November 1st, the red letter day, eagerly awaited by all, a day which would see the return of a routine, after more than a year due to the pandemic Covid-19. Saraswathi Vidyalaya, Trivadrum immediately sprung into action as soon as the school guidelines were announced by the State Government. The management, principal, and staff got together chalking out how to implement the protocol. The school, in collaboration with parents who were trusted, did everything possible to make the “New Normal” a reality. As the students began to arrive, the usual rush was missing due to the governments Covid protocol. School authorities and staff members greeted each student warmly, handed them a mask and sanitizer after thermal checking and sanitizing their hands as they entered the gate, and hoped and prayed that everything would be fine. It was emphasized to all that social distancing must be maintained at all time. The atmosphere was palpable as everyone was happy to be back and be among familiar surroundings. As Parvathy of XII B put it, “I couldnt sleep the night before because of the teeming excitement that had built up over the prospect of going to school the next day.” Anxiety levels were lower among students because they simply wanted to be back. “The long absence from school had made me realise the importance of school in my life,” said Mohammed Aasim of X A. Children felt that, on the first day, with all of its restrictions, will be imprinted in their minds for a long time for the relief and hope that it brought to all of them that, life would return to how it was before Covid.
Homecoming at Saraswathi Vidyalaya
