A Tribute to Sainik School Tilaiya

When I think of my academic career, no stage matches the quality and aura of that of Sainik School Tilaiya. I still remember the day when I boarded the train from Gaya to Koderma, accompanied by my father and mother. I was much younger then, bespectacled, skinny and not so tall. The first day, we were allocated houses, a trunk, a few clothes etc – all to start a new phase of life. I remember my mother’s eyes carrying a few drops of tears when my parents were about to bid adeau. I also wept inconsolably that night, seemingly forlorn in the school. Unsurprisingly, that night, almost every one was sobbing.

We didn’t know it then that we were about to enter a phase of life which would have an imprint on the rest of our lives. The discipline of daily schedule, the orderliness in our behaviour, the quality of teaching, the fervour of comradeship learnt during those days, are a few things that still define me, and probably will do so ever. The pride of sporting the uniform, the intial few days of learning many new games, the fear of seniors which nothing in life can generate again, the bossism over the juniors etc are unique to the life of SST. My five years in the school were the most formative of my years, I can firmly say that, even though I studied later at many prestigious institutes too.

Mostly though, it was the teaching that I recevied there has moulded my career. There I learned the art of studying. My improved English, if that can be called, is solely dedicated to the interest and zeal invoked by Mr MP Menon’s classes. My aptitude in Arts subjects (History, Geography etc) was developed in no small measure by Mr Gyaneshwar Jha, Mr MP Srivastava, Mr Anjani Kumar etc. Maths was a systematic science under Mr DN Pandey. Science subjects were revelation for me under Mr D Maiti, Mr Debashish Das, Mr Panda etc. May be I have exagerrated, but the reality is if I am good in studies now also, it is attributed to SST.

Quiz, Debate, Declamation, Cultural Competitions and various Sports Events of Football, Basketball, Cricket, Volley Ball etc were a few things I have not been fortunate enough to experience again. How good rare days were those then?

I only wish the current students realise the priceless chance that they are receiving here, and utilise it to the fullest extent. It will shape their career, in whatever field their destiny is meant to be. The theme of ‘Forward Ever’ will never fail them, that is one thing I can vouch for.