Golden November

Nov 25, 2022

Oh ! The reader will wonder, ‘How can November be golden?’ Well it was indeed golden for me. St. Mary’s Convent, Ajmer was celebrating, Golden and Silver Jubilee for four batches each. I was among the most fortunate, to be honoured, a golden jubilarian. Four Golden and Nine Silver ex-students registered with other alumni.

Alumni Meet 2022, after the dark phase of the Pandemic - 11th to 13th November. The dates scrolled, the game of guess started. Flooded Whatsapp. Questions -Replies day and night. Who is awake? Few waited patiently. Finally, the cat was out of the bag! ‘Meow meow!’ Clarks Safari Resort, Pushkar.

Less than 48 hours. Stroller, bags. Dresses, swimsuits, spouse and children. Mother and daughter. Teachers, Nuns - on roll and retired. Alumni within Alumni. Eyes sparkling, yeeessss... Kindergarten children were we . Senior citizens, middle age, youngsters. Back to School. ‘Mother we come home!’

Oh! The hearty welcome at the school, volunteers, House Captains, with traditional tilak of kumkum/ rice adorned the forehead of each and every guest. My God! It was beyond imagination. Sister Anusha , the Principal hug and smiles . Tip toe the flight of steps and in our assembly hall, the red carpet welcome. The entire seating , decorated stage, podium and there stood Elvira to welcome us. The chirping, screams... hugs. In came steady steps, royal gate, the Nuns, Teachers. Drinks, starters, soup served while we were comfortably seated in the hall.

Welcome speeches, honour ceremony, honouring the old retired individuals, both nuns and teachers. Variety entertainment. Group Photo sessions, tour the school. The aroma of the Royal Lunch filled our nostrils. Mouth watering starters, variety of dishes, breads, sweets . The executive committee members, volunteers, nuns, treated us like a wedding guest without the groom and bride. Thanks, thank you... we were trying hard to hold our gifts. The woollen shawls, candles crafted, alumni key holder and a Golden 50 years Memento. Volunteers in school uniforms escorted each individual to the two buses. Rolled out to Pushkar!

At the Resort the warm welcome, rooms already allotted in the clusters. How meticulously the committee had put in many months labour and the execution was swift. The itinerary floated on our whatsapp. High tea, disco dance, dinner, tambola, prizes who won, excitement, enthusiasm. Good night.

12th morning , walking the lawns, pics, videos the dining hall, the lavish continental breakfast, the camel carts at the entrance of the Resort. We were all comfortable and the caravan rolled out for two hours . Models in the desert, fun and frolics. Speeding remote controlled for kiddos, sand descending, high speed scooters. Oh! What fun! Lunch, rest, tea, out in the lawns the success stories. The videos flooding the afternoon. Mermaids by the open pool. Planned dances, songs, hungama. The dinner was served. Oh! I missed the cake cutting ceremony at lunch – A Birthday Surprise for two birthday Dames.

13th morning breakfast, visitor book circulated in the dining hall. The buses outside the clusters. The bell boys ready to help you reach the buses. Hugs and byes! Off to school or dropped on the way home. Memories and memories. Pics and videos! It was a like a whirlwind.

GOLDEN NOVEMBER, we all are filled with an energy drink to last till two years ahead, 2024 .
The Alumni Meet, every two years. Gratitude filled, folded hands, loads and loads of love and thanks to THE LADY, our Alma mater.

Suman Sharma

Suman Sharma is a retired Professor, Head of Department of English, Government College, Ajmer. She enjoys participating in sports activities, reading, writing, singing and dancing. She aims to give back to the society which has helped her achieve her goals and dreams.