Boarding Life – Part I

By Elizabeth Thomas ('85 Batch)

The prayers we recited at the boarding should qualify us an entry in heaven (if St. Peter is lenient with the keys). Let’s list the major ones –

1.  Mass @ chapel ~ 6:00 -6:45 am

        2.  Prayer @ hallway ~ before school

        3.  Prayer @ area between infirmary

        4.  Rosary @ study hall ~ 6:00 pm

        5.  Night prayers @ dining hall ~ 8:00 pm

Besides the above, all meals were flanked by short prayers. And of course, you are also supposed to do your personal prayers before the holy water was sprinkled on you to enable a peaceful sleep at night and after the morning bell was rung to wake you up.  Sunday was a major prayer day. Garmented in white we either made our way to the chapel at MCC or Infant Jesus church (cathedral now).  I have to fess up that instead of paying attention to the mass, my mind often wandered to the flower arrangements and the finery that adorned the MCC chapel, perfectly coordinated with the robes the priest wore. While at IJ church I focused mostly on the choir and their fashionable clothes, hair styles and so forth. 

The study hall of the boarding was supposed to be the center of gravity for us. Between prayers, self grooming, recreation and school, we were allotted at least 3 solid hours per day. That was enough to strike a balance and avoid the ‘all play/all work’ situation. The brilliant ones simple shone in their studies (Preethi). The studious ones had opportunity to study extra hard in the upstairs study hall, sipping the coffee from the flasks which the ‘fans’ made. The not so studious ones would read M&B under the desk (mostly me) or narrate movies over the desk (mostly Veera).  Veera was a fan of actors such as Mithun & Shankar, Shirley – Kamal Hassan fan, Jaya – James Bond fan, Achumma – Amitabh fan.  Then there were the sport freaks like Jeena – fan of Kapil, Ravi Shastri, Azzar. The musically inclined ones enthralled us with live performance upon request – vocals (Veera & Shirley) and guitar (Mary Susan John). Then there were ‘the bold and the beautiful’ whom the not so bold and beautiful would admire (I dare not mention names).

Singing and dancing were very much a part of our life at MCC in preparation for feast days and house competitions. I admired the conducting and choreography by some of the prominent singers and dancers such as Achumma and Veera.  Some were adept at stage dramas such as Lynda – winner of MCC Oscars.

Boarding Life – Part II

By Elizabeth Thomas ('85 Batch)

Among other miscellaneous part of our boarding life, were visits by our parents or relatives. We enjoyed the eatables and fish pickles that they brought for us. Sometimes we managed to buy sweetmeats from across the street (Mysorepak). We also enjoyed the occasional movies and excursions that we were allowed to. I had the opportunity to do experimental stuff like cutting other's hair.  There were some others who did things like running away to their relative's place in the neighborhood.  We as friends had formed deep bonds, strong enough to last 25 years and more.  We had the privilege to familiarize ourselves with some of the sisters who would reach out to us in fellowship during the quiet moments of boarding life. Some of the nuns were very pretty. I often wondered at the conviction that led them to leave their families behind in order to choose this way of life. They taught us by being examples themselves.

I am grateful for having Sr. Thomas, Sr. Margeret, Sr. Effy,  Sr. Helen, etc., who took the place of my parents and guardians during my formative years.  I often wished some of the day scholars had stayed with us and tasted convent life briefly. We were sad at the prospect of  stepping outside the MCC walls when we had to part ways and yet excited at the thought of what life may have in store for us.  My life at MCC had groomed me into a confident person that I am today, ready to face challenges of the future.  I have also realized the impact the MCC environment has created on its alumnae bringing them success in whatever career or paths they may have chosen in life.

