Guild Newsletter
November 2024
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PENNY THOUGHTS
Dear Guild Members,
Today, as I sit to pen my Editorial, a gamut of sentiments and emotions flood my thoughts. This long journey of twenty years as Editor of the Guild Newsletter, makes me reflect on it, and what better time than now, as my Alma Mater celebrates the 81st year of her foundation. It also marks 81 years of my life as a proud MGDian.
I belong to the first batch that enrolled in MGD in 1943. It is, and has always been, my privilege and claim to fame: a hat I have worn all along, more so after reconnecting during the School's Golden Jubilee celebrations and revisiting the School after three decades. The distinctive ethos in the air of its precincts instantly transported me to nostalgic moments of happy times spent here and to savour the enduring taste of memories. Ah those happy and carefree school days !!!
My stint as Editor of “Guild Today” has been rich and rewarding. In 2004 after initial trepidations and travails, I overcame my apprehensions. The connect with younger generations was instant and spontaneous. The biggest take away was the inspiration to plunge into the intricacies of working of computers. I soon learnt the basic functions and ever since thereafter have enjoyed the ease of typing and communicating. It has been a great pleasure writing about the school traditions, values and the baby steps so ambitiously taken and introduced to set this beautiful and prestigious school on the path of phenomenal growth. The dedication of our Founder the late Rajmata Gayatri Deviji, Miss Lutter, Miss Emma, and our respected teachers was truly awesome. Equally admirable was the commitment and cooperation of the office staff and the supporting staff of the Baijis, Bearers, and Bus Drivers who cared for us with cosseted pampering. The welcoming ‘Baisa Padharo’ still echoes in my ears and brings a lump in the throat !!! I have been fortunate to enjoy it again as I spent hours at the Guild Office pouring over old Jaipur State news reviews, old photo albums and school archives and memorabilia. Then again as I compiled the Coffee Table Book… ‘The Story of MGD’, the late Gopal Lal ji, late Biyani ji and Gupta ji and Smitha all went out of their way to attend to any request I made .
It has given me lot a of joy, happiness and pride writing about the excellence achieved by MGDians in so many fields. Amazed at the various levels of success and glory and basking in reflected glory I feel uplifted by the fact that the abiding values and lessons taught here have borne such wonderful results…. MGD alumni continue to make their Alma Mater so proud and keep the School Flag flying high. It has strengthened my belief that it is so much worth walking the extra mile to live up to our motto of “Our Utmost for the Highest”
The present Editorial Committee of Meenakshi Hooja, Pranati Lunia, Ankur Jaipuria, Aparna Khurana, I am sure, will take the Newsletter to newer heights. Thankyou so much Girls, it's been lovely working with you all.. My very sincere thanks to my dear friend Jane H. Singh and all members of the Guild Executive Committee for their faith in me, their cooperation at all times, their love and caring help. I am truly blessed and humbled by the love, respect and appreciation of all my younger sisters in MGD.
With much love, many thanks and warm wishes.
Chandralekha Mathur nee Sahai
Batch of 1954
GUILD AGM 2024
The AGM was held on 20th Aug in JHS (AV Room 2) Hall at MGD.
The Chief Guest was our Principal Mrs Archana S Mankotia and Special invitee was Admin Officer Col S S Sangwan SM*. Both were welcomed by Ms Nirmala Durlabhji and self by presenting them potted plants.
As always, the Guest speaker was a Guild member - Ms Ridhi Bahl (Batch of 1993). She was introduced by Ms Neeta Boochra (Batch of 1983). Both the Guild members and senior students of MGD attended the event.
Ridhi Bahl is an Astrologer and Vastu expert. She has a Jaipur connect – being born in the illustrious family of Royal Astrologers of Jaipur. Her Great Grandfather was Pandit Madhusudan Ojha, Astrologer of the State of Jaipur in the reign of Maharaja Madho Singhji. He was given the title of Vidyavachaspati. Ridhi has followed in his footsteps and did extensive research for 20 years in Astrology & Vastu. She studied under Sri K N Rao, one of the greatest Astrologers of India. Ridhi writes monthly Astro columns and articles for various leading publications on Astrology & Vastu. Ridhi has also authored a book on Astrology, which talks about the Scientific aspect of Astrology. She has been felicitated by various prestigious awards, one amongst them being from the President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind in 2018.
Ridhi's talk at our AGM was an eye opener. She busted many myths and misconceptions about Astrology & Vastu. Her enlightening talk was followed by Q & A session. Apart from the Guild members airing their problems and clearing their doubts, the present students also were active participants.
Ms Benu Puri followed with a vote of thanks to the Speaker, The Principal, Admin Officer and the school Staff (They are always very supportive of all the Guild activities). Ms Ridhi Bahl was presented with Rajmata Saheba's plaque.
The event was followed by a sumptuous tea laid out by the school. It was all in all a very vibrant session.
Jane H. Singh
Batch of 1955
Patron MGD Girls' Guild
Ridhi Bahl (Batch of 1993) Guest Speaker
The Gathering, AGM 2024
LET MY MIND
Let my mind
not be overburdened
with thoughts, ideas
worries and anxieties
problems & difficulties
Let it be like
an open space
a garden
clean & green
blooming with flowers
Let it in inhale
the fresh air
the twitter of birds
and the rustling
of the wind
Let my mind
work quietly and serenely
for a cherished goal
Good for others
And good for me!
Meenakshi Hooja nee Mathur
Batch of 1968
BUSY BEES
Let’s take a moment to look back on our journey and rejoice in all that we have achieved !
The 81st year kicked off with the three-day Annual Inter House Aquatic Meet on 7th April, 2024. In the intense and competitive event, the young swimmers showcased their vigour and rhythm in the water. Florence Nightingale House stood out as the ultimate champion, securing the Best House Trophy for the second consecutive time !
Fuchsia bloomed on 29th April, inviting students to unleash their creativity in an assortment of fields including art, dance, singing, video-crafting and many more. Sarojini Naidu house emerged as the victor.
The months that followed were marked by numerous triumphs in co-curricular activities. MGDians secured top positions at the Dharohar Fest, Business Pitch Competition, Daly College Invitational Debates and Quiz. The MGD Swim Team competed fiercely at the Jaipur Sub-Junior and Junior District Swimming Championships, earning a spot at the Rajasthan State Sub-Junior and Junior Swimming Championships and returning home heavily adorned with their success.
MGD excelled at the All-India level in numerous competitions, showcasing their exceptional talent and persistent dedication. The MGD Taekwondo Team emerged as the Runners-Up in the under-19 category at the All India IPSC Girls' Taekwondo Tournament, with 20 players winning an impressive total of 18 medals. The MGD Chess Team achieved a podium finish. They secured third place in the team event, while Aashi Upadhyay dominated the individual U-19 category, winning every game to take top honours. The MGD Badminton Team bagged bronze medals in both the under-14 and under-19 categories. Additionally, Ashmita Choudhary shone solo, winning a gold medal in the individual under-14 category. The sensational dancers of MGD seized the stage with their mesmerizing performance and bagged the title of- “Rukmani Devi Arundale Distinction” in Classical Dance.
In this academic year, MGD has observed a spectrum of interactions with reputed national and international educational Institutes. With these wonderful educational opportunities, the hassles of choosing a career reduced and studying abroad bloomed as an option for many ! The events include Deakin University & Career Studio, MGD Mega Career Fair, KIC Univ Assist Fair, Indo Global University Fair, and Future Escape Forum. The school hosted the second edition of The Great MGD Run, receiving abundant participation from young MGDians, ex-MGDians, teachers, and parents who ran for a green future.
The year 2024 can be aptly summarized by the profound words of Brian Tracy; "Excellence is not a destination; it is a continuous journey that never ends !"
Aparna Khurana nee Sengar
Batch of 1997
INNOVATIONS IN SCHOOL EDUCATION
Innovation is one of those words we like to use whenever we think it is befitting. To innovate means to make changes or do something in a new way. To innovate does not require you to invent. Built into innovation is an openness to looking with fresh eyes at problems and to address them in different, new ways.
Innovation in education can be :
• Recognizing that students are better served by a flipped classroom where they watch lectures at home and complete assignments in the classroom.
• Introducing more technology to create a blended classroom where students experience technology as they would in the real world. This may also include tools like Augmented reality and Virtual reality. These create immersive technologies that combine the virtual and real worlds to create enhanced visuals.
• Artificial Intelligence- AI-powered educational technology encompasses tools for both teachers and students. Educational games, adaptive learning platforms and intelligent tutoring systems provide individualized support for learners.
• Providing greater ways to facilitate and develop those soft skills that students need to succeed in life. These are skills like Communication, Collaboration, Creativity and Critical thinking.
If the student is introduced to these things, he/she for sure will develop a sense of relating the reel life to real which is also the main objective of NEP 2020.
Thank You
Ankur Jaipuria nee Himmatramka
Batch of 1992
The MGD Days
EARLIEST MEMORIES OF MGD
My earliest memories of MGD are of the Introductory classroom with Ms Cherien, all girls sitting at their desks under her watchful eyes and Dhanni Bai helping with our bags and taking us around hand in hand.
I was around 3-4 years old when I joined MGD, enjoying all learning activities, and then passed ISC in 1969 as Gold Medallist.
Going to school with my younger sister Meenu, playing in the inside courts and passing near the boarders' lunch room, stopping to savour the fragrance of hot lunches and envying them- how lucky they were to get the meals in the dining room, not realizing that they envied the day scholars for their home cooked food…!
I was in Madam Curie House and enjoyed the Assemblies with Miss Lutter’s or Miss Meenakshi’s announcements and also singing prayers and songs in unison. How exciting it was to receive application medals and prizes and view the varied plays and performances on stage !
I have memories of playing kho-kho and going to Ms Baury’s Hostel room to help her drop off piles of homework booklets, smiling inwards that I got to miss some class time.
On Republic Day it was with great pride we practised and joined other schools for exercises in the Secretariat. What a joyous time we had in school !
I revel in almost twelve years of childhood memories with friends who after 50 plus years are still together in friendship, sharing joys and events, a bond which will continue all our lives. MGD is an institution which shaped our learning, our values and our attitude.
Thanks for this opportunity to relive those wondrous days !
Kalpana Prasad nee Mathur
Batch of 1969
MGD MEMORIES
I joined Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls' School as a toddler. My mother often mentioned my report card, which humorously noted, "Jyoti has a running nose, but she smiles a lot." My earliest memories are of Miss Cherian's Introductory Class and our individual mattresses for afternoon naps. The details of Transition and P3 remain blurred.
At an early age, I was sent to a strict convent school in Delhi. However, in 1968, I returned to MGD, joining in S3. On my first day back, a girl covered my eyes—it was Kalpana Jain, my P3 classmate, who recognized me instantly. That moment reminded me of the lifelong bonds MGD fosters.
I was lucky to perform in the School's Silver Jubilee Pageant in 1968, playing one of Lord Buddha's disciples. The following year, I took on the role of Ravana in our Assembly Ramlila—two contrasting yet unforgettable roles.
One humorous incident from Class XI involved a Hindi letter assignment. The entire class addressed it to "Priya Durgesh," and Miss Durgesh Nanda, our Hindi teacher, was livid !
MGD gave me not just an education but friendships and memories I cherish for life.
Jyoti Kathju nee Kaul
Batch of 1970
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN': ONE FLASHBACK TO SCHOOL DAYS AT MGD
My classmates and I formally concluded our life at MGD School, Jaipur, in early December 1972, as students taking the ISC (or Indian School Certificate, as the erstwhile Senior Cambridge had become) examination. This was the equivalent of completing Class 11, and was the senior-most class in those days at our school and similar schools across most parts of the country.
As ISC students, our exam answer-sheets used to be shipped off, quite literally, by sea post to England, where they were evaluated and marked. We also had a long break between leaving school in December and starting our college life the following June-July. The current 10 plus 2 system was unknown in 1972, and our school year ran from January to December for the entire school.
The clock has ticked forward nearly 52 years since that time. My classmates and I are nearer the age of "three score and ten", than the 16-17 year olds that had exited the portals of the Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls' Public School.
That was the then full and correct name of our school, by the way. The 'Public School' part included in the School's full title, I mean. I have no idea when it changed officially and the "Public" part vanish: but vanish it did, along with the style of pinning the school chunni / dupatta with 2 pins, one on each shoulder, rather than the 4 in vogue now. The extra 2 pins being somewhere south of the shoulder blade area !!
Reunions and school-day bonds have kept us connected since then with School, and with each other. In fact, nostalgia concerning our school days is now a far closer companion than was the case may be 20-25 years earlier, and every so often, some word triggers a memory that brings to life those halcyon days of over a half century ago.
Today was such a day.
Someone asked about Christmas plans. That innocuous question opened the floodgates of memories about MGD school's outdoor Christmas celebrations during the early 1960s.
This special open-air Xmas party was usually held around 3rd-4th December. The venue used to be the large grassy playing fields that are now part-parking space and part sports fields. The green space was hemmed in by the Arts Cottage, Music Room (with a small attached books and stationery store managed by Usha Book Agency that opened for a couple of hours a week), and our perpetually locked School Museum on the east, Deepshikha Hostel on the south, a long wing of the main school building on the west, and the school entry and exit driveway on the north.
The venue was always well-decorated. There would be dozens of balloons and paper bunting strewn over hedges, goodies to eat (cannot recall what), some games and the presence of Santa Claus. (Wow ! And yes. Santa exists, by the way. We all saw Santa at school).
Besides Santa Claus, the celebrations were brightened by the presence of Ms Lutter, Ms Emma, all the teachers and students - and occasionally Maharani Gayatri Devi herself.
(Ms. Lutter was never called Ms Lillian Godfrieda Donnithorne Lutter, by the way. We didn't add the personal or first name of any teacher to her/his surname. In fact, we were taught that 'first' names were personal and not used unless you had been asked to, and that 'middle names' were not for public consumption).
The very first time I attended this outdoor party was when I was in the class known as 'Nursery'. I was excited about the party and seeing Santa Claus, and readily followed all instructions that could help this happen sooner rather than later. Nita Sethi (ISC 1973) and Mala Grover (ISC 1972) were among the school mates near me.
Suddenly, Ms Lutter announced that SantaClaus would be arriving any minute on an elephant, carrying a sackful of presents. She added that we should maintain discipline, stay in our allotted spaces and not rush to greet Santa.
The instructions were repeated into my ears almost immediately by two of my school seniors (Sudha [Kak] jija and Jayshree [Mukerji] jija [both ISC 1967], who felt justified in doing so, since our families were close friends.
Even before they had finished speaking into my ears - simultaneously, I may add, one into the right ear and the other into the left, a sharp crack like a sports race starters' pistol rent the air. It really was the school's starting gun pistol, as a matter of fact.
Through the crowd I could see Santa's elephant, with a white bearded Santa in his instantly recognizable red suit on the elephant's back.
As the elephant began to bend his knees, the waiting crowd of MGDians surged forward in excitement. I was among them.
