My Last Day At School

My Last Day At School

The twelfth of February 1960, was my last day at school. I was full of mingled feelings of joy and sorrow. I was happy at the idea of freedom and preparatory holidays for full one month. I was sad at the thought of parting from my teachers, friends and Alma Mater.

We were asked to come to school at 2 p.m. on that day. All the students of the 10th class were well-dressed. Everybody appeared at his best. First of all, we were photographed. Then we had a sumptuous feast. It was given by the students of the IX class. All the teachers also were invited to the feast. We enjoyed it most heartily.

The feast was followed by songs and speeches. In their speeches, the boys made a solemn promise to work hard and keep up the glorious traditions of the school. They assured the teachers that they would never forget their paternal love and kindness.

They said that they would always love their school. They would be prepared to make every sacrifice for the School. They would never do anything unworthy of a gentleman. They would never tarnish the fair name of the school. The parting songs were very touching. They moved me to tears. Then a boy of the 10th class read out an address to the Headmaster.

The Headmaster rose amidst cheers and gave a suitable reply to the address. All listened to him with rapt attention. There was a pin- drop silence. He "Boys, make the best of the time at your disposal. Be prepared for the worst and hope for the best."

He exhorted the boys to act, move and behave in such a manner that they could all proudly say, "Here are our jewels, here are our gems." He wished us godspeed, the best of luck and the best of success. He blessed us saying that success might attend our footsteps wherever we went.

His last words were, "Go out as torch-bearers of light and knowledge. Go out to serve your, country and fellowmen. Assert yourself. Go ahead and God will help you."

Sanskrit department of the school offered up a prayer for our success in the examination. It was followed by actual parting. The teachers stood in a line. We bowed low to all our teachers, paid them our last respects and homage, got their blessings and then parted with heavy hearts.