The Board Examinations are finally over ! There is some respite for the school kids—but for how long ? The innumerable entrance tests are hovering around the corner; coupled with the anxiety of percentages scored, the apprehension and pressure of not making it to the cut-off marks and the possibility of being denied admission to what has been their aspiration / ambition !! True, there are many career options, lots of choices, but there is the undeniable increasing
competition, more numbers to contend with, compounded with the ever growing demand and
nightmare of the thousand headed snake called “Reservations”! which keeps rearing its venomous head with annual regularity – such a pity that the “fun time” of post School Finals is lost – today very few can sit back or relax,with a sigh of relief !! or have the pleasure of “hanging” with buddies, or as they say “chill out”, and be “cool” !! No chance !, with the mercury of the summer “heat” rising each day, the pressure of upcoming ‘Entrances’ nearing, its actually ‘peak’ harassment hour for the kids and parents. Children glued to their computers for information about various Univs., colleges, application forms, available at a price and the results of pre – Board performances, all kinds of certificates from their school Principals, Courier Services running cross- country making it a maximum profit making time, Parents and other family members praying ardently & obsessively, for their ‘betas’ & ‘betis’, juggling their savings
budgets to meet extra expenses of photocopies, courier costs, mobile bills and gravitation -
defying capitation fees, & traveling expenditure to follow !!

All premier magazines will, as you read this, release their May / June issues with “Top Ten” lists of colleges, IITs, IIMs, Medical Schools, Law Schools, Commerce Colleges, Art Schools, other occupational courses/Diplomas etc. This will entail more running around, more & more ‘Career Councilors’ advising the already challenged youngsters, adding to the overcharged atmosphere created by newspapers coming out with gruesome & gory accounts of pressure induced suicides, school children involved in shoot outs, and horrifying stories of teachers threatening their students, with unheard of kinds of child abuse, to the extent of pushing them into taking extreme steps, that has filled their Dailies throughout February / March!!

What kind of pressure is it, that can drive a Class VIII, fourteen years old to hang from a ceiling fan, or run away from home ?? Is it the fear of failing to come up to expectations of their parents, teachers, peers ? or the depressive anxiety of rejection ? If so, then this sad state of affairs, definitely demands serious thought, proper counseling all around, a need to accept & face ground reality & a transformation of the entire process of our educational & examination system !!
- EDITOR

Respected Col Thakur, Members of the Teaching Staff, dear Guild Members & young MGDians. As I stand here today to pay homage to our dear Miss Lutter, our founder Principal, on her birth anniversary, I feel privileged and humble. Privileged, because I belong to MGD, & represent the Guild. I have been a part of MGD from the day the School opened its doors; Yes, I am one of the first 24. Humble, because this gathering is dedicated to the memory of such a great, outstanding and wonderful personality, who made it her life’s mission to build MGD, not only as the first Public School for girls in India, but also a temple of learning with great traditions. Her legacy is enshrined in the heart of each and every MGDian – eternal and abiding. Her aura surrounds MGD, giving it a distinctive glow, shining with excellence.

Today we remember her,and with our heads bowed, we pray to the Almighty her soul rests in peace, and we continue to draw strength from the lessons our Guru, friend and guide taught us. Coming to the Quiet Corner is always like coming home, it is like a battery recharge, because it is here, the essence of MGD lies and makes us stronger, revived and refreshed. MGDians will remember Miss Lutter with deep love, gratitude and affection !! - CHANDRALEKHA MATHUR (’54)

OUR PATRON - A PAGE FROM HISTORY

The Late His Highness Sarmad – I, Rajaha–I, Hindustan, Raja Rajendra Maharaja Dhiraj Lieutenant General Sir Sawai Man Singhji Bahadur II, G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., L.L.D., Maharaja of Jaipur.
Kr Mormukut Singh was born in 1910, in the small principality of Isarda in Jaipur State. The ailing Maharaja Sawai Madho Singhji of Jaipur had no son to succeed the ‘Gaddi’ of Jaipur State, So according to prevalent custom he adopted the second son of his cousin, to carry on the Kachawa dynasty who had ruled Amer and Jaipur for several centuries. At the age of 11 years Kr Mormukut Singhji ascended the Gaddi in 1922, as Sawai Man Singh II – the 39th ruler. He received his early education at the Mayo College, Ajmer and later the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich in England. He was invested with full ruling powers in 1931.

His was a grand inheritance, Over the centuries the Kachawa kings of Amer & Jaipur had established a long line of outstanding and illustrious rulers. Great warriors, patrons of various art and craft forms, and builders of some of the most beautiful temples, palaces and forts – unparalleled in their architectural and aesthetic detail.
The Maharajas of Jaipur were given the title of “SAWAI” by the Mughul emperors. Sawai means one whole and a quarter more. Such was their individual skill in the battlefield, statesmanship, and administration; the combination of these and their excellence was rare and unmatched – hence the title of one and more.

