My Journey at St Columba’s School: A Nostalgic Tale

January 6, 1975: The Beginning of a New Adventure

I stepped into St Columba’s School, not because I was slow to learn, but because my mother was determined to give me the best education possible. My father grew up in the villages of Punjab and Haryana. Education was crucial for him, as he had a teacher for a father. He believed that good grades would lead to a good life, and that’s precisely what he wanted for me.

My mother had a clear vision, too. She wanted me to attend St Columba’s while my sister would go to the nearby Convent of Jesus and Mary. This decision was influenced by her sister’s kids who had thrived in these schools. However, there was a small challenge: St Columba’s only accepted children who were five years old. Most other schools had a different policy. So, my mother decided to send me to Air Force Bal Bharti School at just four, and then to St Columba’s when I turned five—only to repeat kindergarten.

That day, thirty-four years after the first batch of students entered St Columba’s in 1941, I found my place in KG-D, eagerly waiting for the adventure that lay ahead.

Warm Welcomes at the Gates

As I approached the school gates, I noticed how the Brothers were there to greet us. Every day, our principal and two headmasters stood ready with bright smiles, welcoming us to school. We children would say, “Good morning, Brother,” and often touch their hands to show our respect, all while rushing to make it to class on time.

The atmosphere was filled with warmth, not just from the Brothers, but also from the guards, support staff, and gardeners who all wore khaki uniforms. They were more than just staff; they seemed to embody the spirit of St Columba’s. If you ever reached the gate and didn’t see a Brother, you knew you were late—there was no hiding it! Today, things have changed, and a security guard from an agency checks us in. She is friendly, but there’s a sense that her presence is temporary, unlike the enduring warmth of those who had welcomed us in the past.

A Change in Class – A New Friendship

On that fateful day in 1975, Anish Tawakley was supposed to join section A. Instead, he grabbed his bag and walked right into section D—my section. Perhaps it was destiny, but his action led to a beautiful friendship that would last for years. He had recognised Mrs Ruby Aimond, our teacher, who was a friend of his aunt. In a brand-new environment, he sought comfort and familiarity.

Had Anish chosen to stay in section A, our lives might have taken a different path. But luck was on our side, and we became firm friends, forming a bond that would last through all the ups and downs of school life.

The Handkerchief Dilemma

February 19, 1975, is a day etched in my memory. That morning, as my father dropped me at school, I suddenly realised I had forgotten my handkerchief. I felt panic set in. My father reassured me he would drop it off after work. Hours later, he still hadn’t appeared. I approached Mrs Aimond and confessed my predicament. She comforted me, but inside, I felt crushed.

When I got home, I burst into tears. My poor father later pulled the crumpled handkerchief from his pocket, having forgotten to come by. To this day, I never leave home without a clean, ironed handkerchief—it’s my little security blanket, rooted in that childhood trauma.

The Foot and the Paper Episode

April 17, 1975, brought a lesson I’d never forget. I accidentally touched a piece of paper with my foot, and my friends Prashant Jain and Varun Pawha made it sound like I had committed a major sin! They terrified me with tales of what would happen for my ‘crime.’ In Indian culture, it is believed that touching learning materials with your foot is considered bad luck. To this day, if it happens, I can’t help but whisper a silent apology.

These memories, filled with laughter and a bit of fear, have shaped who I am today. St Columba’s School was not just an institution; it was a nurturing ground for friendships, lessons, and memories that I carry with me even now.

In Conclusion

Reflecting on my time at St Columba’s brings a smile to my face. Each experience—meeting the Brothers, making lifelong friends, and overcoming childhood challenges—has been part of my journey.

St Columba’s is more than a school; it’s a place of heartwarming memories that I cherish. I’m grateful for my childhood experiences that have greatly influenced my life.

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Original Text – https://scroll.in/article/1088982/from-the-memoir-bookseller-ajay-jain-the-writes-about-his-childhood-in-delhis-st-columbas-school?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=public