Hip Hip Hurray

Yesterday I watched “GIPPY” movie and it transported me back in time to my old school days.  The scenes and songs from the movie were sweet reminiscent of my happiest times at Bishop Westcott Girl’s school. There are so many funny and mischievous moments of those days that bring back smiles and joyous tears to my eyes and this one post is not enough to put down all my thoughts.  I will narrate though, few of the funny incidents here. My boarding school is known for its strict discipline where punishment is the normal consequence of naughtiness and I had fallen preyed to it many times.

One incident I vividly remember was when I got punished for not finishing my snack in dining hall. It was the rule to finish off all our food in mess and not bring it to the dormitory. After our tea break, we had to stand in queue to freshen up and get dressed up for games. On that particular day, we were given cream roll for snacks and you know it takes time to munch one big roll.  I just grabbed it and ran to be first in queue. Unfortunately, I was caught by my matron Miss Jennifer and yes the punishment was unusual this time. I was asked to bring needle and thread and she then made the garland out of cream roll. It was tied around my neck and I was asked to play the games with the cream roll necklace being around my neck  for the whole time! Juniors, seniors, teachers and of course my classmates had good time watching me with my new accessory. Play time was for an hour and by the time it ended my cream roll length also reduced to one fourth. My friends came and had good bite of cream roll in between the games. By the time punishment was over, all that was left out of that poor necklace was an inch pendant. 

Accessories reminded me of another incident where I was punished for keeping eatables in my closet. It was again the rule to keep all our home snacks in tuck tin and in separate tuck room. Usually during school time we used to have 15 minutes break to have snacks from tuck room. We were not allowed to keep it with us in dormitory. One week before the winter break my mom visited me and brought lot of eatables along with her. As only one week was left for vacation, I kept the snacks with me. Same day at night, while chit chatting, I opened the biscuit packet to share it with my friend. I was not aware that Miss Jennifer (yes She again!!) was on her round and the moment I opened the packet, Miss Jennifer entered. She took the packet from me and asked me to see her in the morning. Remembering my punishment of cream roll, I knew what was going to come. Next day she tied the biscuit wrapper and it gave the appearance of a bow in my neck. Just imagine the combination of biscuit wrapper bow with my school uniform and tie. I had to wear that for the breakfast and luckily before leaving for my morning assembly I was asked to part away with it.

Another funny incident I remember from those days was, when we were caught in the middle of night talking. Frustrated with the loud noise and laughter, Miss Das came with her stick to teach us the lesson of being awake late at night. She came inside and instantly she started banging at my friend Nidhi’s bed. We could hear her scream with pain with each hit. After venting out her frustration, Miss Das gave us last warning and left for her room. We all had a good laugh when she told us that not even a single stick hit her. Her blanket was the sufferer. She screamed just to portray she is the victim. I will never forget those bitter sweet moments and how I wish I could relive those days once again.

When Borders Blur!

Recently I read in the newspaper about the Pakistani Hindu refugees who have escaped the country in a hope for a life in India.  It makes me sad to read about their pitiful conditions and I can’t stop thinking why can’t we live peacefully. Why does the religious sentiments still exist? These questions always haunt me.  Pakistan is my neighbour country and there are lot of things I don’t know about it.  Why am I not inquisitive about its culture?  Is this because of bloody murky history involved between these two countries and the unforgettable effect it left on the people from both sides of border?

When I was invited for the Pakistani cultural night organized by Pakistani students in MIT, I instantly bought the ticket. I thought this would be the great opportunity to experience their culture.  This was a perfect occasion to flaunt our beautiful traditional dress i.e. Salwar Kurti.  Of course most of the Indians and Pakistani were in Salwar Kurti as we rarely get the chance to wear them here. Night began with their national anthem and instantly I stood to show the respect.  While paying homage, I thought things would have been different if whole population of Pakistan and India would have felt the same for their national anthem.  A short video was played to show Pakistan, their culture, its people and pride.  I could see the admiration in student’s eyes for their country. 

Few Pakistani songs and ghazal were played by the students too.  People could not stop themselves from humming the same.  People were singing in chorus Pakistan zindabad and that strong feeling of love overflow all over.  I wondered at that moment if we Indians have the same feeling for our country.  After this, we had scrumptious food and of course kheer added more sweetness to that night. A great performance of Bhangra added more delight to the event. Until that day I didn’t know people are crazy about bhangra in Pakistan too.  Night ended with splendid fashion show. I was captivated to see beautiful design and contemporary style.  In their feedback form I could not resist myself writing Pakistan Zindabad at the end.  It was altogether a great experience and I wish to see its beauty through my own eyes.  

Spring Is Here

I have always dreamed of living in snow city which got fulfilled when I moved to Boston. No matter how much it snowed I always yearned for more. The mesmerizing experience I had today made my wish for snow the farthest thing now. I had completely different experience in Harvard Square because weather was pleasant. From last two-three days temperature has risen and it seems finally spring has come.

I could see people talking, laughing, playing music and taking pictures. Today I felt that happiness is infectious because I was happy seeing people around me happy. Deserted Harvard campus was chirpy today. There were so many cute babies running, playing and jumping. I couldn't take my eyes off of a little baby trying to push his stroller. His laughter still resonates in my mind. Stroller which carried him for five months because of cold weather is now being carried by that baby. It was completely an amusing scene. Ingenious Harvard students were seen in groups studying and discussing on stairs. Few were basking in the warm sunshine and reading novels. I noticed one smiling cute young couple sitting on grass back to back and messaging on phone.

I could see bright and cheerful face because people’s faces were no more covered by stole and cap. I am glad that heavy down jacket and winter clothes will now be replaced by light spring and summer clothes. I like observing people’s footwear so now I will get to see strappy sandals and colorful flip-flops instead of boring heavy snow boots. Spring and summer is the best time to enjoy Boston. Desolated city will now again become vibrant and lively and will be embraced by music, street shows, play and food.  Snow laden trees will start to blossom again and revival of greenery will represent the renewal of life in city. Colorful sailing boat in Charles river will enhance its beauty and plenty of runners and cyclist will now be seen on its side  road.

Wish I could have stayed longer at this beautiful place but now time has come to enjoy the last summer of Boston. I just want to capture this beauty in my eyes and cherish it forever.