Having stayed for a dozen of years in “Nirmala Niketan”, Jaigaon, boarding of the Salesian Sisters, I have so many memories to take with me as I part from here.

            Firstly, I am very thankful to all the sisters who have always been my constant help and support, inspiring me always to know and explore myself. Thank you so much for helping me to stand on my feet, to face the challenges of life. Living for twelve years, I met and stayed with a number of sisters. I often got confused, since many looked alike. Sometimes, I got too much emotional that I decided to become one of them but I said to myself , “control Anju control… it is not easy to live a religious life” I really appreciate all the sisters for summing up courage to leave their own family and living with a totally new family. Staying together, I became close to many sisters,  I remember and miss all the sisters.

            Secondly, all my boarders… uff!! You are the most deadly disaster taking place in my life… difficult to leave, impossible to forget! If only I would carry you with me I would certainly do it. Hope I have been an example for you all. Always be happy, be active, and take part in all the activities. Don’t cry, don’t be panic just be cool and cheerful.                    

12 Years… I wonder how I survived

The evening is blessed with a calm breeze

Soon our presence together will cease

When I reflect back on my boarding life

12 years! I wonder how I survived.

Obviously with food, water, oxygen and rest

Also with lots of boarding and school test!!

 

When I first came, tears rolled down my cheek

To make me laugh sisters would tickle me with a twig!

I was weak and shy, would sit in a corner and terribly cry.

Really very funny I called aged sisters as my granny

On visiting Sundays I would weep and weep

With heavy heart the rooms I would sweep.

Common sense I used to lack

Taking advantage didis used to tease.

But all this made me strong

I realized being a coward, I was wrong.

 

Years passed I got many friends

Madly jumped outside whenever it rained.

So much fun…

Like fired bullets from heavy gun

With so many members in this home

No one was left sad and alone

So many elders, so many juniors

But no feelings of being superior or inferior!

 

Got to learn, got to teach…

 Turning playground into a dusty beach

With all the sisters laughing and shouting

Enjoyed so much in every outing

So many memories to store

 Saved in my hearts core

 If only life was a tape recorder with buttons to forward and rewind

Go back to my past… I wouldn’t mind.

 

But what to do…..

Life is like a flowing river

And to cross it on should have a good liver.

But seriously…

I loved my life here in boarding

This very moment too my heart is recording.

Life here has made me strong and bold

But this time, this moment has made me cold.

 Finally, all will be apart on our ways…

But I will surely remember and miss my boarding days.

Anju Tirkey – Cl. XII Boarder