The young Sawai Man Singhji, in keeping with the great traditions he inherited, turned out to be a very progressive, popular and modern thinking ruler. The welfare of his people was foremost in his heart, He at once realised the need of the hour – Education and Public Health & Facilities, eradication of the claustrophobic ‘purdah’ isolation of women, were top priorities and needed upgrading to come at par with other states & provinces. He started the ball rolling and invited eminent experts from outside to give shape to his projects. The Maharaja’s College, Maharani’s college, our School - MGD, the Sawai Man Singh Hospital & Medical College, the Bhagwan Das Barracks ( present Secretariat ) are some of the examples of his foresight. All these well renowned institutions were built outside the walled city with huge campus space for future expansion.He was the architect of Modern Jaipur. Sawai Man Singhji had the rare quality of picking up the right people to do a job. Once he entrusted a project to a person / committee he did not interfere in the technical execution of the project in hand. He trusted people and his ministers and officers never gave him cause to regret. He commanded absolute loyalty. He loved Jaipur and Jaipur loved him.His ability to see the other persons point of view paid him rich dividends as a ruler, as Rajpramukh of Rajasthan, India’s ambassador to Spain, and as an individual. During his rule Jaipur saw phenomenal progress.

As a sportsman he was distinguished. An ace polo player, which brought him & India international fame & laurels His crack polo team made a clean sweep of all polo trophies & tournaments across the globe in the Forties & Fifties.Unbeatable!! His love & expertise made polo synonymous with Jaipur, a royal game popular with the royals who played it & the public who enjoyed watching it. Jaipur became the Mecca of polo. Jaipurites were and still are very polo savvy ! Once the ‘purdah’ barrier lifted, MGD’ians were invited to witness the thrilling matches played with World famous teams, at the Jaipur Club Polo Grounds.

As a soldier he was legendry. His self discipline and meticulous attention to details came from his training at the Military Academy, also an inheritance from his famous ancestors who had led great armies to greater victories. Every event that took place in Jaipur was done with military precision — no detail was ever overlooked – no slip ups, no alibis ! He trained the Rajendra Hazari Guards and the elite Sawai Man Guards. The Jaipur Cavalry & other State Cavalries were amalgamated into the 61st Cavalry. The handsome, awesome unit that has the honour of being the President of India’s Bodyguard. Earlier we in MGD used to see their parades on State occasions at the Bhagwan Das Barracks, now we see their impressive display of perfect formation & co-ordination in the telecast of the Republic Day Parade & the Beating of Retreat. Tall, handsome, suave, a man of the world, S. Man Singhji had a great charismatic personality.His presence was remarkable !. Here was a man, a prince himself, who could walk with princes and not lose the common touch, and walk with commoners nor lose his nobility – for he was loved by all. With his famous disarming half smile he would acknowledge the love of his people, direct his ministers & administrators, win many friends & charm so many more. He always looked calm and collected, in total control of every situation – a facet that can be seen in all his portraits & photographs. His famous formal portrait, in full royal regalia that adorns the wall of the SMS Convention complex of our School, portrays his persona; you see no trace of Arrogance, or haughty demeanor, that used to be the style adopted when being photographed or sitting for a portrait. He looks very Royal, a person with extraordinary inner strength ! Natural & Himself !!

Just before the fateful tour of England in the summer of 1970, he had been advised by his doctors not to play the very vigorous game of polo. smilingly replied “Perhaps you are right, but polo is my first & true love, you know what the game means to me. My last wish is that my end comes on the polo field, in the midst of a ‘chakker’ with my friends around me, my polo stick in my hand and my boots on.” And so it was, on the 24th June 1970. He was umpiring a polo match in England. He was only 58.
MGD brought out a “Treasury of Tributes”; lovingly and painstakingly collected by Miss Lutter from many people from all walks of life, who were associated with him.

I have taken this opportunity to pay tribute to our Patron, to acquaint so many Guild members, who never saw him in person, but I feel it is important that they know, we are the beneficiaries of an initiative that was taken at the behest of such a foresighted, distinguished and benevolent ruler. who supported his consort Maharani Gayatri Deviji ’s idea of our alma mater, so wholeheartedly & so enthusiastically. Hard to believe, but the first time he visited the School Prize – Giving function as a Chief Guest was in 1955 !! At the cost of sounding immodest,I have no qualms to mention,it was the year I received the Raja Ramdeo Poddar Gold Medal for securing 1st Division in my Senior Cambridge Exam. As His Highness pinned the medal and with his famous smile & clipped accent said “Well Done !” I,as a Jaipurite and an MGDian could not have asked for more or a grander finale to my School Days! CHANDRALEKHA MATHUR, nee SAHAI (1954)

PENNY THOUGHTS

8/11, mid morning, 11.30 hrs - a collective cheer of a billion plus crore resounded across India , reverberating all the way to Beijing , as Abhinav Bindra hit the Bull's Eye and won the first ever Individual Gold for India ! It was a path-breaking occasion ! For the sub - continent , starved of a GOLD ,at last it was celebration time ! Every four years at least half of India switches on their TV sets to view some sporting event or the other at the Olympics ; eagerly grab the morning paper , a fast flick to the sports page and glance at the Medals tally, only to have a feeling of dejection & disappointment , wondering why our athletes fail so miserably , even as other countries pile up the Golds , Silvers & Bronzes.

