Namita Parimal

FROM A CHAITANYA MOTHER

Motherhood is one of the greatest gifts of God and watching your baby grow brings innumerable joys at each and every stage. A baby’s first walk and his first word are milestones in life’s journey both for parents and their children and an equally momentous event is a child’s first day in school. Along with the frets and worries, it undoubtedly carries its moments of ecstasy. It is with such delight that I recall today, my son Vedang’s first steps at Chaitanya. Chaitanya was not his first school as such and the shift from his previous place did bring its pangs of confusion and doubts. My child was well ensconced in a school with loving and caring teachers and I kept questioning the necessity for the shift. Today however, when I look back, I can proclaim with confidence that I have no regrets at all.

Chaitanya gave my child confidence to face challenges, the will to fight without worrying about defeat and the freedom to question and interrogate. If he lost something, it was his stage fright. This school has shown him the importance of team spirit and how to work together with your class mates in order to succeed. By working closely with economically under- privileged children, my son learnt to value what he has and at the same time to respect the struggles and challenges of life that others face. He has learnt the value of a secular society where each religion is not only respected but celebrated with gusto.  In no other institution, would he have learnt to sing Christmas carols the way he did at Chaitanya and how can I forget his performance of the song ‘Tell Me Why’ before Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasiya. I shall remain ever indebted to the school staff who gave my child not just a platform to perform but also trained him to sing. It was in this school that my child learnt the significance of sharing when he was encouraged to donate a small portion of his prize money to the needy.

Chaitanya has been like family. In moments of crisis I have called up the school without the slightest hesitation, in matters as grave as my son’s health and as trivial as he forgetting what to wear- the uniform or free dress. Many a time I have pestered the bus-in- charge teachers regarding bus timings or to enquire about delays. I shall remain ever grateful to the teachers for their patience and the way they have not only nurtured my son but the emotional confidence they have given him. Vedang has blossomed into an enthusiastic debater and orator thanks to his teachers. He has argued on such diverse subjects as FDI and the future of the nation, without being afraid of being snubbed by his teachers and peer group.

Circumstances have compelled me to shift to another city and another school but my baby will remain a “Chaitanyan forever”. I am forced to be selfish even today when I seek blessings from his teachers that he may keep the Chaitanya flag flying high.  May I take this opportunity to thank every member of the Chaitanya family for his /her contribution in making Vedang a better human. Thanks always.