A small conversation with one of my friends triggered the thought of typing this blog. The conversation took me to my school days. I could recall everything except for the dreaded subjects, books and teachers. I could recall the small little silly things that almost all of us must have experienced at least once in our lives. I wonder how time has changed. The experiences that we have lived through will never be lived again by any other generation. Anyway, even my father says the same thing to me. It is absolutely true that every generation gets its own flavour. Things that my father had experienced may never be experienced by me and similarly what I experienced in the past will never come back to the next generation.
I remember how eagerly I used to wait for the evenings to arrive so that I could go out and play. It was an undisturbed routine that was followed religiously. We had local cricket matches and the best part was the collection of match fee that varied from Rs. 5 to Rs. 8 per person. The funds collected were used to buy a new ball. The local score card to the post match discussions, everything is simply unforgettable.
Flying kites was another activity that kept my mind and soul engaged. Be it a breezy evening or a scorching afternoon, the efforts and enthusiasm always stayed high. My father, on the occasion of the Indian Independence Day, August 15, used to take me to old Delhi to buy the best kites and threads available in the city. The market used to be full of kite wholesalers and the crowd used to be big. To retrace my memories, I went to the same place last year. I had a good time there. Though I roamed around all alone, still there was a lot to recall and rejoice. I returned with a few big kites. J J
Another fond memory is of our most awaited visits to India gate and children’s park…. Oh yes…They are worth recalling. The conveyance used to be my father’s Scooter…”Bajaj Chetak”…Buland Bharat ki Buland tasveer…Humara Bajaj…. Four of us (Ma, Papa, My sister and I) used to occupy every centimetre of the scooter. Well, I was always made to stand between the handle and front seat L L. Chasing the soap bubbles, and running after the big balloons were the most enjoyable activities to us. Sounds produced by striking of the bottle opener against glass bottles by the local cold drink vendors could be heard everywhere. The mango bar from Ice cream thela used to be a treat in the end. By the way, if you remember, the Ice cream thela used to be on a three wheeler with flashy blue n green tube lights on them J J
Rains during the afternoon were heartily welcomed with big smiles. However if it continued to rain during the evening then….. Sab bhagwaan ji ki galti hai… J J Paper boats and paper airplane used to be a crafted talent in every child. These used to be the Dreamliner cruise and the best airways for us.
Those were the days when power cuts were accompanied with games like hide n seek. Summer breaks used to be fun even if the temperature outside kept soaring high. That was a time when a new pair of school uniform was a reason good enough to take us to the school. That was a time when there used to be just clothes and not “Ghar ke kapde” or “Party ke Kapde”. A time when “Pilot” and “Doctor” were the only answers that a person could hear to the frequently asked question “Beta, what do you want to become once u have grown up”. I don’t remember when I applied oil to my hair last time. But there was a time when my hair was drenched in oil…”Parachute Coconut Hair Oil”. Preparation for any festival used to begin ten days in advance. That was a time when studies and school were part of our life unlike now when our life has become part of the professional world. Tensions used to be in the form of exams and “Parent teacher Meetings” unlike today when our word is surrounded with tensions. The ring of a telephone used to start a competition among siblings to reach out for the instrument. A cricket bat for boys and a doll for girls used to be the best gifts on birthdays. And yes there were no return gifts J.
They say time flies and recalling all these good old memories makes this saying stronger. Yes, Time truly flies, but it leaves behind some memories which are difficult to forget. Moreover, when memories are so beautiful you have no reason to forget them. When I close my eyes and recall all those moments, a smile always appears on my face. It gives me a feeling that I have been part of a very simple yet very exciting childhood. Those were the days that will be never lived again….the days of Grace…
