Arindam Bharadwaj ,VII C , Scindia School , Gwalior : Soon after joining The Scindia School one of the first things which struck me as simply remarkable was the spectacular performance of the School Band. I saw how the band added grandeur to celebrations like Independence Day, Founder’s Day and many other important occasions. It was then that I made up my mind that I too would be a part of it. In class VII I took band as a hobby and worked really hard to master the tunes that we were taught. After about four months of dedicated practice I was selected for the RDC 2011.
Then started the rigorous practice schedule in school. While the other boys enjoyed sports or other fun activities we ‘the members of the School Band’ would slog at the Band store learning new tunes and perfecting old ones. Soon started the marching practice from Mahadji House to Junior School and sometimes to the Gurudwara. Our Seniors Rishabh, Harshotsav, Kshitij, Devyash and others worked much harder as they also had the task of training us.After a short winter break we left for Delhi. Here we realized that though we were undoubtedly a great contingent yet we needed a lot of practice to stand out amidst stiff competition. It is only the best who are allowed the glory of marching on the Rajpath. We were determined not to let the opportunity go so every morning we got up at 4 a.m. and practiced both for the march on the Rajpath as well as for the Guard of Honour. Our Band Instructor Mr Ramesh Sharma kept our spirits high with his constant words of motivation. It was a day of great joy and relief when we were told of our selection. A few days before 26th January we got a short hair cut known as the ‘cup cut’. I must say all of us looked really handsome.
We practiced on the Rajpath for six days. During the practice session I didn’t feel any thrill as there were no spectators. However the feeling of the final day is indescribable. As we marched on the Rajpath my heart swelled with pride to see people on either side cheering us and clapping with appreciation. I also knew that my parents back home and my fellow Scindians would be glued to the T.V. set.
Every time Harshotsav threw the stick high up in the air people gasped with wonder. As we reached the saluting dias we played our favourite tune ‘ Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja’. Though we had been strictly instructed not to look at the President yet I couldn’t resist and caught a glimpse. Later when we saw the video everyone caught me and a few others do so yet we escaped a scolding in the post march excitement.
When we returned to Gwalior we were received warmly at the station by the Old Boys and parents. We were also felicitated in the morning assembly. As we went up the stage to receive the certificates the hall resounded with loud claps. Truly it was each Scindian’s moment of pride.
The one month long stay in the cold biting weather of Delhi and the intense practice also had several moments of fun. Kuldeep, my batchmate, and I would crack jokes till late at night and he would laugh so loudly that the bed would start shaking. Once he even fell down from the bed. My senior from class VIII Manas became quite popular among the girl cadets and everyone teased him as the girls pulled his cheeks and showered him with chocolates. We also enjoyed buying things from CSD at concessional rates. Many of us worked as ‘Chocolate Boys’ delivering chocolates from some of our seniors to the girls of Pilani Band and from them to our boys. We got our own share in return for this service. We particularly enjoyed making rock versions of the tunes while we took breaks from our practice at Rajpath.
In all it was a wonderful experience which I will cherish forever. I am already eager for the next year.
Arindam Bharadwaj ,VII C