100 Years of My School: A Journey Back to My Roots

When you have an old person in your family, there’s an invisible thread that ties you to them — a quiet yet strong connection that shapes your identity. I feel the same about my school. This year, as my school celebrates 100 glorious years, I find myself unexpectedly overwhelmed by a sense of belonging that I had almost forgotten.

It’s been 22 years since I left school. After completing my studies there, I moved to a big city for higher education and never looked back. Life, with all its twists and turns, pulled me away from my small town. I lost touch with my school, even failing to visit once over the years. Losing my home and parents left a quiet sorrow in my heart — a sorrow that created a distance from the place I once called home. But now, as my school reaches this incredible milestone, the past has found its way back to me.

The centenary celebrations are unfolding beautifully. The event begins with a grand morning rally, where students from the batch of 1979 to the present will march together, each batch dressed differently, creating a colorful tapestry of time. It instantly takes me back to the days when I walked those same corridors. My classmates and I were reminiscing about the time we celebrated our school’s 75th anniversary — back then, we were young schoolgirls, thrilled by the excitement of it all. And now, decades later, the same excitement and pride have come rushing back.

My school holds a legacy of excellence. We've had a line of headmistresses who were recipients of the prestigious Rashtrapati Award, a testament to the strength and wisdom that shaped our institution. Growing up, I was surrounded by graceful, dignified, and highly learned women — role models who left a lasting imprint on my character.

Academics were always our strength, but my school also excelled in sports and cultural programs. It encouraged us to treat vocational education with the same importance as academics. I was lucky to be taught by some remarkable lady teachers, each with her own unique personality and teaching style. The way they managed girls of different age groups with such care and understanding left a deep impression on me.

I had never felt so connected to my roots until now. My school is more than just a building — it’s a part of my identity. It shaped me into the person I am today, grounding me with values, strength, and pride. This centenary celebration feels like a homecoming — a reminder that no matter where life takes me, my school will always be my foundation.