I adore S.K.P.S .It is as simple as that. A pure, beautiful place, filled with loving hearts. Even the faintest of memories about this place fills my heart with a feeling of nostalgia, that echoes in every beat of my heart and adds a tinge of gratitude to my fond thoughts. Even now when I get a chance to walk  to a welcoming stage in the midst of claps and applause, my mind thankfully bows before the facade of this institution that was once my own family.

               

Being a reputed C.B.S.E school, S.K.P.S has always endeavored to improve the language skills of the pupils and tries its best to fulfill   every unspoken promise, that a parent  receives from the confident eyes of a teacher. Like every other kid, I made fun of rules, and whenever the teachers insisted on speaking English, I giggled. CES cards and ILM set feet on an unwelcoming ground. We were busy inventing new expansions for those unlucky acronyms. Cheers followed. But now, away from my beloved school, I understand how all those laws and rules had imparted a good deal of verbal efficiency and confidence in me, without a very conscious effort from my part.

                

Now I’m doing my graduation in English literature. I thankfully remembered the invaluable contribution of my teachers and school, when they  called out my name, at the top, in the admission list. I recalled each and every earnest step my school had taken with a keen sincere objective- to impart knowledge. From an early age, the children are groomed and brought up in a language - rich atmosphere. My childhood was spent in the lap of S.K.P.S. At that tender age, my mind was opened  to this foreign, alien language. After a few hopeless, desperate encounters with the language, I began to feel the attraction, and started to try my hand, at reading English books. I still remember a nice librarian of ours, asking me to read out a library book. That was in my third standard, and it fascinated me. And there were competitions – rather healthy ones and with each participation, one could feel his language improving. There were debates and class discussions –anyone could voluntarily take part. As a sure reward, he’d receive abundant encouragement, and increased confidence.. Youth festivals are still held, with the same  zeal and vigour that brings out the best in students.

                 

English is a universal language, that enables different people, from different nations, to adhere well, and converse effectively. Indians, have a subtle and vague fear whether  English will dismiss the mother tongue and traditions from tender tongues and hearts. But mother tongue is mother tongue. But the knowledge of an international language is a prerequisite once you begin to feel the need of a job. Entrance exams and competitive exams are fast becoming ‘tough’ for the want of English.

              

Whenever someone congratulates me, and holds out his hands for a handshake, I remember the teary farewell and thanks-giving ceremony, when I walked with a candle whose flame was brilliantly lit amalgam of love, respect and knowledge, and was ignited by S.K.P.S. . . . .

Vijayalaksmi K.P

Batch of 2007, SKPS Ex-student

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