The last day in our school life is an indelible memory with sweet memories of our school life. It is a record of pleasant memories that occupy a special place in our life. Though it is a traditional affair, it has a very deep impact on the students who are leaving their “alma mater” after a period of studies there. The memories of my school farewell day still linger in my mind with ever fresh emotions. The Farewell Day It is a day of excitement. I am going to have different way of life. So far, for the past twelve years of high school studies, everyday it dawned with the thoughts of studies and home work.
But from tomorrow onwards I will have different kinds of thoughts and burdens. No homework of writing pages of answers. My friends Mani, Kumar, Saru and Joe will have different plans which I may not be able to join. I may not be able to spend hours and hours with them in combined study. This very thought about them brought tears in my eyes. Farewell Party My teachers and the school authorities have arranged for a farewell party. I remember the party of the of the previous year, when our seniors handed over the lighting candles symbolically asking us to keep up the tradition of the school and bring glory and fame to the school and students.
They loved us and wept bitterly when they passed on the light to us. But I could not meet any of them afterwards. That is the beauty of life. To meet, to love and then to depart! Is it the fate of life? On the day of the farewell party we exchanged our feelings and emotions and the party came to an end with some light snacks. Farewell To Our Teachers I still remember the farewell advice given by the head of our school. It should be the “Magna Charta” of every student. It suits all ages though it is quoted from the Taittireya Upanishad, a part of the Vedas.
More about “Farewell to Manzanar” here.
This advice had been passed on from generation to generation. The fifteen points he mentioned should be followed by every student. The Fifteen Points of Taittireya, Upanishad These fifteen points were mentioned every year in the farewell talk of our school. It is an advice to a student who finishes his learning at the feet of a Guru staying with him day and night for a number of years away from his home. It is a way of life prescribed by the ancient Vedas for the uplift of humanity. Here are those fifteen points. 1) Always speak the truth. Only truth prevails.
Truth can protect you from every evil. 2) Follow the Dharma of life. Every walk of life has its own duties or Dharma. The Dharma that you follow will become the Karma of your life and lead you to eternity. 3) Study something daily. That should become a habit of life. 4) Everyday learn something new. Share your knowledge daily with others. Knowledge not shared is a mere waste. Only by sharing and discussing it can be improved. It gives you more and more enlightenment. 5) Don’t commit anything untrue. It will lead you to darkness. This stresses the importance of Truth. ) Don’t step on anything which is against Dharma. It is nothing but suicide. 7) Give your Guru or the teacher his due. Don’t disappoint him in any way. He may not be avaricious in getting from you. It is not fitting for a Guru to go after wealth. Even a handful of grain given by you with all your heart may please him. 8) Extend your generation either by marrying a fitting lady or having a good group of disciples. Through your children and through your disciples you can promote your knowledge. 9) Do everything to save your immortal soul. You are free now.
There may not be any Guru to guide you hereafter. But if you lead a careless life and lose your soul what will be the ultimate benefit? 10) Earn wealth enough for your existence. Spend your wealth diligently without wasting. Wealth is necessary for life; but wealth is not all life. 11) May your mother be your visible god. “Matru deva bava“. Respect to maternity is very important because the mother bears you in her womb. 12) In the same way father has he right of your respect. Their blessing will be a cause of flourishing in all your generations. They are not to be thrown away in their old age. 3) Your ancestors have to be commemorated on certain days and sacrifices are to be offered. 14) “Acharadevabava” means elders have to be respected. Reverence to parents, teachers and elders is the channel of grace and fortune. 15) “Athithidevabava’ means treating guests and the needy with reverence as they are the images of Almighty. The farewell day of my school life and the message I got on that day are still directing my life to success. Education is not a means of finding a job or spending some years in a place. It is the blossoming of personality into fullness!