Getting back to the Gold , a ray of light & hope flickered, & expectations came alive !! As this was soon after the Olympics' grand & breath -taking opening ceremony , our other athletes would draw inspiration , if Abhinav could achieve this glory , there was hope ! As the Tri -colour was unfurled and our National anthem played at this Inter- National arena , every Indian experienced a sense of pride, a lump in the throat , moist eyes , & a feeling of jubilation !! Patriotic fervour at a high! Yes, the inspiration worked ! . Sushil Kumar , the wrestler & Vijendra Kumar the boxer brought home two coveted Bronzes . It was great to see them step up on the victory podium !! For once , cricket took back seat !

The individual medals were won by 3 great athletes who achieved success on their own steam .their own commitment & passion & resources . Our Government has a portfolio , the Sports Authority of India , that has done little to get this far . At most of the Olympics Opening Parades a large Indian contingent of officials is seen . Delegations of so called experts , making a number of trips abroad to learn the nitty gritty , have made no tangible contribution to improve training facilities & other infrastructural advantages . There has been a noticeable neglect of the fact that those participating are more important than the entourage ; whose main interest is a free trip abroad & possibly, to be seen on the world - wide coverage of the event that gets grander , more beautifully organized & executed as seen at Beijing . Ours is a basic problem of making a political issue of every thing involving the Govt. Pity is that in the political wrangling & Red - tapism the main purpose is lost . Money is squandered & spent on unknown issues . Politicians & officials have one thing in common - they can only talk endlessly; they appear to suffer the lack of an Internal Pause Button ! Positive action/result is not a priority , a total disregard of success of the project involved , as long as they are visible to the nation - world wide is an added bonus !

The wake up call has come , heralding a new hope . India can still make its mark on the world stage of various disciplines . We have 30 years in hand ! Research has revealed that by the year 2038 , the species known as 'homo-sapiens' would have reached their optimum level of performance , endurance and stamina .hence there will be no new records set or broken ! In thirty years we ought to have put our act together ,enhanced performances & made an impact-unless the recent experiment of the BIG BANG , comes up with new discoveries & theories -- hope springs eternal !!

EDITOR

BUSY BEES

The 7th of July , Yes , that's the day our School reopened after a revitalizing summer break ! So back at school , charged with renewed fervour and a mind set to deal with the busy schedule ahead -which was a whole line up of activities as well as regular academic tests and exams to come . I would like to start by giving you all the list of the top scorers of the Board Examinations .

As mentioned earlier many Inter House Activities occupied the month July , and August , An Inter House Informative Competition was held on the 19th July ; where in Madam Curie bagged the first position , followed by Helen Keller in the second position . We also had a Western Choir Competition and a Hindi Folk Song Competition on the 26th of July . In the former Helen Keller bagged the first position followed by Florence Nightingale in the runner’s up position . In the latter the first position was taken by Madame Curie followed by Sarojini Naidu in the second position . A Bhajan competition was also organized on the 22nd of Aug . in which the first position was shared by the Sarojini Naidu and Florence Nightingale house. The above Competitions were held at the Junior and Senior levels of the School .

School Birthday Celebrations – The yearly celebration , the 12th of Aug was a very rainy day this time . But in no way could the rain showers dampen the celebration aura back at MGD ! Rani Vidya Deviji was the Chief Guest at the 65th Birthday celebration of our school . The Birthday song was sung and Rani Sahiba also did the honour by cutting the cake . Mrs Jane H. Singh – Vice President , MGD Girls Guild , gave a speech conveying greetings from the Guild members . Our Principal Dr Mrs G.D. Bakshi read out other Birthday messages . Our dear Rajmata Sahiba Gayatri Deviji sent a sweet , warm Birthday message to the MGD Family . A variety programme followed . The Primary Section put up an Inter House Fancy Dress Competition . Sarojini Naidu stood first followed by Florence Nightingale as runner’s up .The Senior section had a Folk Dance Competition , Florence Nightingale stood first ; followed by Helen Keller as runner’s up . The tiny tots of class I & II also presented a lively group dance . It was such a treat to see these little children dancing away to the hip beat in their beautiful dresses and make up ! This was followed by the signing of the Roll of Honour by the meritorious students of the Class XII. The function came to a close with the singing of the School Song . In honour of the School’s Birthday celebration all the students & Staff members were treated to an Ice Cream fiesta .