Inside the Convent Walls

By Elizabeth Thomas ('85 Batch)

I consider myself very lucky and grateful for the opportunity I've had to spend the best part of my life in MCC. The first time I came to MCC, I was awestruck by the colonial and catholic feel that pervaded Tangasseri. The reason, which I now realize, is that my brain was not yet a finished product then.  Sr. Thomas and Sr. Margaret with their regimented control over us made sure that our thoughts be ordered, impulses be controlled, concepts understood from day one. Sr. Patricia, Sr. Lucia, and the rest of the teaching squad were doing the same across the road from our boarding. This tight-knit school community offered its students the opportunity to learn in a comfortable and focused atmosphere and enabled them to receive individual attention.  Thus our neural foundations were laid that hard wired our brains for the rest of our lives.

The situation of MCC on the shores of the Arabian Sea, with its tall fence and stately gates gave a secure feel. I often took advantage of the slew of spots near the grotto close to the elementary school building, where I would pretend to study while watching the clouds rolling over the sea and fishing boats gently rocking on the sparkling waters, soaking up the salty air.  I would watch the parade of elegant Tangi ladies going up and down the street with their pretty dresses and coats. The “aroma” of MCC was very special, unique and engrained in our minds and memories. Sr. Patricia’s garden with its magnificent roses perfumed the air.

Sr. Patricia was known for her culinary creations. It was rumored that during feast days, she made or supervised the tastiest pork dish ever.  Towards Christmas the fragrance of wine, made by the very talented winemakers (nuns), used to infuse the convent. I could not figure out where the actual winery was. We would be in our own homes for vacation by the time the fermentation was complete and the drink ready for the table while they enjoyed the silent days.

A Reunion to Remember - Part II

By Rajashree Vijay ('85 Batch)

My memoirs would remain incomplete without making a special mention of those friends who made it all happen. Sreelatha who ran around taking care of the decorations, the slide shows, the lamp lighting ceremony, prayers, the transportation etc,   Veera, who made it an exquisite event with her fine skills in hosting and SR Kavitha who neatly crafted the souvenirs and carried them all the way from Bangalore were among few who took the pains to make it a reunion with a difference.    The effort they put in was magnanimous, resulting in a feeling of warmth and oneness to a batch of 20 odd classmates whose existence would have otherwise remained in oblivion. Unfortunately, there were few of our friends whose pessimistic attitude made them believe that a reunion was a worthless affair and a waste of time.  I pity them for missing out on this once in a life time occasion.

I tagged my reluctant daughter along with me to the reunion that day.   At first she seemed totally disinterested but accompanied me all the same at my insistence. She was so impressed towards the end of the party that as soon as we returned home, she picked up my collection of school photos and gazed through them with the most eager expression.  I watched perplexed as she identified each one she had met earlier that day.  She began to appreciate the essence of the meeting and understood why it had brought so much joy in my life.  With a glint in her eye she smiled as she uttered, ‘Mummy, my classmates and I will have a reunion too, some day’.

A Reunion to Remember - Part I

By Rajashree Vijay ('85 Batch)

The day dawned liked any other, but it was no ordinary day.   It was the day I was waiting for anxiously since the last 25 years of my life.  It was the day we had traveled from so far to partake in a momentous event called the ‘Reunion’. The reunion excitement swelled within me, as I debated on what I would wear that afternoon.  I guess, only those who have experienced one will understand its true significance.

I opened the door to the most welcoming face that morning.  It was none other than our dear Sheroo and as she said ‘come on” I felt myself transforming into a little school girl all over again. The hall reflected the mood we felt as we hugged and welcomed our long lost friends. There were tears and smiles when Jayashree walked in.  We hugged and wept as we moaned her sister and our classmate Rajashree’s untimely demise. It was so good of her to come in support of our reunion that day.  There were also some unexpected faces.

The presentation by Cynthia and speeches by Sreelatha, Veera, Sheroo and Deepa respectively were all moments to live for.  Deepa was a natural orator.  She recalled memories that resonated within us.  Oh, all those long lost days! She characterized each teacher with perfection and a tinge of such humour, that our squeals of laughter seemed to be boundless.  We were enraptured the whole time.  The Lunch was a splurge of delicacies but unfortunately we were so preoccupied catching up, that I don’t think any of us did much justice to the food.