We ran towards Santa Claus as fast as a crowded sports field can allow running. There was a moment of happily noisy chaos, even as teachers simultaneously began calling on us to stop and return to our positions.
Something percolated through to my brain. I stopped running. Then, being the conformist goodie-goodie sort, or something akin, I quickly turned around and ran back to my original place.
I felt good at having obeyed Ms Lutter.
Meanwhile, Sudha jija and Jayshree jija, who had seen my actions but not understood why I had applied a reverse gear to my advance, misunderstood my retreat as the result of having got scared at the sight of Santa. (Who was already a familiar figure to me, I may add, our house being on his annual calling list !)
That is the story they later related to my mother and anyone else who cared to hear them. "Rima ran to see Father Christmas, but got scared and ran back".
My protestations of that not being the real scenario were drowned out. Most people weren't bothered either way.
I cannot recall if my co-runners, Nita and Mala, had also returned to base and joined the ranks of the obedient.
What I do recall is eating a handful of biscuits with a cream filling subsequently, and clutching a piece of cake. (That I also ate at some point). And, very obviously, going up to Santa to receive my Christmas present out of the large sack.
Rima Hooja
Batch of 1972
TREASURE TROVE OF ACTIVITIES
Such a treasure trove of activities is MGD
So very inspiring our Alma Mater always will be!
From Nursery to ISC it was one School only
Besides the 3 'R's what fun activities we did see!
- Poetic rings in Nursery
- 'Clue Hunt' in KG
- The Rabbit Cage in front,
instilling animal care
- 'Bulbul' activities with discipline and dare
- Art classes- still life, portraits, cloth/leather batik, tie and dye, bark/silk painting, weaving, pottery..
- 2 strands embroidery on a duchess set
- Making 'mathris' in cooking class
- Knitting gloves, crocheting glass covers
- Gardening in tiny plots
- Soooo many Games and Sports
These honed our skills and made us so endowed!
There were opportunities galore for Performances-
- My first one in KG as Lord Buddha's Son
- Class recitations, singing, dancing, plays, yoga
- House and Club activities…
Facing audience instilled stage confidence, breaking shy barrier
preparing me for my later teaching career !
Learnt we to greet and honour any dignitary ?
including Sat Sai Baba, Royals, Raj Kapoor and Bollywood stars,
castanet playing Russian troupe…
Our exposure did indeed vary !
These activities, and more,
are our past, present and future,
They flash upon our inner eye
bringing elation and energy to the fore !
Meenu Mathur
Batch of 1972
MY DAYS AT MGD
Looking back at my days at MGD, I'm filled with a mix of nostalgia and fond memories. The sprawling campus, with its charming blend of tradition and modernity, became a second home, where each corner held a memory.
Annual day or Sports day & Annual fete on the School birthday were times of excitement and camaraderie, where we celebrated not just individual achievements but the spirit of the school.
Friendships made during this time were some of the best parts of my school life. From sharing secrets during lunch breaks to cheering each other on during competitions, the bonds we formed have stood the test of time. Even today, we reminisce about the fun we had , the pranks, the inside jokes, and the innocent mischief that made those years unforgettable.
In retrospect, my days at MGD were truly golden. It was a time of learning, growth, and joy-a chapter of my life I will always look back on with gratitude.
'Our utmost for the highest'
Saloni Patni nee Lalwani
Batch of 1989
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Her Highness Rajmata Gayatri Deviji’s Vision for MGD
“The aim of the institution is to make its pupils cultured and useful members of society. When they enter the world, they should be able to take an active interest in the betterment of their homes and community, and when they grow up, they should be able to fit themselves usefully into the world of tomorrow.”
PENNY THOUGHTS
The Mega Reunion celebrated in December 2023 is behind us. As we usher in the New Year on behalf of the Guild Executive Committee, I wish you all good health, happiness and prosperity. May this year be filled with joy and cheer for all of us.
This January 2024 marks the beginning of a new decade for our beloved Alma Mater and we all rejoice and welcome the journey through the nineties …. May it be as great, glorious and beautiful as the last eighty years have been.
Reunions are wonderful occasions. At MGD, as we all know, they are fabulous. Action packed, redolent with warmth and happiness, the joy of reliving those happy school days, bonhomie and nostalgia is so palpable. The resounding shouts of greeting, hugs n kisses reverberate across the campus. They are still echoing in our ears and our hearts, as batch after batch assembled over the 16th-17th Dec weekend adding to an impressive 700+ attendance.
16th December morning began with paying homage to Miss Lutter, our founder Principal at the Quiet Corner. This was followed by the Felicitation Ceremony at the school's Open Air Stage. Evening at the Diggi Palace Hotel came alive with Ghoomar dances and hauntingly lilting Rajasthani songs. MGDians dressed in elegant 'poshaks' swirled gracefully adding a magical beauty to the event. Their performances brought long cherished memories of School functions and celebration of our festivals when as gawky teenagers we instantly blossomed into graceful young ladies the moment we donned the traditional ensembles.
The MGD Carnival and the After Party later were rocking success. 17th December began with the School Visit. A scintillating polo match played at the Rambagh Polo Club that afternoon was something all MGDians have loved to watch over the decades from the very early years cheering for the legendary Sawai Man Singhji, our Patron and international polo great.
Gala Dinner at the plush Maharani Mahal, Rambagh Palace Hotel was the climax. The glamour quotient was at its zenith as MGD alumni arrived in their specially planned party best. The pulsating music, the vibrant MGD spirit pervaded the evening. The singing, dancing, the beautiful outfits made the ambience Sooo Beautiful, Sooo Elegant, JUST LIKE A WOW!!!!
Till we meet again, WE SING AND CHEER FOR MGD.
CHANDRALEKHA MATHUR
(nee SAHAI)
Batch of 1954
Chief Editor
BUSY BEES
Athletic Meet 2003
The Annual Athletic Meet at MGD Girl’s school held from 28 November 2023 to 1 December 2023, showcased exceptional sportsmanship and camaraderie, setting high standards and featuring a neck-and-neck competition between the four houses. The opening ceremony on 30th November 2023 dazzled with a majestic March Past, a breathtaking Bamboo Drill, gymnastic performances and vibrant dances. Chief Guest for the opening ceremony, Mr. Sunil Dutt, ignited the athletic events with the ceremonial torch lighting. The event concluded on December 1 with the closing ceremony graced by the Chief Guest, Major General Raj Singh Godara. Principal Mrs Archana S. Mankotia, emphasized the importance of sports in holistic education, and a cultural dance drama celebrated the life of Subedar Major and Honarary Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav, PVC. The ceremony concluded with the Chief Guest presenting awards, with the Blue House winning the Overall Best House title.
80th Annual Exhibition 2023
The 80th Annual Exhibition of MGD Girl’s school held on 14 and 15th December 2023, was a splendid showcase of academic prowess and creativity. Departments such as Arts, Maths, Social Science, Science, Commerce, English, Hindi, Sanskrit, French, along with all MGD Clubs, contributed to a vibrant display of creativity and knowledge. The event was also attended by students from various schools in Jaipur. Mrs Aruna Roy, a distinguished activist, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The exhibition served as a platform for students to exhibit their talents and achievements across diverse disciplines.
80th Annual Day and Prize Giving Ceremony 2023
MGD Girls’ School celebrated its 80th Annual Day and Prize Giving Ceremony on 15 December 2023. The occasion was graced by the presence of the Chief Guest, Mrs. Aruna Roy a renowned social activist. The event paid homage to the school’s founder, Rajmata Gayatri Devi ji, followed by an address by Chairperson, Maharaj Jai Singh ji. The evening featured a mesmerizing orchestra performance and the presentation of the annual report by Principal Mrs. Archana S Mankotia. Meritorious students in various spheres were felicitated in her speech, Mrs. Aruna Roy highlighted the traits that make up one’s persona. The memorable night concluded with the thought provoking Dance Drama“ The Conference of Birds” produced by Dr. Mallika Sarabhai a renowed classical dancer and directed by Mr Yadavan Chandran, and skillfully overseen by the mentors from the Darpana Academy of performing Arts Ahmedabad. The play marked the end of an inspiring enjoyable and indeed a memorable evening
APARNA KHURANA
(nee SENGAR)
Batch of 1997
LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
School Annual Day 15th Dec 2023
Special Plaque Presented to
Mrs. Prafulla Kumari ( Jane) Batch 1955
For Her Selfless Commitment to MGD School.
Citation for Jane jija on the Annual Day 15th December 2023 by Principal Mrs Archana S Mankotia.
“An inspiring persona who exudes charm, effervescence and vivacity; A person, who is relentless in her pursuit towards achieving her goals; A person, deeply committed and involved in the betterment of her alma mater; A person whose passion transcends boundaries, and it would not be wrong to say that the person lives, breathes, and even dreams of MGD and if you all are wondering who I am talking of, it is none other than our very own Mrs Jane Himmeth Singh aka Jane Jija.
I would like to introduce Mrs Jane Himmeth Singh to this august gathering. JANE JIJA - officially named Mrs Prafulla Kumari was born and brought up in Jaipur. She belongs to the first batch of MGD Girls' School. She was the Head Girl and passed out in 1955.She completed her graduation from Lady Irwin College, New Delhi. She has been a keen sports person who played Tennis for the school and college.
Married in the renowned family of Ajairajpura to then Capt. Himmeth Singh (later Lt Gen) she thus came to be known as Mrs Jane Himmeth Singh. She is the President of the MGD Girls' Guild. She is in the Management Committee and the Board of Governors of MGD. She is also the president of Digantar Vidyalaya, a school for under privileged children.
She has published a book ‘The Garud Strikes Lightening Campaign of 1971 Operations - Liberation of Bangladesh’, dedicated to the 4th Battalion the regiment of Guards.
She is instrumental in producing two documentary films - ‘Of love and artistry- on the folk musicians of Rajasthan’and ‘Operational Role and Achievement of 4th Battalion of the Regiment of Guards’.
We are indeed blessed to have her with us, spreading her charm and exuberance. In order to express our deepest gratitude and affection for her selfless commitment and dedication, inspiring leadership and extraordinary determination in guiding the school towards ‘Our Utmost for the Highest’, the Management, Staff and Students would like to felicitate her with a small token of our love. Congratulatins and Jubilations !!.
May I request Maharaj Jai Singh to kindly do the honours”.
Thank you Mrs Archana S Mankotia for these apt and well deserved words for Jane Jija.
With our greatest Appreciation and Gratitude to
Mrs Jane Himmeth Singh (Jane jija)
Founder student and Batch of 1955,
Member of MGD Board of Governors and President of MGD Girl’s Guild for
Her inspiring leadership, extraordinary determination and selfness commitment in guiding the school to
“Our Utmost for the Highest”
Principal Maharaj Jai Singh ji
Archana S Mankotia Chairperson, MGD
A POETRY WORLD
2.45 am
Jaipur Railway Station
Moving towards the lights
Of the colorful desert
Yes I see the Ochre and the Crimson
Where drones and sounds of the cars with multiple wheels blow horns
I dwell deep into the non-incorporeal world
Gazing at the glistening packets of chips
One man sits as if merging with the background stall
Looks as he belongs to that 'Still Life'
The other stands in red gazing at me
The other two men wearing the same red as if destined for my mobile phone
The spirit remains the same
To cater to our needs (in weary and cold nights), he looks at me with disinterest
The kettle whistles with blurry vapors
But clears my doubts As he serves me tea
My spirit remains the same !
Pondering over with a cup of tea
Watching carefully how it drips from the Indigenous yet modern kettle
The mob moves hastily towards the Arrival
Departing towards the colorful Desert of Rajasthan
With packets of glowing material that dematerializes and transcends the boundaries of cast, color and religion.
DEEPIKA RAVJANI
Batch of 2003
I Hope and I Dream
I hope and I dream
my thoughts flow like a stream
down the mountains
along the vale
deep in silence
meandering their way
Sometimes softly
touching the trees
often soaring like the breeze
I hope and I dream
I know little of what I want
but I always plan
and never stop
air is pleasant
fresh and balmy
makes me love
each new day more
I hope and I dream
love and warmth
are always free
cause it's in giving
that you receive
I hope and I dream
MEENAKSHI HOOJA
Batch of 1968
FORTY VERSES…
FORTY TRAVERSES…
One batch of young ones came together,
As schoolmates, were bound forever,
With the dawn of '71and thereafter
A new era for them had begun.
Growing up was then sweetly laced,
With love, laughter it was phased,
Hidden in corridors even today,
One can find their cheerful mirth, at play.
Grooming twelve years of carefreeness,
Their home prepared them for success,
As '83 came into view,
The journey ended, they flew.
Along different routes,
Supported by their sturdy roots,
To look back, when their home called,
And sing its glory as they recalled.
To reclaim lost bonds, and share,
Victories, sorrows, tears and care,
Braving defeats, slogging for wins,
They achieved milestones upholding chins.
Upholding the values, they were taught,
Living by their school motto even when distraught,
Twenty-five years had sailed smoothly by,
To make way for forty to cheer loudly by.
Childish giggles and frolic now had to step back,
As it was time for the white and grey to meet the black.
To give way to experience, wisdom and grace,
Yet to keep the youth alive, in their beating hearts, unfazed.
Happiness bubbling in their hearts, hands joined,
Hearing the 'house' songs and jingles they had coined,
Once again, as they walked those familiar roads,
Of the Rose Garden, House of Science, Quiet Corner and the main building crossroads.
With their past in heart, present with them,
Moving with their personalities as their touchstone gem.
Hopeful for a happier future, their eyes shining bright,
For an MGDian (of the past, present or future) would always be, Blue, Maroon and White...
SONA JAIN (nee TYAGI),
Batch of 1983
THE MGD DAYS
VALUES
MGD...just the name brings to the mind a flood of memories. Which one should I choose? The ones where I was naughty, the ones where my friends played a big pranks, the incidents concerning value building and so many more.
I think I'll chose value building as it was dearest to dear Miss Lutter's plan of things of making us all rounded citizens.
This incident is regarding honesty. Our class, I think S3, (what is 9th standard today) was to get a surprise test one day. Miss Minakshi, came and wrote the questions on the black board and instructed us to honestly write what we knew without opening the text books. Then she left the class room. All was well for about 10 minutes by the time we felt that she had left and would not be taking a round.
Our desks were oblong with book cabinet on our right and space for legs on the left. Soon almost the whole class opened the cabinet door with open books inside and started to write the answers.
And lo and behold, who came walking in the corridor....Miss Minakshi.
Quietly she asked us to stop writing and said “Girls this exercise was not to test your knowledge, but an exercise to test your honesty and you failed.” With these words she marched us to Miss Lutter's office.
We were truly ashamed, with profuse tears flowing from our eyes. And Miss Lutter was red in the face realising that her effort to impart such an important lesson had failed.
The memory of that incident haunts me even after more than six decades.