The Rani Vidya Deviji Inter School Tennis tournament was held on the 24th -25th August . Participating were SMS Vidyalay , St Xaviers , Step by Step , St Angelas , Tagore NRI School & MGD . MGD-B Team won the beautiful trophy . Individual prizes were given ., The Chief Guest for the closing session & prize giving was our Editor ,Ms Chandralekha Mathur , who gave a very encouraging speech to the participants .

Teacher’s Day – 5th .September – was once again celebration time at the school .The children put up a Variety Programme for their teachers . Dr Mrs G.D.Bakshi gave the students a very motivating and informative speech that day .The entire Staff of the School paid their respects & homage at the “Quiet Corner” . The Staff was also given a ‘High Tea’ and a gift on this occasion. That’s all for this edition . Adieu .

VANESSA EVERETT

THE EMERALD EXTRAVAGANZA
SATURDAY , Nov. 29 ,2008 .
Chief Guest – Rajmata Sahiba of Jaipur .
Guest of Honour – Rajmata Sahiba of Kota .

This year we felicitate the GOLDEN JUBILEE Batch of 1958 & SILVER JUBILEE Batch of 1983 . We are also including in the felicitation , all the batches that passed out from 1959 to 1978 .

PROGRAMME – FOR NOV. 29 ,2008:-

FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC

Vandana Singh Nadgar traces her roots back to the majestic desert kingdom of Jaisalmer. One of the gems of the state of Rajasthan , Jaisalmer is home to many of the defining cultural treasures of Rajasthan : endless sand dunes , historical forts , beautiful havelis , rich art , soul transporting music . It was this music that Vandana grew up listening to in her mother’s family haveli in Kunadi and the music that haunted her as she traveled further and further away from home .Her marriage to Nandan Nadgar , a Konkoni civil engineer took her to Bombay , the Middle East , and finally New York City. Yearning for the music she grew up listening to , Vandana would search for recordings on her many trips back to Rajasthan , hoping to find an album that would capture the classical and yet rural quality of the musicians she heard growing up . To her chagrin no such recordings existed . She shared her disappointment with her grand uncle Thakur Jaswant Singhji who was also a lover of classical music . Her Nanusa , Jaswant Singhji , had himself observed the decline in Rajasthani classical music and taken the initiative to transcribe the original songs with their musical notations in a three volume set named ‘Rajasthan Ke Rajavadi Geet’ or the Palace Music of Rajasthan . Inspired by her Nanusa’s efforts Vandana took his work one step further and traveled to Jaipur , enlisting the help of her cousin Girja Mirchandani , she recruited some of the best musicians to record the songs her Nanusa had achieved , With the help of local music director Nirmal B . Pawaar and vocal artist Saraswati Devi Dhandhada she produced the first CD ‘Mehala’ : The Palace . The successof her first CD , which Simon Broughton of the London world music magazine ‘Songlines’ described as “ Classy and refined Rajasthani court music” helped Vandana garner the support to pursue her mission to preserve the music of her youth through the assistance of the London based music label ‘Navras’Her next album ‘Mehala’ : The Palace Dance Music of Rajasthan continued where the first left off , presenting celebratory classics of Rajasthan that were often heard at weddings , anniversaries and other celebrations . The next two albums “Mehala” : The Palace Classical Music of Rajasthan and ‘Mehala’ : The Palace Romantic Music of Rajasthan introduced more refined classical tunes . The latest release from Hear is 2A+ Music, the company created by Vandana & Girja , is ‘Mewar Ree Mira’ . A tribute to the 16th century poet saint Mirabai , this album offers the rarely sung devotional songs in their original poetry . As Jameela Siddqi of Songlines magazine writes ; ‘This disc provides a very representative sample of Mira’s poetry ,Chiranji Lal Tanwar’ s classically trained voice is gentle enough to caress across Mira’s powerful though delicate emotions.’ Encouraged by the response she has received from her own community and lovers of music alike , Vandana hopes to add to this collection in the near future . Until then , this five volume set is a testament to the love and reverence that Vandana and many of her fellow Rajasthanis share , when it comes to the music of their land .

NITIKA NADGAR . ( Vandana’s daughter )

Vandana Singh was the Head Girl of the School in 1968-69, she is the daughter of late Veer Kumari Kunadi , who was the Head Girl in 1948 . Vandana has now settled in Jaipur & has been co-opted as a member of the Guild Executive Committee . Welcome Vandana , its good to have your active participation in keeping things moving .

EDITOR

A STORY UNTOLD

SANJANA SAXENA ( 2007)

NEW MEMBERS.