During our school days, we would wait for Children’s Day as that was the only day when we could ditch our school uniforms and wear dresses of our choice. Children’s Day was full of fun and frolic. Orissa POST asked a few youngsters to share their best Children’s Day memories from school.
Subarna Mitra, a dance trainer from Bhubaneswar, said, “November 14 was a memorable day for all schoolchildren, especially because of the different events held on that day. I remember our school used to conduct an inter-house dance competition and a science exhibition on that day. My friends and I prepared for the dance contest as well as the science project. Every year, we would be rushing between the two places so that we could attend both events. When I recall those days, I can still feel the excitement. Winning two prizes on the same day was always the highlight of my school life.”
Bhubaneswar based Lipsa Panda, an anchor by profession, recounted: “We used to participate in several competitions held in school on Children’s Day. A special fete would be held where students could put up stalls of their own and sell stuff to others. I decided to put up a stall for chocolates as I loved chocolates. My dad teased me saying, sell chocolates only if you can resist eating them all by yourself. That day, I got a lesson in self-control. I sold chocolates worth Rs 2,300 without eating even one. It was my first ever earning and I was delighted. It was an experience which I can’t forget ever.”
Cuttack based Nishant Majithia, a freelance performing artiste, said that though he could not recollect a particular incident, for him the day was all about unlimited fun. “For me, Children’s Day was all about having fun. Our teachers used to string together events and entertainment programmes. It was amazing because we got to see our teachers in a completely different avatar. Some used to sing, some put together one act plays, others did stand up acts and so on. Plus, chocolates and cakes were distributed,” he said.
Samikshya from Cuttack says, “When I was in school, fancy dress competitions were organised on Children’s Day and I found it very enjoyable and exciting. I portrayed Mother Teresa in one of those competitions. I admire her because she was ever-eager to help deprived children and the poor. Initially, I was little unsure whether I could enact Mother Teresa in the right way, but my mother helped me a lot not only with the dialogues but also with the look.”
SHABIHA NUR KHATOON, OP