Soon after the celebration, we headed for Mount Carmel, our good old school.  We met Sr. Effie and the other sisters at the convent.  We walked along the same paths we did as school girls, giggling and chatting away as we remembered many funny instances of school life.  We spent a few silent moments at the chapel and as we prayed we felt a sense of divinity come over us. We then decided to pay a surprise visit to Sandra who couldn’t make it to the party as she was in her final stages of pregnancy. What an excited Sandra we met that day! Photos with Sandra in 'Visiting Classmates Post Reunion' Album.

Reunion Felicitation

By Sheroo Philip (‘85 Batch)

My very dear friends,

It is indeed a rare honor for me to be asked to speak at this reunion. My warm greetings to each and every one of you present here. I take this opportunity to greet you all on behalf of our friends who are presently in the UAE and the Gulf. 

As we look back today at the brief but wonderful time we spent at Mount Carmel, we instinctly compare our high school days to that of our children and the kids of today.  I wonder how many of them would say that the days they spend at high school are one of the best times of their lives as many of us do. It is hard to convince a student that he or she would encounter problems more difficult and complicated than algebra and geometry. The friends we make in school and college stay with us for the rest of our lives.  It is ironic that we spend our school days yearning to graduate and our remaining days carrying nostalgia about our school days.

At this occasion, the first people we must acknowledge are our parents and teachers.  They are the people who have played a vital part in making us who we are today.  So dear friends, let us join together in expressing our sincere gratitude to our parents, teachers and other staff of Mount Carmel.

Today we raise a toast to our memories, the students, athletes and friends we once were – reunited now, reliving a shared past.We remember our friends – those with us now, those who couldn’t make it and those who are no longer with us. Don’t be dismayed at goodbyes.  A farewell is necessary to meet again. So bye! thank you and let us meet again! Check out the 'MCC Reunion Video' link for my 'Reunion Felicitation'.

My Reminiscenes

By Deepa Padmanabhan ('85 Batch)

The foundation of my education was laid strong by the primary teachers of MCC whom I will cherish throughout my life.  Their footprints have left me mightier than words!!!! 

Sr. Colette: I still remember her and her little umbrella.  The sweet smile with which she taught us vowels, phonetics in kindergarten.  I remember the green, red and white big beads of the Abacus that she used to teach us to count. She often requested us to bring used toothpaste tubes, powder boxes etc which were required for craftwork. 

Sr. Victoria: used to address us as ‘pussycat’ every time she saw us. The ‘Praise the Lord’ we had to greet her with. It was fun when she was around. 

Mrs Abraham: She wore her saree with the pallu neatly pinned at the shoulder, and walked with her head held high that commanded respect from us. She used to be strict with the English spellings and routine tables. (Sheroo you are indeed blessed with such a lovely auntie!!!!). For me it was a great start to the fabulous world of Maths.

Mrs Stella: She was strict at times, she pinched me on my arm for my awful Malayalam spellings. I still remember her when I slog at translating technical words for the Legislative Assembly.

Mrs Sabeena: She had a craze for jasmine flowers.  I liked her innocent smile …….so much of love. I recollect she was present at my wedding.

Ms. Avril: She had her straight hair neatly parted at the centre and wore thick rimmed glasses. She rarely smiled in class. Her geometry classes were simply superb. It helped me with my Engineering drawings. She taught us simple things like how to sharpen a pencil, the angle at which one should hold it while joining two given points in order to draw a straight line—not bolder nor lighter; and even how to erase a line…….. simply note worthy!

Mrs Teresa: Her Algebra classes were similar to an express train …exuberant! She stressed on the importance of practicing our sums regularly.  This helped me gain speed to tackle math problems at a later stage.

Indran: Our peon who used to ring the Chapatti shaped bell, one among the various duties assigned to him; not failing to render any of them though and fulfilled with total enthusiasm.

