascinating, not because of the crime itself but because of how it is solved. One character who has consistently stood out is Sherlock Holmes, created by Arthur Conan Doyle. Most people have encountered this character at least once, whether through a school lesson, a novel, a film, or a television series.

I have always admired his way of thinking, which appears effortless, though it may not be so in reality. The concept of a mind palace is particularly intriguing. It is a remarkable and effective method for remembering information.

While browsing one day, I came across a title related to Sherlock, and it immediately caught my attention. I decided to watch it, and it felt somewhat like fan fiction. Seeing Sherlock portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch often gave the impression of how well James Moriarty understood him. This made me wonder what it would be like if there were a story exploring how they might have known each other in the past.

Later, I discovered a show that seemed to present exactly that idea, set in a parallel universe where Moriarty and Sherlock are friends. I enjoyed watching it and ended up binge-watching the series. The show, Young Sherlock, was engaging, perhaps because of its unusual perspective. Traditionally, Sherlock’s world revolves around himself, Watson, and his cases. In this version, however, we see a different side of him, especially in his interactions with his family.

The relationship between Sherlock and his brother Mycroft Holmes is portrayed as warm and affectionate, which is quite different from their dynamic as adults. Overall, it felt like an enjoyable return to a familiar character, and I truly appreciated the experience.