By Suhaas Godavarthy
Grade 11A

“Today, I walked through those gates the last time as a student” said Valli, a student who was graduating from 12th grade in Manthan. Those words were true for many Manthanites sitting there at the convocation ceremony from Valli’s classmates to many 10th graders who were deciding to move on from Manthan.

The school stood majestically against the evening sky and next to it, the beautifully transformed Tamarind Point. Tables and chairs were arranged in front of the brightly lit stage and colorful lights shone on the barks of the surrounding Tamarind trees. Pictures, holding cherished memories, were strung between tree trunks- each a journey down the memory lane. Slowly, the guests started filling in all sodden with mixed feelings.

Some sported dapper suits and blazers while others adorned themselves in dresses or draped themselves in saris for the occasion. Appropriately dressed and eager for the event to start, the invitees took their seats and the convocation ceremony began.

The graduating students and their teachers, wearing quintessential graduating robes, marched to the dais. Each of the leaving 12th graders presented an emotional speech, pouring their thoughts out in the form of sweet memorable recounts and how these moments left a huge impression on them. Many speeches revolved around how Manthan made them as comfortable as possible, in school and in their own skin, from whatever environment they came from. They spoke about how Manthan was welcoming from the start. About their first day in Manthan and how this day was their last.

The end of the graduation ceremony marked the beginning of the farewell party dedicated to the parting tenth graders. A variety of performances: comic skits, musical performances, dances with fusion, hip-hop, and Bollywood dancing, were put up by grades 9th and 11th. It was a fantastic show with moves and beats that made heads turn in awe.

The excitement settled when Ms. Purvi Reddy of 10A and Ms. Saloni of 10B delivered their valedictorian speeches. Soon after this, many loving and caring teachers shared their touching journey with their students. They thanked them for all the lovely teaching and learning experiences and wished them success in their endeavours.

After some final class photos and dancing wildly with friends, everyone headed for the delicacies of the dinner buffet. With bittersweet smiles and heavy yet hopeful hearts, hugs went all around: to the teachers, to the seniors and juniors, and to the friends that are meant to be treasured in all the beautiful moments once had. With tearful smiles, photos were clicked and selfies were taken, but in the end, it was time to bid adieu.

With a heavy heart Manthan bid farewell to its darlings, but its precincts will forever look forward to the visits of its dearies.
Fare thee well!

Afterword: I’ve watched many of my close friends leave, but everyone will move on at some point. Manthan has let me make so many wonderful moments with friends and I’m thankful to be able to continue here. I also want to thank the 9th and 11th graders for all their hard work and enabling us to part ways on such an outstandingly planned and glorious evening. I can’t thank them enough.