BEATEN AT OUR OWN GAME
-VAIBHAV SINGH’96
Ever
since it’s inception, Parent’s day is an event which is loved by one and all.
It is organised for the parents of the final year batch to come and see for
themselves the place where they had sent their children four years ago.
Coming to
Jamalpur marks the beginning of a new
era in the lives of Gymmies but deep within the craving for homely affection is
always there, which needs to be satiated once in a while. Parent’s day does
just that and more. So there’s no surprise that each one of us looks forward to
the event eagerly.
No sooner that the dates (this time it was celebrated
on 26th &27th March 1999) were finalised upon, preparations began
earnestly. Table-tennis room was vacated to make way for the musicals practice
and lounge became the centre for cultural meetings and brainstorming sessions.
The plays to be performed, an outline of the cultural programme and all the
items to keep parents busy were decided upon. We then moved on the next round
and that was full scale rehearsals on the stage.
Gym
strength had dipped to an all time low and there was no firstee batch but this
in no way reduced the fervour of the people who worked with double josh.
There’s no stopping an SCA at what he really feels like doing. The usual
rigorous activities had to be carried out. Chief among these were procuring
curtains and covers from N.I and TA camp respectively, making arrangements for
stage setting ( lights, sounds etc. ) and gathering props.
Besides
these one has to contact people related with video-coverage, tent, mess-supply,
make-up etc. and take regular feedback. All this was made possible only through
collective effort. Think of our fourthies. Besides helping us in the aforesaid
works they also had to tidy(?) up their rooms, do away with adventurous posters
and clear the dust off their study table and books ( to give a feel as if they
are frequently used).
Thus the
Gymmies were gearing up for the forthcoming event. By this time it was already
25th afternoon and the parents started arriving keeping the reception team on
its heels. On 26th morning started the first programme slated for this year’s
Parent’s day and that was a tour of Jamalpur workshop, IRIMEE & Munger Yoga
ashram which is of world fame. During the journey the Pail loving SCAs
never missed a chance to inform the parents about the oh-so-significant places
which came along their way (like Madras-café, NDA, Jubilee well, Munger
air-strip etc.) and talked on general topics like the state of roads and law
and order in Bihar, outlook towards life, Railways and so on.
After the
tiresome though entertaining trip parents took off some time to rest in their
rooms. In the evening Antakshari was held in the dining hall. It turned
out to be sheer fun, not to say about some real good songs which got to hear in
it. On 27th morning there was a trip to the water-works, though it was not very
much planned. It was largely attended and enjoyed by the younger generation.
The Aunts & uncles rested in their respective rooms and wisely so considering
the busy schedule that was to follow.
In the
afternoon there was a special lunch for the parents. This was followed by the
usual High-tea in the evening in which the SAMs & local officers were also
invited. The interaction of the parents and the faculty members was the main
feature of the high-tea. This time the cutting of the cake was a joint venture
of all the ladies present.
After
high-tea it was time for the photograph cum drawing exhibition in the computer
centre. The photographs, most of which, depicted Gym-life unplugged, were
commended by the guests. From there the gathering proceeded to witness the much
awaited cultural programme. Both the plays “Alpgyan Shakuntalam” & “Shaadi
ka daftar” were major hits. These along with some good songs, fillers and
guest-items made up an excellent show, leaving the guests asking for more(?).
This was
followed by a special dinner. In this the local SAMs were also present. The
well planned menu and nicely prepared food had everybody licking their fingers.
And this was not all. There still was a dance party which went late into the
night. The enthusiasm with which the parents took part in the party was
astonishing but at the same time endearing. Suddenly it struck to me that these
are people tired by the day’s hectic routine but still they are dancing and
staying awake just to make us feel happy and our programme successful. It was
very touching.
It was
28th morning and the show was still going on. There was an exhibition
volley-ball match which showed that parents are the best cheerleaders one can
ever hope to have.
The end
of the parent’s day function brought about a mixed reaction. We had such a
great time and now the parents were to depart. Anyway we were happy also that the parent’s day was a big success. We
have fond memories of those two three days which we will cherish throughout our
lives.
As we saw
the parents off one by one we somehow got emotional, though we didn’t show it
(Big kids aren’t supposed to do that). By the time the last of parents had gone
the picture had become quite clear in my mind. I as a Gymmie had somehow
developed a notion(read misconception) that people can be easily bowled over by
the great hospitality we have. But what had happened in the last two days. we
had been taken care more care of instead of being the other way round. They
cheered us, listened to us, did everything to make us feel better. For the
parents anything was good not only because it was good but more because we had
done it for them. Beaten at our own game. Is It? Coming to think of it when it
comes to love and affection there’s no one like parents. They know just how to
do it. The whole idea about competing with them is crazy. I just hope that they
felt good about our small efforts.