Reminiscence

I was sitting in the second row as our class teacher called roll numbers for attendance. With each roll number called, I would turn around to see the face, which is supposed to be familiar as I meet them every day, but surprisingly brought a smile to my face as if I am meeting them after a long time. My best friend was sitting beside me too, just like any perfect day. Everyone talked to each other without our teacher stopping us, and the classroom seemed like a warm and cordial place to socialize. As time passed, not realizing the exact reason, I didn't want the period to get over. I didn't want that space to be disturbed. There was an urge in me to stop the time then and there.

The sound of my alarm clock woke me up. Suddenly everything started to make sense. My "turning around" to see the faces, my "urge to stop time" everything seemed to be coherent. I was dreaming about my school days after five years of graduation. That's when I realized that I hadn't spent a single day without thinking about my school subconsciously.

Upon speaking to a few other schoolmates, I realized that I was not the only one living these nostalgic dreams. We so wanted to relive those days at least one more time. We wanted to attend the prayers, listen to the "Thought of the Day", the "Principal's speech", and sing the "National Anthem".

We wanted to get back to our classes, planning to sit with our best friends but ultimately separated by the teachers for being too talkative a duo. We wanted to attend every lecture in the classroom, except for P.E., as sir was generous enough to convert it into a games period at times. Those lunch breaks were incomplete without a snack from Tuck Shop and a school tour. Finally, we wanted to feel that experience of the last hooter, which was a cue for "CHUTTI HO GAYI" making us all exhilarated.

When I stepped out of Army Public School in 2016, I was a very naive person with APS values and a decent board percentage as a sword in my hand, trying to win the battle between the outside world and my career. I must say, I didn't know how to win this battle, but my school did teach me the basics of handling the sword.

Often, we focus more on the syllabus than any other kind of learning during school. But believe me or not, the soft skills that this school has inculcated have helped me way more than the knowledge I have gained here. Until we step into the real world, we don't realize the importance of Discipline, Punctuality, Honesty, Team Work, Leadership, etc. You can't learn these soft skills overnight or from any tuition. And our school is at its best ingraining these skills and values in us for years and years along with the education it provides.

For the students, I would say that you are in the most comfortable phase in your life with a plethora of learning opportunities. Try to learn the best sword skills before stepping into your battle. Enjoy and relish every day of your school before it becomes a nostalgic dream.

As far as the teachers are concerned, I have nothing but gratitude for all the teachers of Army Public School especially the ones who taught me, as I am what I am because of you all. While traveling to new cities, whenever I see an Army Public School, I find myself elated and filled with pride. Each APS student reflects the hard work and dedication you put into them.

With that said, I would wish for a prosperous future for students, teachers, and the school. And as far as the alumni are concerned, I hope that someday we can recreate and relive our nostalgic dreams.