It was a pleasant morning. My mom hugged me and wished me well. I went to the bus stop with my dad, my elder brother, and my sister and waited for the bus excitedly. This was my destination. I had always wanted to go to Jaipuria.
Yes, going to Jaipuria was my dream which came true.
A year ago, I used to go to another elementary school and I always saw my brother and sister going together to Jaipuria. I wanted to join them as soon as I grew old enough.
I was told, growing older wasn't enough and that we needed to pass a very tough entrance test. They ask over 40 questions in 5 minutes and there are several rounds of it. They tested Hindi, English, Math, Memory, etiquette, social skills, etc
My parents taught me well, especially my mom. I remember doing grammar for 10th standard with my mom before the entrance test and yes I topped it with a good lead.
It was published. My relatives from far off came to congratulate me. One of my mamaji gave me INR 100 which was a lot at that time.
I felt really good. All the recognition was a bonus. For me, my dream of going to Jaipuria with my bhaiya and didi was the biggest which got fulfilled.
I still remember Mrs. Lila Chnadra waving from the window to my parents and she gave me a very warm welcome on the bus. She used to be my bhaiya's teacher and had seen me before.
During the lunch break, my brother came and took me to the canteen and bought me 2 samosas. I was mesmerized by how nice and big this school was as compared to my previous kids' school and how yummy the samosa was. He then gently escorted me back to my class. He was 5 yrs elder than me so I walked with air that such a senior person is my brother :)
Still remember buying stickers and pens from stationary and those fun stationary shop and canteen visits with friends.
The teachers were motivating. Starting from Mrs. Indraramakrishnan, and Mrs. Aloma Das, to Ms. N Kapoor, Ms. Gauri Bhushan, Mrs. Usha Sinha, Mrs. Indu Sharma, Mrs. Bhagoliwal, Mr. Shepherd, Mr. Menon, Mrs. Lal, Mrs. Arora and other honorable teachers, our music and art department, activities, and a lot more.
Certainly, the best in Kanpur. Once in the school, there was no other way but to go higher.
And thereon, it was a journey till the end of the 12th standard. Amazing teachers, great peers and friends, and a steep learning curve.
At that time, during the matches, we used to cheer our sports team as,
'Wherever we go, people wanna know, Who we are, So we say,
We are the Jaipurians, are mighty mighty Jaiprurians."
All I have to say is that this slogan is so true!!!
Proud to be a Jaipurian!!!
Dr. Jaya Sonkar MD MPH
3/29/2023
©All rights reserved. Jaya Sonkar 2023