MANINDRA KAPOOR
Head Girl, Batch of 1962
BRINGING OUT THE BEST IN ME…
MGD was always my happy place,
It is the place where I learnt how to be a student, friend and a jija. I learnt that education is an ongoing journey without a predetermined destination.The place where I danced my heart out and was given the stage to do so. I got the opportunity to lead and the freedom to voice my thoughts and opinions, To compete and engage with the brightest students from the diverse corners of the country. To build resilience, rise above and lift others while doing so.
The principle of equality resonated deeply here, I internalized the belief that no one stands above another. I was given the necessary tools and was exposed to the real world.
Today, as a resilient, independent woman and a mother, I find myself echoing the values instilled at MGD. Reflecting on my life's journey, I realize that every achievement is a testament to the enduring principles and wisdom acquired during those transformative years at MGD and I still do my utmost for the highest.
SHILPA AGARWAL
Batch of 2000
THE DANCE OF MEMORIES : RECOUNTING A PLAYFUL TEACHER'S DAY FROM THE PAST
As I sit down to reminisce about my school days, memories flood back, bringing a smile to my face. It's been over two decades since I walked the halls of our beloved school, a place that encapsulated a world of happiness and carefree joy. Those days were filled with laughter, learning, and a sense of freedom that only school life can offer.
My favourite memory is about a tradition we upheld on Teacher's Day. It was a special time when our teachers took a well-deserved break, and we, the seniors, took charge. On one Teacher's Day, I along with my best friend, Puja cooked up a mischievous plan to entertain my sister's class. We began our antics in their classroom and all of us were having a great time. But the tables turned unexpectedly when our seniors walked in. In an instant, the pranksters became the pranked, and we found ourselves in the spotlight, dancing in front of the entire class. The room erupted in laughter and applause, and there we were, dancing awkwardly yet joyfully.
This incident, among many others, defines the essence of my school days – fun-filled, and heart-warming. Those moments of spontaneous joy and shared laughter created bonds that have lasted a lifetime.
To the current students, I'd say cherish these golden days. Embrace every moment, every tradition, and every friendship. These are the memories that will bring a smile to your face decades later, just as they do to mine now.
SUPRIYA JAIN
Batch of 2000
THE MAGICAL MEGA REUNION OF
MGD @ 80
This year the annual reunion of 12 batches happened to coincide with the 80th Anniversary of MGD.
It was due to Covid that these batches got clubbed together; hence we had a large gathering. The Guild planned the celebration over two days 16th & 17th Dec. 2023 This year the event was planned post lunch.The batches with us were Silver, Ruby & Gold of the years 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023.
16th Dec 2023 started by paying homage to our founder Principal Miss L.G. Lutter and then the felicitation Assembly took place on the stadium stage.
Mrs. Archana S Mankotia our Principal was the Chief Guest. She welcomed the Alumni followed by the President of the Guild Jane H.Singh (Batch 1955). who then introduced the members of the Guild executive committee.
Jhulekha Jija (Batch 1952), a diehard MGDian, who regularly travels all the way from Kolkata to attend the annual reunion meet, was declared “The MGDian of the year”.
One by one each Batch came on the stage and the batch Representative introduced all the Girls (now ladies)!! It was mind boggling and heartwarming to see how our girls had progressed. Each one excelled in the field that she had chosen. All attributed their success to the school and the sound foundation they had received at MGD. The batch coffee table books were presented to the Principal and the Guild. Mementos were presented to the Alumni. The afternoon ended with high tea.
Later in the evening at Diggi Palace – the girls dressed in glittering Poshaks and decked with appropriate jewellery, gracefully performed their favourite “Ghoomar”. The Principal equally resplendent in her yellow poshak set the ball rolling. She gracefully did the first Ghoomar. The ambience was amazing with Diggi Palace arches in the back ground, reminiscent of medieval times. This item was dedicated to our much loved iconic dance teacher Mrs Brijpal Aneja.
The Guild Pop up – with various stalls and music in the background gave a Carnival feel. “After Party” was introduced for the first time which the girls enjoyed immensely.They danced till the wee hours of the morning!
17th Sunday - was again an eventful day – Morning visit to the school reminiscing their school days, old connections were revived – it was amazing how these ladies were little school girls again regaling each other with long forgotten stories and the time they had spent together in school.
Late afternoon – MGD Exhibition Polo match, a must for all reunions. Polo and Jaipur are synonymous. Afternoon ended with high tea.
The evening - was spent in the stunning grandeur of Maharani Mahal at Rambagh Palace. Dinner, dance and music – Girls turned out in glamorous outfits, danced to the tune of old MGD songs and the latest hits. The evening was steeped in Nostalgia.
All in all a magical evening befitting
“Au Revoir” to the 80 glorious years of MGD.
A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL
I would be remiss if I did not mention the ground work that went into making this event a stupendous success.
Planning started months in advance – must give full credit to exceptional and energetic team of two members Shikha & Ruchi Durlabhji, our media team. They connected with all the Alumni around the globe, giving them information and excerpts of MGD life on Instagram and Face book – which resulted in a huge turnout at the event.
With Nirmala Durlabhji (1973 batch), the Guild Secretary at the helm of affairs, the Guild Executive Committee organized the entire event and indeed came up trumps! Each pitching in to make this function a memorable one, the Guild staff did a commendable job.
Last but not least, our special thanks to our Principal Mrs Archana S Mankotia and our Admin Officer Col. S.S. Sangwan SM* and the entire school staff. With their help we were able to successfully conduct this special event.
JANE H SINGH (Batch of 1955)
President
MGD Girls’ Guild
THE EUPHORIA OF MGD @80
Days after returning home, the euphoria of MGD@80 and Golden reunion of our batch (and others) continues. I randomly find myself humming the school song and reminiscing about the reunion. What a nostalgic trip it was! Wandering the corridors of school felt as if not much had changed. The eager faces of students in the familiar uniform, calling out "Good morning" or "How are you, Jija" felt like deja vu, Catching sight of the smiling baiji's brought back faint memories of the days when they would caringly lay out our bedding for an afternoon nap in our nursery/KG years. I also recalled being chided for my forgetfulness by the baijis because their help was often enlisted to find a lost cardigan or blazer, and once even my school bag!
Sadly, though the buildings stand strong, most of the familiar faces who taught us and took care of us are gone. So we reacquainted ourselves with each other, some batchmates meeting after over 50 years! And silver streaked hair notwithstanding, there we were, school girls once more, ready to giggle, laugh, raise a cheer and rejoice in the youthful years spent in MGD. The urgency to connect felt stronger as we face the latter decades of our lives, so the love truly flowed; the ambition and invincibility of youth now replaced by acceptance, vulnerability and gratitude.
This institution brought out the best in us and even after 50 years it was so easy to reconnect and feel like an integral part of it. I believe we will always proclaim ourselves to be MGDians with a degree of pride and a sense of belonging. We will continue to be ambassadors of MGD. Three cheers for the Guild office bearers with Jane jija at the helm, the Principal, Mrs. Mankotia, and all the organizers who made us feel right at home and made MGD@80 and the batch reunions a truly memorable event. A shoutout also to our local hosts, Pranati, Sadhna, Amita and others who went over and above to keep us connected, fed, drove and entertained us during our remarkable, unforgettable reunion.
MALA GROVER
Batch of 1972
WHAT THEY SAID
Anupama Jorwal 1988 Batch
She is an officer of the Indian Administrative Service. She feels that her Alma mater MGD, has contributed to her personal and professional growth , it has made her feel confident and strong. She is also most willing to help girls aspring for the civil services.
Binota Ghosh Patni 1971 Batch
She is a a trekker and has visited Kailash Mansarovar, not once but several times and is extremely nostalgic about the whole experience. She explains, it is a 32 day Yatra and it is really tough to be there. She gives credit to MGD for making her so full of determination to succeed and achieve personal and professional goals.
Nishi Mehta Bahadur 1973 Batch
She is working for the underprivileged and feels extremely proud to come back to her alma mater where these feelings of giving back to society were deeply ingrained in her. She is extremely devoted to her goals and is strenuously working to improve the quality of life for the underprivileged children.
Monisha Chimni 1973 Batch
She has a famous restaurant in Ajmer, with the name Honey Dew and also owns a hotel there. The restaurant is a very old restaurant in Ajmer. She gives lot of credit to MGD for making her goals come true.
Meghna Bawecha 1997 Batch
She is a professional brand strategist but now works as a destination wedding planner from Thailand. She explains how from childhood MGD shaped her life by facilitating counseling sessions for students to make them aware about new age careers.
Dearest Jane aunty
I want to express my deepest gratitude for the reunion.
It was wonderful to reconnect with all the batchmates, visit the school and to relive the memories.
We have now made a stronger bond with each other n feel even more proud to be an MGDian.
Thank you once again
Regards
BHAWNA WHEATON 1998 Batch
Neerja Roy Choudhary 1971 Batch
A former cosmetologist, she proudly shared that MGD gave her the confidence that she has today and taught her to be independent. The message she wanted to convey to the fellow MGDians was enjoy school, have great fun and follow your careers with a full heart.
Panchmi Padmasana1983 Batch
She is an educator who runs a school in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. She expressed how awed she was when she first joined MGD at the age of 8, and felt emotional upon her visit 49 years hence. Her schooling inspired her to contribute in the field of education and make a mark on the lives of many. She also expressed her satisfaction on observing that the same culture and philosophies are being nurtured in fellow MGDians as was the case when she was a student. She added “MGD gives us a stamp of uniqueness” and if you are an MGDian, wherever you are, you will stand out because what MGD inculcates in us is values and ethics along with knowledge and skills”
Tina Sharma 1995 Batch
A soft skills trainer, expressed her gratitude towards the School for instilling a sense of confidence and the MGD spirit in her, that have relentlessly guided her through all her endeavors. These are qualities that are of significant value to her and she wished for every MGDian to learn these in their time at the school.
Dr Rima Hooja from 1972 Batch
A renowned archaeologist, historian and the director of the City Palace Museum shared, “You forget how many years have passed and you're back to being where you were, especially when batch mates are around, only the faces of teachers are so different.” Build on who you are and what you are, strive for our utmost for the highest is her message for the budding MGDians of today.
Heartiest Congratulations to Dr. Rima Hooja Batch of 1972 on receiving the Dr. Dasharatha Sharma Memorial Samman at the 5th Annual Conference of the Epigraphy and Archaeology Congress, organised jointly by the Jai Narayan Vyas University Jodhpur, and Epigraphy and Archaeology Society, under the aegis of the Indian Council of Historical Research, at Jodhpur on 7th October 2023. Shri Gaj Singh Marwar-Jodhpur gave the award.
(Interviewed by Ankur Jaipuria, Batch of 1992 & school girls Adwita Sharma VIII-C, Kirti XI-H, Shambhavi VIII-C, as volunteers)
Respected Ma'am Mankotia,
The MGD Guild board members, our beloved teachers and my dearest MGDians, past & present. As we gather to celebrate our 25th reunion at the illustrious Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls' School, my heart brims with gratitude.
MGD, you were more than an institution; you were the crucible of our growth. Our journey from eager students to empowered women was sculpted by the wisdom of our dedicated teachers and the nurturing spirit of this exceptional school.
Today, let's cherish the indelible moments, enduring sisterhood, and the lessons that shaped us. To our beloved teachers, you ignited our minds and kindled our spirits.
To MGD,
You are the cornerstone of our success. Here's to the memories and bonds that define us.
Thank you, MGD, for being the guiding light in our remarkable journey.
Cheers!
~ BATCH OF '96.
REUNION WITH A DIFFERENCE
Yes, a reunion with a difference!! It was a grand 80th anniversary celebration of MGD plus a combined Reunion of 12 batches who had completed their Golden, Ruby & Silver Jubilee in the years 2020, 21, 22 and 23.
I am sure you can imagine what a grand event it must have been with so many beautiful, graceful, enthusiastic and energetic MGDians from all over the world. So many batches waiting to relive their childhood memories once again in school.
The much awaited reunion events were held on 16th and 17th Dec 2023
DAY 1. 16TH DEC- FELICITATION CEREMONY- The felicitation ceremony started at 12 noon and ended at around 5pm in the evening. Every person was gifted a memento by school and each batch gave an introduction of their batchmates. All young ladies were dressed beautifully in colourful attires and their eyes were twinkling with excitement for their ALMA Mater. The same day in the evening there was a Guild Pop Up Show at HOTEL DIGGI PALACE with variety of stalls to shop from.
The famous Ghoomar Dance performance by different groups from different decades were performed later at night. It was dedicated to our dance teacher Mrs. Aneja, who has been a part of our reunions since years and a teacher who taught us the dance moves.
All dressed in traditional attires gave mesmerising performances. Principal Mrs. Archana S Mankotia gave an elegant dance performance. All senior jija's and juniors couldn't stop themselves to come on the floor. The whole place was so beautifully decorated and lit up that we couldn't keep our eyes off them and girls went crazy clicking the selfies. The drinks and dinner at Diggi Place added to the fun, frolic and masti bhari night. The atmosphere was filled with Love, Laughter and sparkles.
DAY 2. 17th DEC -The day started with a school visit for all those ex-Mgdians who have spent their best years of life in school. They could relive their memories by taking a walk at M.G.D.
Later in afternoon POLO Match was organised by the Guild at Rambagh Polo Grounds. The bar was also set to keep the spirits high with wine tasting and high tea. The Polo Cup was sponsored by Code Silver, Nirmala Durlabhji Jija, which was presented to the winning team. Rajmata Uttara Devi of Kota was the Chief Guest of the day. A perfect winter evening with perfect company and perfect attires could be seen at Polo grounds.
A Gala Dinner was organised at the Maharani Mahal in Rambagh Palace Hotel, Oh, what a beautiful banquet hall with lush green lawns and beautiful ambience !. The dinner was also grand as the name itself. Seniors, juniors, batchmates everyone danced to the beats of the DJ and didn't want to stop, as if there was no tomorrow. There were beautiful and cool MGDians all over the place, enjoying to the fullest. Dinner was so lavish and delicious that we were ready for second helping after getting exhausted by dancing. Meeting each and every MGDian brings a spark and so much energy that you want to be with them again and again.
We all say adieu only to meet again soon…
M.G.D and MGDians we love you.
Thank you Jane Jija and all Guild Executive Committee Members and all the other volunteers who make this happen for us. Thank you for your effort, hard work and tolerance.
