Revisiting the Alma Mater

In our lives, you played the role of a dynamic and bustling airport,
From which we soared in life´s azure skies, enjoying our flights of high import;
Some took to exploring various corners of our Mother Earth,
Of diplomats, businessmen and bankers amongst us there is no dearth.

Some flew literally high while others specialized in foretelling weather,
Some rose to positions of eminence in industries as diverse as IT and leather;
The allure of entrepreneurship and private sector careers proved irresistible to some,
Many found academics, social entrepreneurship and public services less worrisome.

Probability theories taught us to manage uncertainty at life´s myriad stations,
Laws of motion led us to motivate people and have positive interpersonal relations;
Differential calculus taught us to analyze situations without tears,
Integral exhorted us to take an overall strategic view in all spheres.

Structure of elementary particles made us discover forces of spirituality in life,
Principles of magnetism and radiation helped shape our career and family life;
Theory of relativity taught us the art of empathy and understanding others better,
Bending of light forewarned us of the perils of loose talk, gossip and a wrong letter.

While in your hallowed portals, we enjoyed bunking classes,
The brainy ones worked on assignments which were copied by the masses;
Cornering important books from the Central Library was a critical vocation,
For poking fun at our teachers, Coffee House was the prime location.

Improptu musical sessions led to greater bonding on the open green lawn,
Studious ones sneaked upto the hostel terrace to study till the next dawn;
Evening visits to Kamla Market after feasting on goodies sent by devoted mothers,
Bird-watching for some, an act of revolt against the listless hostel meals for others.

Life offered transient infatuations to some, others found their long term soul mates,
Cupid was never failing in its duties when it came to fixing platonic dates;
Evening shadows led to the Lovers´ Lane where future plans were drawn,
Many of these – struck by life`s harsh slings and arrows – were eventually withdrawn.

The Class of 1974, Department of Physics and Astrophysics, Delhi University, Delhi, India

Four decades on, the influence of Alma Mater continues to be deep and vast,
Its passion for academic excellence and superiority in research remains steadfast;

Technology and social attitudes have changed but policies continue to be awesome,
Do continue to nurture young minds in a culture of excellence for all times to come.