Writing a few lines for the Mother’s Blossoms takes me back into the long corridors of memory – way back into those initial years when I had freshly joined the school. I think I was destined to come to MIS and it was not just a matter of chance. Coming straight from the boisterous atmosphere of Delhi University, North Campus, the first thing to hit me was the calm, peaceful and serene atmosphere of the school campus — a place which was strikingly dotted with lush green trees everywhere and cool breeze blowing through them all the time. The peaceful ambience of this place actually touched me instantly and I took to this place as a fish takes to water and there has been no turning back since then.    

Over the years, this place has grown on me and has given me a lot in terms of physical, mental and emotional maturity.

I vividly remember the Table Tennis matches I used to have with my students in the initial years. I was an avid player of this game in my school and college days and missed no opportunity at having a match or two at the slightest possibility. I also remember the day I had a class with VII A and a cow stood right in front of the door and refused to budge. A few students and I just stood there and then finally I had to cancel the class!

I recall I was once politely told by the Principal (Mr. Madan at that time) not to talk in the morning assembly! I was more of a student than a teacher in my early years but gradually I sobered down and learnt the rules of this place.

My trip to Pondicherry — with memories of the Samadhi, the seaside café, the upcoming place called Auroville, the eleven-days return journey to Delhi by the School’s Khatara bus — is still there with me. On the return journey by bus, we used to stop in a school or college (pre-arranged) for the night stay and again start in the morning with sight-seeing stopovers on the way – out of which I still remember the amazing huge marble rocks of Jabalpur. The trip was fun and enjoyment came free and undiluted.

The work-culture in the school was governed by rules and regulations but the entire routine was carried out with a relaxed and easygoing spirit. We used to stay back after school for some ‘House-work’ and other activities and have a samosa party at 4 pm from nearby cafes. The long practice sessions for the Annual Day and Physical Demonstration were invariably converted into small picnic sessions in groups.

I have had a long innings here and I have seen this place develop and expand with the passage of time. My strong bonding with the essence, spirit and roots of this place has given me a lot of internal strength to remain centred within and cope successfully with all situations — odd or even — across this long journey called LIFE! 

I hope and pray that all our Mother’s Blossoms also feel the same way and help MIS to bloom and grow from strength to strength with each new phase!

About Mrs. Archana Chugh 

She joined MIS in 1973 as a teacher and was there for 38 years. With her no-nonsense attitude and systematic teaching, she made a subject like Math easy for many students. 

Her mantra was, “Work hard now, and you will enjoy the benefits of it later, or enjoy now and struggle later.” This created a lasting impression on young minds. 

She passed away on 24th June, 2021.