MEENAKSHI RATHORE (Batch of 1992)
List of Attendees of the Re-Union Batches
Reunion-Year 2021- Golden Batch
BATCH OF 1971
1. Aparna Dharwarker nee Bhargava
2. Beena Chandola nee Chandnani
3. Binota Patni nee Ghosh
4. Kiran Gupta nee Jaipuria
5. Maya Singh nee Govind Singh
6. Nalini Hazarika
7. Neela Kumar nee Awasthi
8. Neelam Kher
9. Neerja Roy Chowdhury nee Kashyap
10. Prabha Chordia nee Dasot
11. Rashmi Lamba nee Pratap
12. Ratna Chadha nee Duggal
13. Rita Sharma nee Patel
14. Sadhana Jain nee Patni
15. Tejinder Bawa nee Gandhiok
16. Veena Singh nee Chauhan
Reunion-Year 2022- Golden Batch
BATCH OF 1972
1. Amita Jain
2. Anju Jain
3. Anju Yajnick Thakkar
4. Anurekha Kumari Singh
5. Arti Golecha Mehta
6. Aruna Lodha Mehta
7. Arunlata Khandelwal Lohia
8. Geeta Menon Nair
9. Jyotsna Devi
10. Kavita Kunadi Deo
11. Kiran Bist
12. Kumkum Rathi Bajaj
13. Kumkum Singha Sen
14. Mala Grover Pande
15. Meenu Mathur
16. Minakshi Jhala Singh
17. Mondira Roy Bhowmick
18. Nandini Thapan Sahai
19. Nikky Nemani Mansingka
20. Padma Kini Shenai
21. Pranati Golecha Lunia
22. Priti Chandriani
23. Priyamwada Verma Chaddha
24. Rashmi Singh
25. Rima Hooja
26. Reena Malik
27. Suneeta Sheopuri Raina
28. Usha Khandelwal
29. Vandana Daulat Singh
30. Yasmin Wadia Irani
Reunion-Year 2023- Golden Batch
BATCH OF 1973
1. Archana Wali
2. Deepti Malhotra Nighawan
3. Ila Jain
4. Jagruti Nanawati
5. Jyoti Mathur
6. Dr. Kalpana Srivastava
7. Kum Kum Rathi
8. Leena Chandriani
9. Monisha Chimni
10. Nilmani Kunadi
11. Nirmala Durlabhji
12. Nisha Mehta Bahadur
13. Paulomi Shah
14. Pompa Mitra
15. Pratima Mundhra
16. Sadhna Garg
17. Sanghmitra Singh
18. Sangita Ganwal
19. Shailaja Bajpai
20. Smita Verma Singh
21. Suchitra Sanghi
22. Sunita Gupta
23. Vineeta Chand
25. Radhika Dutta Dubash
Reunion-Year 2020 Ruby Batch
BATCH OF 1980
1. Swati Buksh
2. Kavita Kapoor Pardal
3. Archana Goyal Saraf
4. Anshu Garg
5. Veena Bhagotia
6. Ritu Gupta
7. Inderjeet ( Babra) Kumar
8. Amita Bali Mathur
9. Mandakini Singh Guraya
10. Anuradha Pardal
11. Shuchita Singh
12. Shradha Singh
13. Indranee Phookan Borooah
14. Benu Puri
15. Gauri Thapar
16. Archana Singh
17. Durgesh Rathore
Reunion-Year 2021 Ruby Batch
BATCH OF1981
1. Mukta Singhvi
2. Namarita Khanna
3. Namrata Sharma
Reunion-Year 2022 Ruby Batch
BATCH OF 1982
1. Archna Bohra Kumbhat
2. Anjula Shekhawat
3. Anu Bhandari
4. Anupama Kalia Gangwal
5. Dipti Birla Rathi
6. Tara Manchin Hangzo
7. Nandini Jain Gautam
8. Renu Rajpal Miller
9. Renu Agrawal Raniwala
10. Sanju Yagnik Gupta
11. Saroj Hooja
12. Shaila Daga Mahan
13. Sujata Karnawat Kala
Reunion-Year 2023 Ruby Batch
BATCH OF 1983
1. Anju Arora Choujar
2. Archana Kothari Parson
3. Ashoo Maheshwari
4. Babita Agarwal Moody
5. Babita Garabadu Dash
6. Feroza Rehman Choudhri
7. Jaishree Baid Sekhawat
8. Jyoti Soni Sancheti
9. Jyotsna Grover Sethi
10. Mamta Jain Mehta
11. Manisha Mathur Srivastava
12. Manju Kaushik Sharma
13. Meenu Golecha
14. Monita Kukar Midha
15. Neeta Sogani Boochra
16. Nidhi Kashyap Lauria
17. Niti Bangia Sarna
18. Pallavi Rathore Nirwan
19. Panchami Padmasana Manoo Ukil
20. Poonam Singhal Prasad
21. Renu Sharma
22. Ritu Mahendra Sharma
23. Sarandha Singh
24. Shangrila Kankariya Jain
25. Shobhna Soni Luhadia
26. Simmi Hooja
27. Soma Paul Saxena
28. Sona Tyagi Jain
29. Sonu Bhandia Joshi
30. Sunita Agarwal
31. Sunita Keshan Umesh
32. Sunita Khawad Jain
33. Sunita Surana Chhajlani
34. Tina Grover Narang
35. Vinita Sharma Patni
Reunion -Year 2020 Silver Batch
Batch of 1995
1. Aparna Bordia
2. Avnit Anand
3. Aarti T Singh
4. Aarti M Singh
5. Bhavna Makhija
6. Charu Sarawgi
7. Divya K Tomar
8. Deepali Pathak Sharma
9. Gitanjali Rishi
10. Jyotsana Sharma
11. Kriti K Jain
12. Meenal Jain
13. Mahima Aggarwal
14. Mudita Mehta
15. Meenu Maheshwari
16. Mandeep Kaur
17. Manisha Choudhary
18. Pooja Gupta
19. Prerna Aggarwal
20. Preetima Kanwar
21. Ritu Maheshwari
22. Richa Singh
23. Ritu Mehta
24. Ruchi Aggarwal
25. Ritu Oswal
26. Sunidhi Bhargava
27. Sugandha Bansal Mittal
28. Sangeeta Bhandari
29. Shobha Arora
30. Sonali Jain
31. Tina Sharma
32. Vibhuti Bhari
Reunion -Year 2021 Silver Batch
BATCH OF 1996
1. Akanksha Dutt
2. Amrita Narayan
3. Anita Madan
4. Anjani Dhadda
5. Ankita Bansal (Kumar)
6. Anshu Mittal
7. Apeksha Kotahwala Garg
8. Bhawana Singh
9. Chandrika Dasgupta (Galundia)
10. Charu Choksi (Dugar)
11. Deepika Sharma
12. Harsha Khosla
13. Kangan Goyal (Uberoi)
14. Ketika Singhal
15. Mahima Choudhary
16. Mandvi Ranawat
17. Manjari Bhutra ( Mundhra)
18. Monica Goyal Pareek
19. Neelu Dhankar
20. Neetu Marda
21. Neha Saraf (Khaitan)
22. Nikita Lashkery
23. Nisha Bansal (Rungta)
24. Payal Tambi
25. Pooja Godara
26. Pooja Sikka (Kakkar)
27. Preeti Goyal (Choudhary)
28. Raghushree Poddar
29. Ranjeeta Kumari Gautam
30. Rashmi Kabra (Khator)
31. Richa Yadav
32. Ritu Jain (Sancheti)
33. Ritu Khandelwal (Tholia)
34. Sarika Mangal
35. Shivani Kothari
36. Shraddha Gupta
37. Shrija Vatsa (Sah)
38. Shubh Singhvi (Singhi)
39. Srishti Jauhar
40. Stuti Jalan
41. Sunita Pawar
42. Swati Maheshwari (Malpani)
43. Trishla Mehta (Durlabhji)
44. Varsha Goyal
45. Vasudha Sahai
Reunion -2022 Silver Batch
BATCH OF 1997
1. Amita Singhee
2. Anshu Acharya
3. Anshul Srivastava
4. Aparna Sengar
5. Apeksha Sureka
6. Apra Mehra
7. Ashima Parnami
8. Charu Sodhani
9. Deepika Manwani
10. Devyani Gajria
11. Devyani Mathur
12. Ena Sarin
13. Gazal Gupta
14. Geetanjali Shekhawat
15. Hema Talreja
16. Kanika Singh
17. Kavita Bansal
18. Kirtika Singh
19. Latika Singh
20. Meenakshi Kishore
21. Meghna Baweja Mirpuri
22. Mitali Bansal
23. Namrata Kedia
24. Namrata Rathore
25. Neha Mathur
26. Om Kanwar Deora
27. Pallavi Murdia
28. Pooja Dubby
29. Pooja Sardana
30. Poorva Sharma
31. Prerna Garg
32. Priti Patel
33. Priyanka C Gulab
34. Priyanka Chowdhry
35. Priyanka Shekhawat
36. Rachna Bakliwal
37. Ritu Bhatia
38. Ritu Rawat
39. Rohini Singh
40. Ruchi Jain
41. Ruchika Kothari
42. Sapna Saran
43. Shilpa Shara
44. Shreshtha Tandon
45. Shubham Jain
46. Shweta Bhandari
47. Shweta Bishnoi
48. Shweta Dugar Lodha
49. Shweta Gupta Bansal
50. Shweta Kasliwal Jain
51. Shweta Raidani
52. Sonal Bansal
53. Sonal Bihani
54. Surabhi Ajmera
55. Suruchi Kothari
56. Swati Vijaivargie
57. Sweta Baj
58. Sweta Poddar Khandelwal
59. Vaishali Tekriwal (Mundhra)
60. Vinnie Marda
Reunion-Year Silver 2023 Jubliee
Batch of 1998
1. Aditi Arora
2. Arunima Sahu
3. Ananta Dubey Kirikera
4. Anjali Kandira
5. Ankita Jaju Pasari
6. Anupama Jorwal
7. Aparna Shivpuri
8. Ashima Tholia
9.. Bhawna Jagwani Wheaton
10. Charu Somani Dargar
11. Chitra Baid
12. Deepshikha Gupta Chhajer
13. Dipti S. Kasliwal
14. Divya Kothari Mohnot
15. Divya Swarup
16. Dr. Sangeeta Thakurani
17. Dr. Nidhi Raisinghani
18. Dr. Pooja Narain
19. Firdaus Joad
20. Geeta Kumari
21. Gunjan Rawat Ghiya
22. Jolly Gupta
23. Jyoti Sagar Ray
24. Kanika Mathur
25. Kanupriya Chaturvedi
26. Kunjan Jain
27. Megha Jain
28. Meghna Mathur
29. Namrata Singh
30. Nandini Singh Jhabua
31. Neha Gehlot
32. Neha Agarwal
33. Nidhi Agarwal Almal
34. Neha Agarwal Rajgarhia
35. Nidhi Bairathi
36. Nishtha Dhamija Suri
37. Pallavi Singh
38. Parul Shekhawat
39. Parul Rawal Sindwani
40. Payal Jain
41. Pearl Ahuja Mago
42. Pihu Jain
43. Poorva Jain Shah
44. Prarthana Taneja Makhija
45. Priyanka Kothari
46. Priyanka Negi Mathur
47. Priyanka Shahi
48. Rashmi Tewari
49. Ruchi Sodhani Kakani
50. Shabana Khan
51. Rashmi Kasliwal Bothra
52. Rupali Sharma
53. Rubina Mirza
54. Shalini Sharma
55. Shilpa Saboo Kabra
56. Shipra Gupta
57. Shiva Prabhakar
58. Shivani Loyalka
59. Sunaina Saraf
60. Shweta Saharan
61. Sushmita Sarmah
62. Swati Choudhary
63. Swati Sharma
64. Sumati Jalan
65. Surmeet Kaur Chopra
66. Varsha Choudhary Khemka
67. Vidhi Gupta
68. Vinita Singh
69. Sumandeep Lamba
AUDIO VISUAL ROOM
The morning of 6th April 2024 marked a momentous occasion in the MGD School alumni history Jane jija (Prafulla Kumari, batch of 1955), gifted a fabulously well equipped refurbished AV Conference Room to the school. She dedicated it to the memory of her batchmates of 1955.
Batch of 1955
Standing : Devika Devi-Tripura, Lalit Kumari-Raghogargh, Miss Meenakshi,Bishan Kumari-Khatipura, Honey Bhinai
Seated : Chandrika Daulat Singh, Prafulla Kumari(Jane), Miss L.G.Lutter, Meena Puri, Sheela Sen
Kneeling : Indira Kumari(Sally)-Sumel, Asha Mathur
A small function was held followed by high tea, attended by the children, grandchildren and siblings of the ten young girls who had passed out in 1955. Also present were, Principal Mrs Archana S Mankotia, Administrator Col Sangwan and members of the MGD Girls’ Guild Executive Committee.
In her opening address Mrs Archana S Mankotia welcomed all present and highlighted Jane Jija’s invaluable contribution to the school. She brought out her instrumental role in establishing the MGD Girls Guild, guiding and steering it in the right direction. She said Jane Jija epitomises what a true MGDian ought to be. An iconic personality who is constantly striving for the betterment of the school with her hard work and dedication.
After the Principal’s address Jane jija addressed the gathering, reminiscing and sharing wonderful anecdotes about each one of her classmates. She shared how in the times of purdah they let their hair down once they entered the portals of MGD. She spoke about how the school transformed them into girls who took all challenges in their stride, enhanced their talent and brought out the best in them.
This was followed by the floor being thrown open to the guests representing the ten young girls of the batch of 1955. They shared some very amusing and sentimental stories of their mothers/grandmothers and sister’s stay at MGD and how it impacted them. It was a gracious touching morning, emotional for many to visit the school their mother grandmother and sisters went to. The school is very thankful to Jane Jija for her generous contribution.
Archana Singh
Batch of 1980By : Ghazal Qadri
Batch of 2013
The Ex MGDians of Kolkata met for a SOCIALS evening on 30/4/24 at Calcutta Swimming Club.
It just materialised very quickly with someone in our WhatsApp chat group writing on 19/4/24 that since we had not had a get together in a long time something should be planned. Rashmi Agarwal Killa took the lead & a few other girls from various batches helped organise it.
I came into the picture 2 days before our socials as something urgent in Rashmi’s family came up & she had to travel.
Our ( Babita, Sharmilla & Rashmi) brother Rahul came forward & announced a Lucky Draw.
1st Prize - 2 days at Baia Villas, Goa - won by Priyanka Saraf(2004)
2nd Prize- a bespoke Scarf - won by Bindu Banthia(1988)
3rd Prize- a bespoke Pocket Square- won by Pinky Bengani(1990).
The honours were done by our senior Jijas - Julie Sen(1951),Dr Rita Das(1964)& Monideepa Lahiri(1969).
It was a fun evening with lots of chatting, dancing & food.
We were 47 girls ranging from the 1951 batch to the 2016 batch.
The planners & executers of the evening were
Rashmi Agarwal Killa(1991)
Roma Agarwal (1990)
Ritika Bajoria(1991)
Meghna kanoria(1991)
Ekta Gupta(1991)
Neha Bajoria(1992)
Preeti Saboo(1992)
Niti Agarwal (1996)
Ayushi Bajaj (2013)
Babita Agarwal Moody(1983)
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“Apt Citation for Jane jija on the Annual Day 15 thDecember 2023 by Principal Mrs Archana Mankotia.