Looking out from the 2nd floor of the primary section, I remember once seeing a few whales which seemed to have had lost direction, funneling water like a fountain as they passed by.  I saw big ships sailing by in the distant horizon, taking away with it the boredom of the afternoon sessions.  Standing near the grotto, I could feel the chill breeze blow. I remember the games we played….’Sixteen stones’, ‘Help’ and the ‘rubber mittais’, ‘lovlolis’ from the Gujarati’s shop we looked forward to eat and not to forget the frozen sip-ups sold at Ms. Avril’s place were all simply delicious. Look out for me in the 'MCC Reunion - On a Trip Down Memory Lane' video link.

A Time to Reflect

By Sreelatha Kumar ('85 Batch)

25 years is a long time – could well be one third of one’s life. 2010 was a really blessed year. It was a great boon from above when our Facebook school contacts grew and grew this year- finally to culminate in tracing nearly the whole of our school batch, except for six more… and having our silver jubilee meeting in a most memorable way on July 24, 2010. This was when we had hardly seen any of our classmates for decades!!! Little did we know that ours was the 100^th batch to pass out of Mount Carmel’s hallowed halls - our twenty fifth year of passing out coincided with the school’s 125^th  year of existence,  and it was so very strangely celebrated in the same month at school- on July 15.

After passing out of Mount Carmel in 1985, I had barely any contact with anyone, except for a few close friends. One moved on with college, work, marriage- time spent in Kollam was never more than two months at a stretch. No mobiles, no internet, no contacts- how one earth does one really keep in touch with snail mail?  Schooldays had become a distant memory- really fuzzy around the edges, you can say like a tapestry with huge holes in between! But yet a few sharp images seem to be recorded in my brain. Memories are like moths trapped within an old chest- once the lid is pried open, they fly out in a veritable flurry. You may not remember everything in sequence, or the so called momentous happenings… but you are left with a few snapshots that have stuck in your mind somewhere. You can watch me on the 'MCC Reunion - What are we up to these days' Video Link.

Mount Carmel – in the 70s and 80s.…

By Sreelatha Kumar ('85 Batch)

I remember the one and only time, in 8^th std I suppose, when we practiced the traditional Kerala Thiruvathira Kali. Our school (MCC) had this ‘refined atmosphere’ where I think we thought we were freshly imported from England- we spoke entirely in English, read only English novels, sang English songs, wore western clothes - I think we effectively forgot that we were part of a predominantly Malayalam speaking society. So doing Thiruvathira Kali was definitely out of the ordinary.  Sreevidya was one of those who taught us the steps. My frustration at being unable to get even one step right still lingers in my mind.  My mother helped with the make up, which is the only time I remember her having stepped into the portals of our new school block. (Just think of the number of PTA’s we attend for our kids today!).  

I remember sitting with my friends near the grotto eating our packed lunch, from where we could hear the roar of the waves hitting the shores in the background.  I can still visualize, the grainy beach-sand coating our legs, as we watched the kindergarteners climb up the scratchy surfaced sand-coloured playground slide. I remember the novelty of our batch being the first one to incorporate the ‘extra’ subject in ICSE and the choice of P.E, and Home Science, the coming to school on Saturdays for basketball, learning the rudiments of Volleyball. For some reason Mary John’s face comes to mind, maybe she was a good volleyball player? I remember enjoying our 10th std, feeling seniormost in the school, taking on the extra workload of studies and the sheer fear gripping me as the public exams approached.

Assembly Sessions

By Sherene alias Mary Bennet (’89 Batch)

I remember, our school assembly began with the news reading session which I hated the most.   However, it was the 'thought for the day' that I always looked forward to. Occasionally, the assembly lasted long and the sweltering heat of the tropical sun was too much to bear for those who had skipped breakfast.  Every morning our school principal played western classical music (Mozart or Beethoven) in an attempt to lift our spirits while we marched up to our classrooms. It sounded so surreal to us back then as the music blasted through the loud speakers that were mounted at prominent positions around the school building.

Before we made our way to the classrooms, the house leaders took their positions to stand guard on us to see if our uniforms were in order, shoes were without heels, no jewellery, colourful ribbons or bindis worn and certainly no long or polished nails! Many a times I trembled with fear as they drew near me wondering if they would find something wrong with me that day and breathed a great sigh of relief when I passed undetected.