St. Mary’s – a feeling!

S.M.A. isn’t just a place but a feeling, an emotion, a way of life that a St. Marian carries with her wherever she goes. We can never forget those innumerable life lessons we learnt within her portals. Our teachers were inspirations, a class apart and are worthy of our greatest regard. Each of them a unique musical note that added its own melody to the song called St. Mary’s of the Angels.

My acquaintance with this marvellous edifice began as a baby - a couple of months old, when my parents visited Reverend Mother Damian. Four years later Sr. Scholastica and Sr. Alzira made sure I would be called a St. Marian when I was granted admission as a bright eyed student in the Lower Kindergarten.

L.K.G. A... decades ago

I must mention I was a real chatterbox and loved making friends (which I did way too easily). Over the years I grew under the watchful guidance of devoted teachers who nurtured me with sunshine and rain. Sr. Francine, my teacher and Principal initiated me into the role of responsible leadership. She brought out the actor within me on the stage as well as the efficient leader who could shoulder the responsibilities of a House Captain. It is from her that I learnt to persevere for excellence.

When I left school as a teenager eager to complete my higher education I never knew I would be back in less than six years to ‘give back’ in some way all that St. Mary’s had showered me with. Sr. Francine once again guided me through the initial years of my vocation as a teacher. There was so much to learn from this stalwart of the institution. My return felt like coming home, it was as if I had never left. I asked myself what had changed in those couple of years... ‘not much’ was the answer. The gardens around the chapel were prettier with colourful blossoms and the chapel itself was as serene and charming as a pearl glistening amongst the greenery. The classrooms and corridors reminded me of my days as a student, running to and fro or attending classes. I felt nostalgic for the first few months picturing myself sitting in different classrooms with my friends. Ahh... how I missed my classmates who were elsewhere making their way through life!

The grotto and the candles there were strong reminders of devout visits and fervent prayers during examination days. I smiled as I watched the present day students carry on the same tradition. The playground brought back memories of the many Sports Days and Annual Functions.

Parent's Day- 2000

The Centenary year celebration always stood out in my mind with a ramp that was set up for a fashion show. Ma’am Urvakshy’s voice still rings in my ears reciting Sarojini Naidu’s poem – The Queen’s Rival. Shri Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, the chief guest, in his speech mentioned the Indian princess who stepped out from the lotus and was one of the ‘seven queens’ who Queen Gulnaar had asked for. This poem performed as a musical play was truly exceptional.

Memories from class X C- 1999

Time has flown on wings but the old tamarind tree still stands as a sentinel at the School’s entrance, a silent witness to generations of St. Marians crossing the threshold every year. I was blessed to stand under its shade in the hundred and twenty-fifth year of the School and fondly remember my earlier self as a student of standard six who had witnessed the Centenary year celebrations.

Today, as I still continue to walk on the revered grounds of this edifice and try to reach out to the vast number of alumni in capacity as the president of the S.M.A., Ajmer Alumni Association I feel a thrill to be able to share in the rich history of the School. The lengthy conversations with the alumni of different age groups is always an enriching experience which leaves me with a feeling of curiosity and eagerness to know more about those ‘good old days’. And, it is with equal vigour that I love to narrate these stories to my students, the future alumni. Life does come full circle... I’m privileged to be that bridge which transverses the old and new.