"An inspiring persona who exudes charm, effervescence and vivacity. A person, who is relentless in her pursuit towards achieving her goals. A person, deeply committed and involved in the betterment of her alma mater, A person whose passion transcends boundries, and it would not be wrong to say that the person lives,breathes, and even dreams of MGD. and if you all are wondering who iam talking of, it is none other than our very own Mrs Jane Himmeth Singh aka Jane Jija."
" I would like to introduce Mrs Jane Himmeth Singh to this august gathering. JANE JIJA - officially named Mrs Prafulla Kumari was born and brought in Jaipur. She belongs to the first batch of MGD Girls' School. She was the Head Girl and passed out in 1955.She completed her graduation from Lady Irwin College,New Delhi. She has been a keen sports person who played Tennis for the school and college.
Married in the renowned family of Ajairajpura to then Capt.Himmeth Singh ( later Lt Gen) and thus came to be known known as Mrs Jane Himmeth Singh . She is the President of the MGD Girls' Guild. She is in the Management Committee and the Board of Governors of MGD. She is also the president of Digantar Vidyalaya,aschool for under privileged children.
She has published a book " The Garud Stries"Lightening Canpai
she is instrumental in producing two documentary films -
" Of love and artistery- on the folk musicians of Rajasthan "
and Operational Role and achievement of 4th Battalion of the Regiment Guards.
We are indeed blessed to have her with us spreading her charm and exuberance. In order to express our deepest gratitude and affection for her selfless commitment and dedication,inspiring
Congratulatins and Jubilations .
May I request Maharaj Jai Singh to Kindly do the honours .”
Speech by Principal MGD School Mrs.Archana.S.Mankotia on Annual Day.
This year the annual reunion of 12 batches happened to coincide with the 80th Anniversary of MGD.
It was due to Covid that these batches got clubbed together; hence we had a large gathering. The Guild planned the celebration over two days 16th & 17th Dec. 2023 This year the event was planned post lunch. The batches with us were Silver, Ruby & Gold of the years 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023.
16th Dec 2023 started by paying homage to our founder Principal Miss L.G. Lutter then the felicitation Assembly took place on the stadium stage.
Mrs. Archana S Mankotia our Principal was the Chief Guest. She welcomed the Alumni followed by the President of the Guild Jane H.Singh (Batch 1955). She then introduced the members of the Guild executive committee.
Jhulekha Jija (Batch 1952), A diehard MGDian.For the past couple of decades she travels all the way from Kolkata to attend the annual reunion meet, was declared “The MGDian of the year”.
One by one each batch came on the stage and the batch Rep. introduced all the Girls (now ladies)!! It was mind boggling and heartwarming to see how our girls had progressed. Each one excelled in the field that she had chosen. All attributed their success to the school and the sound foundation they had received at MGD. The batch coffee table books were presented to the Principal and the Guild. Mementos were presented to the Alumni. The afternoon ended with high tea.
Later in the evening at Diggi Palace – the girls dressed in glittering Poshaks and decked with appropriate jewellery, gracefully performed their favourite “Ghoomar”. The Principal equally resplendent in her yellow poshak set the ball rolling. She gracefully did the first Ghoomar. The ambiance was amazing with Diggi Palace arches in the back ground, reminiscent of medieval times. This item was dedicated to our much loved iconic dance teacher Mrs Brijpal Aneja.
The Guild Pop up – with various stalls and music in the background gave a Carnival feel. “After Party” was introduced for the first time which the girls enjoyed immensely.They danced till the wee hours of the morning!
17th Sunday - was again an eventful day – Morning visit to the school reminiscing their school days, old connections were revived – it was amazing how these ladies were little school girls again regaling each other with long forgotten stories and the time they had spent together in school.
Late afternoon – MGD Exhibition Polo match,a must for all reunions. Polo and Jaipur are synonymous. Afternoon ended with high tea.
The evening - was spent in the stunning opulence of Maharani Mahal at RambaghPalace. Dinner, dance and music – Girls turned out in glamorous out fits, danced to the tune of old MGD songs and the latest hits.
The evening was steeped in Nostalgia.
All in all a magical evening befitting “AuRevoir ” to the 80 glorious years of MGD.
Yes ,a reunion with a difference!!
It was the grand 80th anniversary celebrations of MGD plus the year 2023 had a combined Reunion of 12 batches of those who had completed their golden,silver and ruby jubilee.(year 20,21,and 22 )were also included being covid casualty.
I am sure you can imagine what grand event it must have been with so many beautiful, graceful, enthusiastic and energetic Mgdians from all over the world.So many batches waiting to relive their childhood memories once again in school.
The much awaited reunion events were held on 16th and 17th dec 2023
DAY 1 .16TH DEC- FELICITATION CEREMONY- The felicitation ceremony started at 12 noon and ended at around 5pm in the evening.Every person was gifted a momento by school and each batch gave an introduction of their batchmates .All young ladies were dressed beautifully in colourful attires and their eyes were twinkling with excitement for their ALMA Mater. The same day in the evening there was a Guild Pop Up Show at HOTEL DIGGI PALACE with variety of stalls to shop from.
The famous Ghoomar Dance performance by different groups from different decades were performed later at night.It was dedicated to our dance teacher Mrs .Aneja,who has been a part of our reunions since years and a teacher who taught us the dance moves.
All dressed in traditional attires gave mesmerising performances .Principal M.G.D School Mrs.Archana Mankotia gave an elegant dance performance .All senior jija’s and juniors couldn’t stop themselves to come on the floor .The whole place was so beautifully decorated and lit up that we couldn’t keep our eyes off them and girls went crazy clicking the selfies.The drinks and dinner at Diggi Place added to the fun ,frolic and masti bhari night.The atmosphere was filled with Love ,Laughter and sparkles.
DAY 2. 17th DEC -The day started with a school visit for all those ex-Mgdians who have spent their best years of life in school.They could relive their memories by taking a walk at M.G.D.
Later in afternoon POLO Match was organised by the Guild at Rambagh Polo Grounds .The bar was also set to keep the spirits high with wine tasting and high tea.The Polo Cup was sponsored by Code Silver ,Nirmala Durlabji Jija which was presented to the winning team.Rajmata Uttara Devi of Kota was the chief guest of the day.A perfect winter evening with a perfect company and perfect attires could be seen at Polo grounds.
A Gala Dinner was organised at the Maharani Mahal in Rambagh Palace Hotel,Oh what a beautiful banquet hall with lush green lawns and beautiful ambiance. The dinner was also grand as the name itself. Seniors, juniors, batchmates everyone danced at the beats of the D.J and didn’t want to stop, as if there was no tomorrow. There were just beautiful and cool Mgdians all over the place, enjoying to the fullest. Dinner was so lavish and delicious that we were ready for second helping after getting exhausted by dancing. Meeting each and every MGDian brings a spark and so much energy that you want to be with them again and again.
We all say a-diu only to meet again soon…
M.G.D and MGDians we love you.
Thank you Jane Jija and all Guild Executive Committee Members and all the other volunteers who makes this happen for us. Thank you for your efforts, your hardwork and tolerance.
1. Fond birthday wishes for our dearest Alma Mater
Four score and going stronger than ever before… Happy birthday to our
beloved MGD school on your eightieth birthday from your devoted
batch of 1972!
Fifty-one years have rolled by since we left the school! And it seems like
only yesterday… when we were carefree happy school girls, the
unforgettable memories of our Alma Mater and of all those who made it
so special, deeply etched in our hearts and minds to this day.
You gave us more than we could dream of. You shaped us into the
women we are today. You gave us the courage to forge ahead, you were
the wind beneath our wings and for this and so much more, we say with
pride… We are MGDians!
Long live MGD !!
From the batch of 1972
2. MGD…our Alma Mater… the name brings a sparkle to our eyes and a
glow on our face.
A certain pride and a heart filled with gratitude.
When we speak of MGD… memories of our Rajmata, Miss Lutter, Miss
Doongaji, the teachers, the friends, the staff and of course the grand
buildings and lawns come to us like it was just yesterday.
“What matters most is how well you walk through the fire”, - quote by
Charles Bukowski, that’s what MGD taught us… not just how well, but
with utmost grace and dignity too.
After 40 years of passing out, we are eagerly waiting to come to school
in December, to be part of the 80 th birthday celebration of our dear
MGD.
A very happy birthday to MGD and to all of us!!Thank you
From the batch of 1983
3. Happy 80th birthday, dear MGD! It brings me immense joy to
celebrate this significant milestone with you. As I reflect on the past
years, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible experiences and
opportunities you have provided me. You have been the foundation of
my growth, shaping me into the person I am today. MGD, you have
been more than just a school to me. You have been my second home, a
place where I have discovered my passions, built lasting friendships, and
received an education that extends far beyond textbooks. From the
classroom to the sports field, from the stage to the community, you have
nurtured and guided me every step of the way.
Being the head girl of MGD has been an honor and a privilege. The
responsibility has taught me invaluable lessons in leadership, empathy,
and resilience. It is my earnest desire that together, we can continue to
uphold the values and traditions that make MGD exceptional. Let us
strive to raise the MGD flag higher, setting new benchmarks and
embracing excellence in all our endeavors.
Today, as we commemorate your 80th birthday, let us cherish the
memories we have created, the bonds we have formed, and the
knowledge we have gained. MGD, you have given us the wings to soar,
and it is our duty to make the most of these opportunities, reaching for
the highest goals, and making a positive impact on the world.
Happy birthday, MGD! Here's to many more years of inspiration,
growth, and success. May your legacy continue to shine brightly, forever
empowering young minds to achieve their utmost for the highest.
DR ALPANA KUMARI
(FORMER HEAD GIRL)
09-10
4. Dear MGD,
Here’s wishing you the happiest of birthday!!
It’s hard to believe that you’re 80 years old since you are such a timeless
beauty holding so many memories in the branches of your trees in the
hockey field and the stairs behind the needle work room and computer
lab.
There isn’t a day that goes by without me reminiscing my “virtual
memories”. Each time I scroll through the photos on my phone of my time here, my
face is automatically graced with a smile.
All my actions are always a reflection of what it takes to be an MGDian
and that is something I will always cherish and carry with me.
Happy birthday MGD,
Keep lighting up the faces of young girls with the brightest of smiles.’
Ridhima Magon
(Head Girl
2021-22)
5. Wishing my beloved school a very happy birthday.
I’m honoured to be a pupil of MGD Girls’ school, an institution that has
been the centre of education and heritage.
I wish to see the school reach new heights, like it always has and may
the name of my alma mater always be written in golden words.
Thanks to the efforts of countless students, teachers, administrative staff
and principals, the institution has always lived up to its motto, and may
it
always stay that way
Happy birthday once again
Tanishka Jain
Student of batch 2022-23
Our dear MGD is now Eighty
Our school of joy and gaiety
She sparkles and she shines
And we're the batch of Nineteen Sixty Nine !!
She taught us to be true and kind
To be sound of body .and of mind
To differentiate right from wrong
To be brave and to be strong
Though we stumbled in those growing years
We were shown to overcome our fears
Our courage stood us in good stead
With confidence we surged ahead
We learnt that failure and success
Are two sides of a coin
We learnt to face the turns of tides
And broken hearts to join
We found our precious childhood friends
Who've bonded over the years
Who've shared our heartburns and delights
Our ecstacies and tears
God Bless dear MGD ..Eighty now
May she blossom bright and grow
She lingers deep within our hearts
Though years between have flown
What we've grown up to be today
Started in those days divine
Our dear Alma Mater we love you so
And we're the batch of Nineteen Sixty Nine!!!
From the batch of 1969
GUILD TODAY
Guild News letter
May 2023
MAY 2023
MGD @ 80
Penny Thoughts
The much awaited year is well underway. The Time Machine is ticking and winter has given way to spring and now we are truly in the grip of summer. Heat Waves hitting us are taking their toll with increasing intensity and with it the ominous threat of the dreaded pandemic returning. The menacing virus has mutated manifold and its variants rearing their ugly tentacles surely and certainly. With elections acquiring war like proportions and road shows big tamashas of teeming hordes and the newest UN report of our great country well on the way to becoming the world's most populated nation (another FIRST TIME) social distancing has become a big challenge, even as our popular netas vigorously wave to the thronging audience. Keeping our fingers crossed it abates fast and does not dampen our rising spirits and fever pitch excitement for the grand celebrations scheduled to take place later this year.
This year the winds of change sweeping across our country, ostensibly towards building a New India, in its 75th year of Independence from foreign dominance, are bringing in a lot of drastic measures. This is impacting our Secondary Education System majorly.
Charles Darwin's theory of evolution will not find a place in the new text books; how did the human race evolve…. Was there a process of evolution ?o much else has been expunged.
Students in future will perhaps not be able to give coherent answers to questions like, who did the much venerated Maharana Pratap of Mewar, and the great warrior Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj fight against?? What is their claim to glory? Imagine studying Indian History sans the Mughal era. Is the much written about India's Freedom Struggle a figment of the imagination?? Who were the freedom fighters up against.??
This chop and change policy of the NCERT Educationists is mind boggling and defies logic. Or do we accept it as “ours is not to reason why, ours is but to do and die”as Tennyson wrote in Charge of the Light Brigade!!
On a positive note let us laud and congratulate the School for the multifarious activities that have been arranged and participated in with so much credit. Encouragement and guidance from the Principal and the teaching staff is, indeed, very commendable and admirable
Chandralekha Mathur.
(Nee Sahai -1954 Batch)
CHEIF EDITOR
MGD GIRLS’ GUILD PROGRAMME FOR THE YEAR 2023
The countdown has begin for MGD’S 80th Anniversary. Many events are being organised around the year by the school. Guild members are welcome to join in.
Annual Events :
(1) Guild AGM -Friday 22nd Sept.
The guest speaker is Doctor Sangeeta Thakurani (Batch1998) She is a senior plastic and cosmetic surgeon. She acquired her Master in general surgery from Rajasthan University of Health Sciences. She did her super specialization in plastic and cosmetic surgery from PGIMER Chandigarh. At age 30 she became plastic surgeon. She is now working as a professor in SMS Medical College and Hospitals. She also has her own clinic. She has many research Publications in Indian and International journals
(2) Guild Dance Fest - This event is organised for classes IX, X, XI, XII Std. The evening is followed by dinner.
(3) School Annual day function is on 15th Dec.
RE UNION SCHEDULE
16th Dec. Felicitation of the reunion batches, presentation of gift to them by the school. This year each batch will be performing ghoomar dance which is then followed by dinner in the school.
17th Dec.
Morning : Down memory Lane, visit the school & hostel.
Afternoon : Guild Exhibition Polo match at Rambagh Polo grounds.
Evening :Guild social get together at Rambagh Palace Hotel.
Other events will be conveyed to all vide Email, Facebook & Guild website.
Looking forward to the entire MGD fraternity to participate in the ongoing 80th anniversary celebration.
With best wishes.
Jane H Singh (Batch 1955)
President MGD Girls’ Guild
BUSY BEES
Annual Function 2023
MGD Girls' School, Jaipur organised the Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony on 25th January, 2023 to commemorate and celebrate the achievements of the session 2021-2022. Ms Manju Sharma, Managing Director and Co- Chairperson of EHCC Hospital Jaipur, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The programme commenced with a tribute to our founder, Rajmata Gayatri Devi, to seek her blessings. A melodious Orchestra Performance by the students left the audience spellbound.
