Life’s Priceless Bookmarks

A couple of weeks back Vidur’s school celebrated annual day, as usual. Of course, Sury and I accompanied him not just to enjoy the cultural program, which is great, but also for a special reason. All the students who excelled in grade 10 were being awarded on stage. And catch us missing that moment.

So anyway, equally enthralling for me was to walk around and enjoy the behind the scenes happenings – watching the children get dressed for their various stage events. I just love doing this. I find it cute to see them all preening, fully made up or waiting in line for the makeup man to apply that coveted lipstick and blusher.

I also felt a tinge of sadness – that Vidur only has another year of school. I would miss all this. I got nostalgic about all the years from grade 1 till date. Staying back after school for weeks before the event. Missing classes, catching up. Arriving at the school several hours  before the event on D day for practice and dressing up. And waiting another couple of hours for their turn.

Then my mind wandered, reliving various events at the school, especially Children’s day when they would have the Fancy dress competition. Vidur got prizes for three years consecutively. Those were the days! How quickly life moves ahead!

I still tear up when I see the little ones on stage, happily going out of step but enjoying themselves while their parents try to get a good pic from the edge of the stage. This year I missed being an unofficial photographer – each year I’d get pics and then seek out the parents get their emails and send their pictures to them. This year, I only clicked photos of Vidur and his classmates receiving their award on stage.

Precious life!

My heart felt about to burst as I watched students I’ve known from Class 1, who are now in Class 12 – host the show in pairs – one speaking fluently in English, while the other complemented the commentary in Hindi. Then there were announcers in Sanskrit. That’s the greatest thing about Kendriya Vidyalaya – aka Central School. Most of the children are fluent in the local language, which in our case is Kannada, their mother tongue, Hindi, English and Sanskrit.

Sigh.

Here are this year’s photos – scenes I’ll cherish forever, together with the memories. So here are some of my…

Life’s priceless bookmarks

These third graders are busy tiring themselves out practicing, trying to keep those over-sized gloves on, and keeping on even when the headbands are over their foreheads, blocking their vision. So sincere. So cheerful, no matter what.

How can one not love them? They were dancing to one of my all time favorite songs – Brown girl in the ring by BoneyM. Really! And when they performed on stage, I doubt if there was a single person in the audience whose feet weren’t moving!

Moms busy shepherding their little ones as they wait for their makeup. Quite eagerly!

And busy chatting. Loved the glitter. And love the little girl’s hair all scrunched up like that.

They certainly bloom where they’re planted! I admire them for their patience in waiting with those costumes on! See the peacocks? Ever seen prettier ones?

I love it when they pose, smiling shyly.

“Come,” said the Wind to the Leaves one day.
“Come over the meadow and we will play.
Put on your dresses of red and gold.
For summer is gone and the days grow cold.”

Nearby, another group of girls was dazzling in their dance costumes. Their hair accessories are so cute!

And another group. That BharatNatyam costume looks fabulous. See the girls in red.

Yet another group getting ready while their too-young-to-be-in-school siblings watch. The air was fragrant with the jasmine flowers.

The older girls. What a beautiful scene.

Sigh.

It was a memorable day in more ways than one.

How do you collect memories, dear friends?

I am linking with UnknownMami for Sundays In My City.

Have a happy week!

P.S. – January is officially registered as Self Love Month. Have you downloaded How Do I Love Me? Let Count the Ways by Daylle Deanna Schwartz?