Madam Principal presented the Annual Report for the session 2022-23, documenting the activities and achievements by the School during the year.
This was followed by the Prize distribution ceremony by the Chief Guest, Ms Manju Sharma.
Her Highness Rajmata of Jaipur Shield for Best House was awarded to Helen Keller House.
The celebrations continued with the Cultural Programme- 'Natya Veda' consisting of synchronous music, dance, kavya goshti and the English Drama, Princess of Athens.
The Annual Day ceremony was attended by Maharaj Jai Singh Ji, Chairperson MGD Girls' School, Mrs Jane Himmeth Singh ji, Mrs Nirmala Durlabhji, Mrs Meenakshi Hooja, Kuwar Ajay Singh Ji, Kuwarani Ambika Singh, Col. S S Sangwan, Col. S S Mankotia, and other distinguished guests.
Passing Out Ceremony
MGD Girls' School organised the Passing Out Ceremony for the batch of 2023 on 10th February.
The Ceremony began with the formal welcome of our Chief guest for the day- Dr. Vinita Ashit Jain. An Alumna of MGD, a nature lover, an avid reader, a music enthusiast, Dr. Vinita writes both in English and Hindi. Her first book of Hindi poetry has received a lot of appreciation.
All the students were honoured with the mementos, Bhagwad Gita and badges. As the citations were read by the class teachers the students placed diyas at the border of the Rangoli.
'Aashirvachanam' was recited by Dr. Seema Sharma in Sanskrit and in English by Madam Principal, Mrs Archana S Mankotia. After each vachan the students together pledged 'I promise'.
The Head girl's mother Mrs Meenakshi Terapanthi addressed the gathering with her inspiring words, after which Nandini Terapanthi, the Head girl signed off with her last speech.
The Ceremony came to an end with the Chief guest's eloquent and inspiring address.
The Great MGD Run
MGD Girls' School, Jaipur organised the Great MGD Run on 29 January 2023 to begin the celebrations of the 80th year of the school.
The event witnessed the zealous participation of around 2000 students from classes 1 to 12, teachers, staff, parents, ex-mgdians and MGD Guild Members. The event comprised a marathon and duathlon to take place at locations scheduled across Jaipur, along with the facilities of food/beverages stalls in the school post the marathon.
The run was flagged off by Mr. Hemant Priyadarshi, Additional Director General of Police Anti-Corruption Bureau. The verve and vigour in the atmosphere were evident as the participants participated with full zeal and zest to live up to the words of Madam Principal.
The Great MGD Run also brought into the limelight the “ploggers” who worked assiduously for the cleanliness of our city by collecting litter throughout the marathon.
Aparna Khurana nee Sengar
Batch of 1997
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OUR SENIORS RECOLLECT:
This is Julekha (Julie) Sen. Batch of 1950
It was the year 1944. Maharani Gayatri Devi School had shifted recently to its new Venue. I Joined MGD soon thereafter in Standard 4, where our class strength was only four. My previous school was Loretto Calcutta and being a Bengali had no Knowledge of Hindi where most of the girls spoke Hindi or their local dialect which was Greek to me! During the course of time I got involved in all kinds of school activities be it Sports, Music, Dance, Plays and Arts, and very soon became an all rounder and I got the prestigious All rounder Medal, and many other medals.
Our class subjects were English, Mathematics, Hindi, Geography, History, Arts and Home Science.
We had such wonderful teachers, very caring and extremely understanding. I still remember them, Miss Minakshi teaching us all about geography of Earth and the Planets, with Miss Sarkar teaching us History of India and the world. Miss Rastogi who made me improve on Hindi, my weakest subject then, but gradually thanks to her encouragement my Hindi improved drastically. Then there was Mrs. Patni for Maths- another weak subject of mine and once again through her encouragement my maths too improved over the years. And then of course was Miss Lutter, our Principal. She was a real mentor to all of us in school. She was the one who moulded each and every one of us to what we are today. How could we ever forget Miss Emma who took care of us with healthy good nutritious food and with lots of love and affection?
From time to time we had many dignitaries including foreigners visiting our School and Maharani Sahiba was always there escorting them.
Once we had a band with a band master. He played in our School courtyard for many a days.
I remember one of the years we had Saraswati Puja in our school and I was asked to do the Alpona. Maharani Gayatri Deviji was very pleased and praised me personally.
In course of time our School started all types of Sports and Games like Badminton, Tennis, Swimming, Hockey and playing games was our regular activity. We also had horse riding that time and I too learned horse riding then. Girl guides was introduced with Miss Lutter at the helm.
Ours was the Blue House. I went from Prefect to House Captain. Those days we would go to School in a Bus with Purdah on the Windows.
I recall once Miss Lutter took some of us to Ranikhet on an excursion. We stayed at YMCA, and all day was spent on sightseeing and evenings was of course study time with Miss Lutter guiding us in English Language.
I recall when the Selection for Head Girl was on and how lucky I was to be selected for that Position. Soon after that, Project “School Council” came up when Miss Lutter wanted me as the Vice President with her being the President. That is when the post of Head Girl was handed over to very capable hands of Veer Kunadi.
Once I remember very fondly after my marriage I had gone over to Jaipur and stayed with Miss Lutter and spent some very enjoyable time with her and with Miss Emma. During my stay one evening I had gone out for Dinner and on returning back found a glass of Milk and some biscuits on the bed side table, which really brought tears to my eyes. And that was Miss Emma, so caring and loving.
MGD to me was a Temple of learning- making a complete person of me.
After School
a) I represented Rajasthan in Badminton doubles and got to runners up.
b) I travelled around Europe, America & London extensively with Uday Shankar's dance group.
c) I lost my husband early in life and thereafter went to United States again and took up training in Aesthetics – Cosmetology from various institutions. Started taking up teaching assignments for young ladies in the same trade and profession on my return from United States.
d) Later Saturday Club gave me an Opening and I started with “Julies Aesthetics Beauty Clinic and Bridal Salon.” from there. Today it is nearly 38 years and I am still continuing in this trade. And it is all due to passing out from MGD which provided me the Courage and Confidence that I received during my growing up years.
Thank you MGD.
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THE UNEXPECTED BOUNTY
One day I was traveling from Bharatpur to Jaipur and stopped midway at Dausa Dak Bungalow for a midway break. I was carrying my sandwiches, but all of a sudden wanted to eat an apple. This was even more surprising as I am not a pucca fruit eater. So I went out to see how I can get and buy some apples.
Suddenly, as I came out I saw two Brahma Kumari ladies, whom I recognised as I had known them earlier in Sirohi and Mount Abu. They greeted me and then offered prasad, which for the life of me I could not believe, consisted of homemade mithai and Apples! Wonder of wonders I thanked them profusely and told them how they had met my sudden and unexpected desire for apples. It felt like a divine moment.
A few years ago, we, in a study group, were travelling from Ullapool to Stornoway in a ferry on the way to Isle of Lewis in Scotland, UK. It was quite a stable journey and I did not feel any of the giddiness normally associated with sea travel. However I felt like having a dosa and sambhar. I said to myself that obviously I could not get it here and reconciled to it. But when the food was laid out in the buffet, lo and behold there was red lentil soup, baked potatoes and rice included in the lunch menu. Very tastefully made, it was a perfect substitute for dosa and sambhar and satisfied the sudden inner culinary craving and need. What a joy it was, that I remember it even now after so many years and which made my sea journey a memorable one.
Once, on a Festival day almost all staff were on leave. While one looked forward to this celebration, the thought of all the cooking and cleaning was a daunting one. The bell rang and most surprisingly it was one of our old staff members, who had come back after some months from the village. To a query by me, he replied that he would be glad to be taken on work again right from the very moment. It was a matter of sheer thrill. Now our festival would be so much more easier and jubilant as he was familiar with the work and the household. I could not have asked for more!
More recently, a call came on my mobile. It was from an unknown number but as a matter of habit I answer all calls known or unknown and do not use the Truecaller app. In fact it turned out to be a call from a Govt Institution asking me to come there for a week for a lecture series, with travel and board and lodge all paid for by them. This telephonic conversation boosted my energy levels and excitement and reconfirmed my faith in answering calls from unknown numbers. The trip also turned out to be a memorable one and I could also see a new place.
This is just to say and realize how a shower of unexpected bounty brings in great moments of joy and cheer , to always cherish and remember.
Meenakshi Hooja nee Mathur
1968 batch.
TRIBUTES TO OUR DEAR
MISS BRIJPAL / MRS ANEJA
Mrs Brijpal Aneja, our beloved dance teacher and an integral part of our Re unions, sadly passed away on 16th February 2023.
Mrs. Aneja's passing away is like losing a family member. Yes she was very much part of MGD Family. Very pleasing personality, she endeared herself to everyone. Her dance classes will be remembered by one & all. She was a star of our reunions, who brought in so much enthusiasm, joy & love and we will miss her lively self dearly. She will always live in our hearts.
Sharing some of the tributes:
Mrs Brijpal Aneja, our Iconic Dance Teacher at MGD.
She joined MGD when I was in my final year 1955. She was a couple of years older than us, the final year students. Miss Lata Gupta had retired and Miss Brijpal came in as a young, fresh, enthusiastic & innovative dance teacher. We tested her like we do to all new teachers, but she took all our pranks in her stride! We loved her classes from the word go.
Later she, as a part of the MGD teachers faculty, attended my wedding in 1960. She is in my wedding photographs.
Then I lost contact with her as I traversed the globe with my husband who was serving in the Army.
Then at our school's Golden jubilee celebration we met up again, now as friends. She was center stage with all the dance events performed by the Guild.
She was a star at our reunions. She brought in so much joy & love. I was hoping she would be with us at this 80th Anniversary celebrations of the School, but almighty willed it otherwise.
Earlier, on the passing away of her brother, she took charge of the family business of Musical instruments at Dehradun.
She wished to donate some musical instruments to MGD, her second home. School was unable to collect them due to various reasons.
I had been constantly in touch with her. I spoke with her about a couple of weeks ago when she was in Dehradun, not feeling too good. Later spoke with Chunnu & was told she had moved to Delhi with her. I wasn't able to speak with her as her health had further deteriorated.
Few days later she was no more. Her loss has been felt by one & all MGDians.
You will always be with us in spirit dear Mrs Aneja.
We will celebrate you at all our reunions.
Farewell dear friend!
Jane H Singh (Batch 1955)
Miss Aneja, as I will always remember her, was such an important part of our schooling in MGD. Her energy and creativity and multi cultural innovation in performance was unparalleled. Her dance classes were enjoyable, refreshing and memorable making every student a performer! Miss Brijpal's stamina was awe inspiring. As we witnessed at our 50th reunion in 2019 she out did any one of us on the dance floor! We were very blessed to have a person like her as a teacher in our lives.
Many of us use her dance moves even today when we dance. Our children would do the same moves making her dance live on for many generations.
Her life was well lived as she gave so much to one and all.
May her soul attain Sadgati.
Vandana Singh Nadgar
Batch of 1969
"The passing of Mrs Aneja, draws a curtain over a part of our lives too. Hers was perhaps the most felt presence in school & even afterwards. With her name we can only associate joy, music, rhythm, dance, loads of fun & festivities. In fact even after retirement, she helped Ex MGDians of various batches prepare their dances for the alumni functions. She always laughed while teaching. Was so graceful.
I was in touch with her for several years. She lived a full life. She will always be remembered with love and respect. She will liven up the heavens with her dance and infectious smile. Happy dancing Mrs Aneja."
Sunita Bainsla Batch of 1982
Really sad to know about Mrs Aneja who left for her heavenly abode. Still remember the first day I met her in the dance room. Personality that lighted the room ...mentor, guide, teacher at heart.
Met her in Dehradun in October of 2022. Full of life and plans to move to Jaipur to be close to MGD where her heart always belonged. We both talked for hours about fond memories of MGD. She shared the day when she joined MGD at the age of 18.
You will be missed dearly by all your students, colleagues and those who knew you. My shradhanjali?????
Toes tapped so lightly,
Smiling big and brightly
....dance sweetly to the sound
Full of grace, never haste....
Filling perfectly my costume of lace
Ever so sweet, my dancing feet
My toes tired....
And my knees, grown weak
But I'll never stop dancing…
Step after step, I repeat and repeat.
Pushing harder and harder to reach my goal
It's what I lived for, dance is my soul.
--- words inspired from Miranda Snow
Mrs Varinder Kaur Sehmbey
Bharatanatyam Dance teacher in MGDfor six years
Our heartfelt condolences to her daughtersSimran Aneja batch of 1985
Nandita Nuhan(Tribhuvan) batch of 1986.
May God give strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss.
We pray for the soul to attain Sadgati.
The MGD Days
M.G.D ....An institution, a name , an identity and for all of us who have passed through its portals, these three letters of the alphabet unlock a storehouse of beautiful memories...
Beginning 1964, wherein K.G was pure bliss with the thrill of our afternoon nap time post the lunch break, and with many more such joys we moved up the ladder of classrooms and classes up to I.S.C 1975, under a host of wonderful teachers, Miss Cherian,Mrs. J.Singh, Miss Farooqui, Mrs. Mukherjee, Mrs. Woods, Miss. Mathew, Miss. S. Mehta, Miss Nanda, Mrs. Ranka, Mrs. Awasthi , Mrs. Mathur, Miss Menon, Miss Gupta, Mrs. Mathews, Miss Minakshi , Mrs. Patni, Miss Das, Mrs. Aneja, Miss Sircar, Miss Laxmi Singh - to name just a few, all working in tandem with our dear Miss Lutter, who with watchful , twinkling eyes and gentle yet firm guidance held it all together and how !!!!!!!!!
Joyous laughter and innocent giggles ringing through the Rose Garden evolved and transformed us into confident, clear headed teenagers who could hold their head high and stand their ground ingrained with ''Our Utmost for the Highest '' !
Those precious years lay the foundation of beautiful friendships and form an enriched, enchanting collage that shows up the School Assembly, the School Fete, the Four Houses, the various competitions, our Sports Day, the Annual Prize Giving Day, the School Band, all of which I was lucky to have somehow participated in or was involved with - A kaleidoscope that was renewed and reinforced with my daughter Gauri joining the league and together we could say .. ' Hip Hip Hurray' and together we can sing ..................
"Stand and shout in cheer once again,
Let every M.G.Dian sing ............''
Nita Kackar Khanna (Batch of 1975)
MGD is a culture, MGD is a religion, MGD is a belief ! I am sure most of us MGDians feel this way as we have lived it! It really matters where and how you grow up. Along with the family culture and values that you are born into, it is the school that makes you into the human being you grow up to become. I precisely remember all my teachers who have contributed towards shaping me up into the individual I have become today. All my Math teachers, science teachers, Hindi and English teachers who taught me for the 12 years at MGD, each one went above and beyond in preparing me to achieve greater heights in life. Mrs. Srinivasan is one particular teacher I would always be thankful to for her contribution towards honing and polishing my English language. To summarize, MGD is also a lifestyle, MGD is also a statement! MGD prepared me to face ANY and EVERY challenge in life - personal and professional. It gave me the wings to soar high in the sky and take that plunge into the unknown, without being perturbed about the result. Thank you MGD!
Shilpi Agarwal
Batch of 1998
What does MGD mean to me?' It's de ja vou time!
A class fourth Vama, mesmerized with the maroon dupattas, huge old main building and lush green hockey field talked about the grandeur and legacy of MGD in her extempore topic. But today the spirit of MGD is alive in me because of the values that I uphold.
I appreciate school for everything it offered but I am the most delighted with my association, because someone said ' MGD is a school where you are not judged by the size of your car'. I learnt being a better human in MGD through Hanuman ji's smile, Ms. Suniti's wisdom, Col. Sangwan's energy, and Sanchi jija's charisma. I vividly remember Jane jija picking up ice-cream wrappers in the school campus and saying “it's my school if I will not clean it who will”, that's how dear MGD is to MGDians. And hence today MGD to me is all the inspirational MGDians, I came across in twelve years of my school life.
Thank you,
Vama Singh Shekhawat
Batch of 2019
HEARTIEST CONGRATULATIONS TO:
Kalinika Kumari Makrana batch 1999(Grand daughter of Ms Lalit Kumari Raghogargh batch of 1955) on her wedding with Lavi Mutha, on 21st Feb 2023.
Neha Surana Dhadda batch of 1999 on becoming Chairperson FICCI FLO Jaipur 2023-24.
Saloni Lalwani Patni Batch of 1989 on the marriage of her daughter Sonakshi to Yash on 23rd March 2023
Poonam Rathore Chauhan batch of 1987 on the marriage of her daughter Shivika to Ritubhan on 24th February 2023.
Rani Bansal Gupta batch of 1983 on the marriage of her daughter Ananya to Raghav on 22nd February 2023
Renu Sharma batch of 1983 on the marriage of her son Abhinav to SugandhaOn 3rd November 2022
Archana Singh (Candy Singh) batch of 1980 on the marriage of her son Kr Devvrat Singh Rathore to Dr Reeya Singh on 22nd February 2023.
Ritu Mahendra batch of 1983 Who is blessed with a grand son on 24th December 2022
Snigdha Golecha Parakh Batch of 1980 on the birth of a grand daughter Adira on 25th January 2023.
Neha Bhatia batch of 2003 Design Innovation award 2019 For her contribution to the development of Kundan jadau Meenakari awarded by Ministry of Textiles, Govt of India.
Dr Sheenu Jhawar batch of 1990 for becoming the first Woman President of TIE Rajasthan.
Dr Ankita Chandak for being awarded “Young Paediatric Dentist of the Year”
Aarushi Narwani batch of 2016 for being a Topper of NEET. PG 2023
Tee foundations Women Achiever Awards 2023to Sunita Khawad Shah batch of 1983 for recieving an award for social services on Women's Day.
Nikita Nemani Mansinghka batch of 1972 for receiving an award from Tee Foundations Women Achiever Awards 2023 on Women's Day.
Principal Mrs Archana Mankotia and Colonel Sangram Singh Mankotiaon the birth of a grand daughter born on 4th May 2023 to Devika and Abhishek.
HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO
Anjum Chaturvedi batch of 1983 on the passing away of her mother Smt Shakuntla Kumar on 16th March 2023. May the departed soul attain sadgati ॐशान्तिॐ
Sunita Surana Chhajlani Batch of 1983 on the passing away of her mother, Smt Amar Kumari Surana on 14th March 2023. May the departed soul attain sadgati ॐशान्तिॐ
Rawat family on the passing away of Smt Madhuri Devi Rawat on 3rd March 2023.
Daughter Sandhya Gupta batch of 1975, Niece Usha Khandelwal batch of 1972 Grand daughters, Ruchi Gupta - 1990, Priti Sabu - 1992, Trisha Dangayach, Shefali Agarwal -2002, Saloni Gotawala-2004, Chandni Aggarwal - 2008. May the departed soul attain sadgati ॐशान्तिॐ
Mrs Suniti Sharma former principal MGD School on the passing away of her mother on 5th February 2023. May the departed soul attain sadgati ॐशान्तिॐ
Nalini Mehta batch of 1961 on the sad demise of her husband Shri C S Mehta on 27th January 2023 and to daughters Gitanjali Mehta Jain batch of 1985 Priyanjali Mehta Sarraf batch of 1989 and to sister in laws
Vanmala Mehta batch of 1958 Nisha jyoti mehta Bahadur batch of 1973. May the departed soul attain sadgati ॐशान्तिॐ
Anita Barjatya Vijayvargia 1985 Vinita Barjatya chhabra -1988 On the passing away of their mother Smt Mahima Barjatya on 25th January 2023. May the departed soul attain sadgati.ॐशान्तिॐ
Pratibha Kumari (Pattu) batch 1960& her family on the passing away of her husband Prabhakar Singh on 8 January 2023. May the departed soul attain sadgati ॐशान्तिॐ
Shivina Kumari and Rupina SinghOn the passing away of their father Dr. Shivraj Singh(husband of late Manju Kumari Singh) who passed away on 13th December 2022.May the departed soul attain sadgati. ॐशान्तिॐ
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
Chandralekha Mathur
(Sahai, 1954)
Chief Editor
Editors :
Meenakshi Hooja (Mathur, 1968)
9413337959
Pranati Lunia (Golecha, 1972)
Aparna Khurana (1997)
Ankur Jaipuria (1992)
MGD Girls Guild,
MGD Girls School,
Sawai Ram Singh Road,
Jaipur 302001
Tel: 8905181885
Email: mgdgirlsguildjaipur@gmail.com
Website:
www. mgdgirlsguild.org
Mrs Brijpal Aneja, our Iconic Dance Teacher at MGD .
She joined MGD when I was in my final year 1955. She was a couple of years older then us the final year students . Miss Lata Gupta had retired , she came in as a young , fresh, enthusiastic & innovative dance teacher. We tested her like we do to all new teachers , but she took all our pranks in her stride ! We loved her classes from the word go.
Later she as a part of MGD teachers faculty attended my wedding in 1960 . She is in my wedding photographs.
Then I lost contact with the her as I traversed the globe with my husband who was serving in the Army .
Then at our school’s Golden jubilee celebration we met up again, now as friends. She was centre stage with all the dance events performed by the Guild.
She was a star at our reunions. She brought in so much joy & love . I was hoping she would be with us at this 80th Anniversary celebrations of the School, but almighty willed it otherwise.
Earlier on passing away of her brother , she took charge of the family business of Musical instruments at Dehradun .
She wished to donate some musical instruments to MGD , her second home . School was unable to collect them due to various reasons.
I have been Constantly in touch her .I spoke with her about a couple of weeks ago when she was in Deheradun, not feeling too good. Later spoke with Chunnu & was told she had moved to Delhi with her. I wasn’t able to speak with her as her health had further deteriorated.
Few days later she was no more .
Her loss has been felt by one & all MGDians .
You will always be with us in spirit dear Mrs Aneja .
We will celebrate you at all our reunions .
Farewell dear friend !
Jane H Singh
( batch 1955 )
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Miss Aneja, as I will always remember her was such an important part of our schooling in MGD. Her energy and creativity and multi cultural innovation in performance was unparalleled. Her dance classes were enjoyable refreshing and memorable making every student a performer! Miss Brijpal's stamina was awe inspiring. As we witnessed at our 50th reunion in 2019 she out did any one of us on the dance floor! After her musical brother expired, she took over the renowned family business where the who's who came to buy the best. We were very blessed to have a person like her as a teacher in our lives.
Many of us use her dance moves even today when we dance. Our children would do the same moves making her dance live on for many generations.
Her life was well lived as she gave so much to one and all.
May her soul attain Sadhgati.
Vandana Singh Nadgar
( batch 1969)
------------------------------------------------------------------
The passing of Mrs Aneja , draws a curtain over a part of our lives too. Her’s was perhaps the most felt presence in school & even afterwards. With her name we can only associate joy , music , rhythm , dance , loads of fun & festivities. Over the years , she taught dance to several thousands perhaps lakhs of students and prepared thousands for formal dance progs . In fact even after retirement , she helped exmgdians of various batches prepare their dances for the alumni functions. She always laughed while teaching. Was so graceful .
I was in touch with her for several years .. after school. Visited her in Dehradun where she stayed with her brother who taught music in Doon school. Post retirement she would ocassionaly teach dance at Doon and other schools.
She lived a full life. She will always be remembered with love and respect . She will liven up the heavens with her dance and infectious smile. Happy dancing Mrs Aneja.
Sunita Bainsla ( batch 1982)
GUILD TODAY
Guild News letter
January 2023
JANUARY 2023
PENNY THOUGHTS
MGD @ 80
Once again it’s that time of the year that brings a new beginning, a new dawn, a new perspective, a time to celebrate with your family and friends, a new resolve to look ahead to a year of happiness and cheer. On behalf of the MGD Girls Guild Executive Committee I wish you all a very happy, healthy & safe 2023.
Eighty years!!! In the life span of an individual, an octageranian it heralds a phase that brings added privileges of more respect, more care, more concern. Especially if you wear a head full of silver hair and walk with an elegant walking stick for support!! Eye sympathy and an instant extend of hands to guide you to a comfortable chair, in a gathering you are very likely to be the oldest person. I speak from experience. What you say is heeded and taken note of and I love it. In respect to an Institution it speaks of prestige, renown and a history to laud and praise. It’s name and fame spread even further, as it’s alumni bring more glory by their varied achievements and success stories holding the School flag high and flying. The prizes and commendations the present students win in the multiple competitions they participate adds to a glorious record.
Today our beloved alma mater stands on this high pedestal. Let us celebrate the hall mark year with elan and true MGDian spirit and style.
Stay Positive, test Negative!! This oxymoronic statement can be achieved in these Corona Times!!
Cheers.
Chandralekha Mathur.
( Nee Sahai -1954 Batch)
CHEIF EDITOR.
MGD GIRLS’ GUILD
The Guild is an umbilical cord that keeps the Alumni connected to the school and each other. It was revived during the Golden Jubilee of the school.
The Executive Committee consists of twelve diligent and dedicated volunteer Alumni. The Principal is De Facto advisor to the Committee. The membership as of now is mandatory, as the funds collected go towards replenishing the corpus. With the interest of the corpus we have been able to achieve the following. Creating and maintaining our Website, Face book, News letter, manufacturing Souvenirs. Creating and time to time updating Guild Digital Directory, published a coffee table book based on the History of MGD, produced a documentary on our founder Rajmata Saheb, the lives that she touched and transformed.
Guild has initiated three Annual Silver medals for student achievers in business studies. It also supports “Umang” – a school for differently abled children, and is now supporting the education of two girls of our staff.
Guild organizes a very popular Annual Dance Nite for the present senior students.
Ongoing expenses are towards the salary of our staff and day to day office expenses.
This year 2023, we are planning a mega reunion of the following batches
2020 - Silver 1995, Ruby 1980, Gold 1970
2021 - Silver 1996, Ruby 1981, Gold 1971
2022 - Silver 1997, Ruby 1982, Gold 1972 &
2023 - Silver 1998, Ruby 1983, Gold 1973.
They have got clubbed due to the covid pandemic but will now be a part of our school’s 80th Anniversary celebrations.
With all good wishes
Jane H.Singh (Batch 1955)
President
MGD Girls’ Guild
BUSY BEES
IPSC Service Project
MGD Girls' School hosted the "Parmartham"- IPSC Service Project from 2nd to 5th November 2022 under the guidance of Maharaja Jai Singh, Chairperson, MGD Girls' School Jaipur.
The four days project, in collaboration with NGOs, was attended by 11 guest IPSC teams and the host team.
The on-campus and off-campus activities were planned around pillars like- Service to Humanity, Service to Nature, Leadership, Nishtha and Sankalp.
In the Closing ceremony, the school presented a cheque to the blind school. The gathering was then addressed by Mr JN Bhargava and Ms Anna. Lastly, all the participants received their certificates from the Principal ma'am and the guests
VIDYAANJALI
Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls' School, Jaipur hosted the first edition of 'Vidyaanjali', the annual Inter-school Liberal Arts cum Literary Fest in memory of our former Chairperson Rani Vidya Devi.
A variety of Performing and Liberal Arts events were:organised like Ramayana Role Play, Fairy Tale Recreation, E-Logo Designing, Board Game Designing, Radio Jockey Competition, Warli Art, Imaginative Composition Making and Hair and Makeup Styling.
.MGD Girls' School were declared the winner of Vidyaanjali 2022, however, the running trophy was passed on to the Runnerup Jayshree Periwal High School as part of school traditions.
IPSC HOCKEY
TOURNAMENT(U-19)
MGD Girls' School, Jaipur hosted the IPSC hockey (U-19) tournament from 27th to 30th September 2022 with nine participating schools.
The most thrilling and exciting final match between MNSS RAI and RKC RAIPUR filled the atmosphere with exuberance.
RKC RAIPUR won the match after free penalty strokes and took home the trophy.
MGD GUILD DANCE FEST
On 15th of September the Hockey Field of MGD Girls' School was the venue for the 'MGD Guild Dance Fest' hosted by MGD Girls' Guild which is an annual opportunity for students from classes 9 to 12 to interact and enjoy with the Guild members. The event started at 6:00 and ended at 10:00. There was a dance competition between all the batches and class 12 was declared the winner for the same. The first 3 positions received momentoes sponsored by our beloved Nirmala jija. The area was jam packed with around 800 beautifully dressed MGDians grooving to the peppy songs playing non
stop.
INTER-HOUSE ATHLETIC MEET
MGD GIRLS' SCHOOL, JAIPUR organised an Inter House Athletic Meet from 16th-18th November 2022. As many as 500 participants and 31 events were a part of the event.
-The Chief Guest for the opening ceremony was Maj Gen KVS Lalotra AVSM, YSM, SM (Retd). In the end prizes were distributed by the Chief Guest and the vote of thanks was presented by the games and sports captain of the school, Swati Singh.
Over All House Positions :-
1st Helen Keller House
2nd Sarojini Naidu House
3rd Madame Curie House
4th Florence Nightingale House
Aparna Khurana nee Sengar
Batch of 1977
MY POETRY WORLD
The training of music at home and in School ( of course MGD ) , poems by world class writers in text books of Hindi and English laid the initial beginning of my interest in Poetry. As a traditional custom in our wedding ceremonies at home we had to write Dohas (four to eight lines in rhyme) on “Teehals” (sets of clothes) which were given as gifts. As a daughter, naturally I had to do that. The functions in School and later in College, so full of music, dance and drama further inspired me to enjoy rhyme and rhythm and foot tapping beats. During my Service career in Rajasthan I further had more than ample opportunity to savour songs, lyrics, poetry and dances, not only of Rajasthan but of other States/UT’s and even other countries.
Somehow this combination of music, dance and poetry motivated me to compose poems, albeit short ones , so as to keep my task within manageable parameters. It began with giving gifts of a set of poems to our boys Rajat and Rakshat in 1991/1992 when they were fourteen and twelve respectively. After a break for sometime, this gift system was fortunately revived. Thus writing poems in English became both a compulsion and a joy. The number of poems is fixed at their age plus one.
I also started writing in Hindi with a few words of Marwari, Urdu and Punjabi thrown in. Some of the poems in Hindi are in the form of lyrics or as they say set in Tarannum.
Mrs. Sheila Gujral, wife of late Prime Minister Shri I. K. Gujral greatly encouraged me to keep on writing and to go into publication. I was introduced to Shri Krishna Srinivas who regularly published my poems in his well known journal Poetry World. This was a great achievement for me because the journal inevitably included poems by A.B. Vajpayee, Abdul Kalam and other top writers.
Writing poems is like sharing your inner self with the world. It is a risk for you may get criticized but at the same time a great joy, as you are able to express and communicate. I enjoy writing on topics like nature, flowers, trees and birds, the changing seasons, experiences of travel, special events and of course views on current affairs, life and living and even administrative issues. It is indeed a creative exercise which I imagine also gives immense satisfaction to all those who read and write poetry.
In this context let me share one recent poetic endeavor.
A Poem
A Poem
is an expression
of thoughts, ideas
plans, hopes and dreams
They come fast
but go quickly as well
so recorded in a few lines
they remain much longer
touching aspects
of beauty and creativity
and filling hearts and minds
with joy and wonder
A poem
so easy to read
and not so difficult to write
in due course becomes
a pleasure and a treasure
Meenakshi Hooja nee Mathur
1968 batch
Composed on 16th November 2022, Wednesday
DAYS OF SCHOOL
Recollections
I remember entering MGD in July 1953. I was six years old and was awed by the huge school specially the Assembly hall with beautiful, sparkling chandeliers. It was raining and I felt shy so I hid behind my mother who was already teaching in the same school. Miss Lutter then called us to her bunglow where we had tea and snacks.
No one who has been taught by Miss Cherian can forget her. She made us so perfect in addition that we were very soon calculating without any aids like counting the small sticks we were given to add & subtract; or our fingers. She was a very strict teacher. She was also my hostel warden or house mistress as was the parlance those days.
I learnt a lot as the days went by. Firstly I learnt to speak & understand the English language. I felt it was a great achievement because when I entered the school I didn’t know either Hindi or English. I had come from a Bangla background. Soon I was doing very well in my English tests. We learnt a lot of games and swimming which I loved.
Dining together was a ritual. We couldn’t enter the dining room for dinner in our sports kit for dinner. I still remember the prayer we sang before sitting down for our meals. The house mistress and another teacher sat on either sides of the long table keeping watch on
Our table manners.
I still remember most of the teachers who taught me. Miss Benjamin was our class teacher in the 5th standard. She also taught us health science and maths. She was a stickler for neatness and tidiness. She became our House mistress too & checked our cupboards regularly.
I could go on and on about the lively learning time we spent in MGD. It’s the very foundation of my life and my future career. Miss Lutter and Miss Emma became the bed rock of my life and so did the education given by my teachers I shall always be beholden to them who have played such an important part in my life.
Ranjana Jaitly nee Mukherji.
Batch of 1961.
Oh Those School Girl Days….
Really what carefree days those were - even though there was strict discipline to be maintained. Though being in the hostel, we still managed to have loads of fun. My personal favourites were Friday nights and Sundays.
Fridays, because we were shown some of the best hindi movies after dinner , in the open area, outside Miss Lutter's office. I remember seeing Haqeeqat, Dosti, Hum Dono and Saat Hindustani. Those were the days of no mobile phones, or even TV, so it was magic, sitting in the open, under the stars, watching transfixed our favourite stars like Dev Anand and Dharamendra on the screen ! Absolutely unforgettable !
Sundays was our day of rest- no early morning PT, so we could sleep late. I still remember Miss Emma's Sunday breakfast of spanish omelettes, stuffed with potatoes along with sauted liver ! What a treat !
We would wash our hair and loll in the sun. I would go to the Rose garden,with a book, rest against a tree, read and watch squirrels frolic. In fact, I remember how we tried to keep one as a pet. Poor thing was kept in a bag, hanging over the bed and fed scraps stolen from the dining room ! Thank God I dont remember how long it survived on all this. And of course Sundays meant the tuck shop ! With the princely sum of Rs.10/- as pocket money, for the whole month, for seniors, we were ofcourse stone broke, within two Ssundays. All of us ran up an account with the dear old Mr. Chelaram ,of which I wonder how many paid up. I will go to my grave, with the guilt of still owing him some hundred rupees or so! My favourite was ice cream with coke, which today is famously called an 'ice cream float'. I think we invented it ! We also invented the now famous Dalgona coffee - how much of it we consumed, is unbelievable! It was our midnight feast- but it never managed to keep us awake.
Of course with all the fun we still managed to study and imbibe the unique culture and traditions of MGD- a wonderful blend of Indian and western. We learnt to wear a saree in class 10, be respectful to our elders, and keep our surroundings spotlessly clean. I will never forget Miss Lutter, bending down to pick up a piece of paper someone had thrown in the corridor and throwing it in the dustbin.
Those were the days, the memories of which still keep us young, fifty years later ! Miss you MGD!
Nandini Sahai nee Thapan
Batch of 1972
I have very fond memories of our school. Going down the memory lane, first person I think of and remember very fondly is our principal Miss Lutter. She was a fine person and took great interest in each of us. After leaving school I happened to meet her after a few years when I came to Jaipur to settle down here. Miss Lutter recognised me immediately and took me on the board of governors of MGD.
I remember the small excursions and picnics, we were taken to from school. Specially the bus journeys together were great fun . We used to sing songs, play "antakshari", and shared all the food we carried from home. The Teacher's Day used to be also enjoyable when the senior girls impersonated our beloved teachers.
I used to get the opportunity to be in the singing group for school functions .The whole experience was very enjoyable specially with Miss Brijpal now Mrs Aneja, making the girls dance so beautifully to her tunes. My greatest joy was when my daughter joined MGD.
Rajshri Sarawgi nee Barjyatya
Batch of 1961
The Cultural Heritage of MGD- "Jijas'
Ra ! Ra! MGD. It matters where you grow up.
It was the unforgettable year of 1975 when I got admitted to the school. I already had my cousins studying there and one can only imagine the joy of a five-year-old when she spots one of them in the corridor or on her way to the assembly. I would just beam with an admirable smile.
The journey with my school began and how over a tenure of twelve years, the written and unwritten rules of MGD shaped my belief, perception, relationships, and attitude to be the wholesome human being I am today. Words are not enough to thank thee! MGD has taught us, to have a magnanimous spirit to put in the best even in the smallest of endeavors undertaken. It has guided us in its physical and emotional safety net to embrace and celebrate learning, fulfillment, and well-being.
We were lucky to have teachers with high professional standards. I remember vividly, in Introductory which is grade one,Ms Cherian would be so particular about book covers and the wooden pencil box. At that time we were so terrified of her but today I thank her for it. It paved a path for orderliness in our primitive years.
My favorite memory is of the school fete in 1976. I was in Transition, grade two. Those days we used to have our school fete opposite the Principal's office. The fete was in its full swing, everyone was having a great time, mostly dancing with gay abandon. I got lost in the loud music and got away from my peer group. I looked everywhere and just could not find my friends. Then, my attention was caught by a few seniors dancing in salwar-kameez, with their dupattas bouncing with the rhythm of the song.I started to sway with their moves. One of the jija's noticed me and pulled me into their group. In seconds I was in the centre , with all of them clapping for me in appreciation. It instantly created a warm bond. I never hesitated to approach my seniors and kind of took pride in calling them jijas. Till date, it continues.
Ranjana Tewari nee Purohit
Batch 1987
New Education Policy
Our unique old Gurukul Pedagogy wrapped in Modern Paper is our New Nep. What was Gurukul education , where children came and learnt Languages , way of living life, skill base education, peer learning, respect and gratitude for what has been bestowed upon and this is exactly what Nep says.
Bridging Modern Educational Learning with Advanced Ancient Vedic wisdom. When we elaborate this we first ENGAGE the child and let the child's thinking from Abstract to Concrete that is from lot to hot to clarify mind. Next We let the child Navigate this is deriving learning outcomes from book experiences to real life experiences. so Nep talks about linking real life with book knowledge to establish the facts.
Thirdly we generate learning outcomes which are visible, shareable and modifiable. Next it talks about to apply knowledge to create a portfolio for every child according to 21st century skills.
Next it talks about assessing the child and last but not the least to plan a improvement plan for the child. this is how New Nep focuses on HOW TO LEARN RATHER THAN WHAT TO LEARN, for example if we wish to teach adjectives to a child we create a mystery story and try to relate book knowledge via real time knowledge by adding suitable adjectives to every character. Another example can be if we wish to teach critical thinking skills to a child we try to ask alternative endings to any story so that the child thinks and comes up with unique ideas with peers, this enables peer learning and we engage the child fruitfully too. Thus learning like this helps to understand the important skills connected to critical and creative thinking, problem solving, collaboration and communication skills to develop 21st century individuals. Overall it makes education INTERACTIVE AND REALSTIC.
Ankur himmatramka nee Jaipuria
Batch of 1992
Ghazal Qadri , Batch of 2013
CONGRATULATIONS
Malashri Lal nee Mukherji batch of 1964.
Prof. Malashri Lal, received the
HH Rajmata Gayatri Devi Award for Women’s Excellence on 22 October 2022 at the Sawai Jaipur Awards ceremony at the City Palace. Author, academic and social worker in Rajasthan and Delhi, Malashri Lal has sixteen books to her credit and is known for leading women’s empowerment activities for four decades. Her academic career has been at the University of Delhi from where she retired as Professor, Department of English, and Dean of Colleges. She continues her volunteer work with the Guild of Service as Convener for Rajasthan, and Secretary General of SANWED.
Proud of Chaitali Panmei batch of 1984 Congratulations !
She was working in Mumbai as Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (Central). Now on promotion as Principal Chief Commissioner posted in Bangalore, in charge of Karnataka & Goa.
Ms Namita Kachhawah Gir from the batch of ‘68 received the `Woman Acharya of the Year’ award for her exceptional work and outstanding contribution in the sector of education at Asia’s biggest Women Dominance Conference, Fest & Awards, featuring the Icons of Asia & Woman. Leaders Forum on December 20th, 2022 at Radisson Blu, New Delhi.
She has 47 years of teaching experience and now has her own school in Shyam Nagar - ‘I Excel High School’ which was earlier known as Pre School.
Congratulations to Mr Bhaskar Chatterjee (husband of late Nisha Chatterjee batch of 1972)
On the birth of grandson Bhrigu on 17th May 2022.
Congratulations to Rajnigandha Shekhawat batch of 1992 on receiving Radiocity Rajasthan Radiance Award for Folk Music.
Congratulations to Dr. Sheenu Jhawar batch of 1990, Director of Apex Hospitals was awarded the “Rajasthan Radiance Award” for Excellence in the category of “Innovation in Telemedicine App” for the year 2022 by Radio City.
Congratulations to Seema Palaria Sharma batch of 1972 on becoming grandmother to a baby boy on 11th January 2023.
Meenu Mathur batch of 1972 on becoming a grandmother to a baby girl on 11th January 2023
CONDOLENCES
Heartfelt Condolences to
Babita Moody, batch of 1983
Sharmilla Galundia, batch of 1985
Rashmi Killa, batch of 1991Agarwal sisters' on the passing away of their mother Smt Manjula Devi Agarwal on 23rd November 2022. May God give solace to the family . May the departed soul attain sadgati. ॐ शान्ति ?
Heartfelt Condolences to Anita Surana batch of 1968. To Shubha Surana on the passing away of her father Shri Vimal Surana on 10th November 2022. May the departed soul attain sadgati. ॐ शान्ति
Heartfelt Condolences to Nirmala Surana Durlabhji batch of 1973 on the passing away of her brother Shri Vimal Surana and to Neha Surana Dhadda batch of 1999,
Nidhi Surana Kothary batch of 1999
on the passing away of their Kakasa on 10th November 2022. May God give solace to the family to bear this loss and may the departed soul attain sadgati. ॐ शान्ति
Heartfelt Condolences to the family of Ms Shyam Wali batch of 1951
who passed away on 16th Sept 2022. May the departed soul attain sadgati. ॐ शान्ति
Heart felt Condolences to Rajni Nagar Shankar batch of 1972 on the passing away of her husband Shri Charan Shankar on14th September 2022. May God give strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss and may the departed soul attain sadgati. ॐ शान्ति
Heartfelt condolences to Daughters Swapna Kulkarni Tyagi Batch of 1981 Sona Jain Tyagi Batch of 1983, Granddaughter Bhagyashree Jain Batch of 2019, Sister Aruna Kalia nee Sharma Batch of 1972 on the passing away of Dr Mrs Shanta Jain on 2nd September 2022.May the departed soul attain sadgati.ॐ शान्ति
Heartfelt condolences to the family of Suniti Shekhwat (daughter inlaw batch of 1980) on the passing away of Ms Chand Kumari Chittora, batch of 1950 on 30th August 2022 .May the departed soul attain sadgati. ॐ शान्ति
Heartfelt Condolences to the family of Durgesh Nandini (Bissau) batch of 1957, who passed away on 29th December 2022.May the departed soul attain sadgati. ॐ शान्ति
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
Chandralekha Mathur
(Sahai, 1954)
Chief Editor
Editors :
Meenakshi Hooja (Mathur, 1968)
9413337959
Pranati Lunia (Golecha, 1972)
Aparna Khurana (1997)
Ankur Jaipuria (1992)
MGD Girls Guild,
MGD Girls School,
Sawai Ram Singh Road,
Jaipur 302001
Tel: 8905181885
Email: mgdgirlsguildjaipur@gmail.com
Website:
www. mgdgirlsguild.org
It is said that soulful dancing is the poetry by feet . There are many shortcuts to ultimate happiness, and dancing is one of those beautiful ways .
Honouring our school motto " Our utmost for the highest ", and following the tradition , the much - awaited yearly dance extravaganza " MGD Guild Dance Fest " was held on 15 th September, 2022.
Hundreds of lovely girls clad in colourful ethnic dresses performed mesmerising dances on foot tapping music and songs , creating thousands of rainbows on the ground.
A spectacular dance competition was held between 9 th , 10 th , 11 th and 12 th std . 12 th std(2022) was declared as the fair winner by the judges Archana Mankotia ( Principal), Maya Sharma and Meenakshi Rathore.
The programme ended with mouth -watering culinary feast and millions of take home memories.
Dr. Vinita Patni
1983 batch
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