9 Jun 2011
When we first told Chula’s class teacher(also the school founder) that we are planning to move to India, R’s first question was, ‘Of course only after she finishes her graduation ceremony with us right? Because you know how much she is looking forward to graduating’. When R found out that it was not the case, she was more upset than us. She said, ‘Its only a month, so leave her with me, she can graduate and then join you guys in India’, we both laughed it off and pretended that it was not a serious offer. Two days later she asked me again if we are serious about moving before the graduation. We were, with school starting in India on June 13th, I wanted a month in between to settle down. ‘Well, in that case’ said R, ‘Chula will have a graduation. A special one, a proper one, with all bells and whistles. Even if she is the only child who is graduating in this ceremony, we will not cut any corners. The child deserves it.’
So the school sent a letter to all parents that Chula will have a special graduation. From time to time they discussed in circle time about what would be a fitting farewell for Chula and Mieja. Ideas were pooled, teachers made a special graduation hat and the children practiced their songs. Chula wore the school’s traditional graduation attire, sang songs, recited a poem, did a special Indian folk dance and made a ‘WHO AM I?’ poster. It was a touching ceremony. Almost all the adults present cried. Who wouldn’t when you hear a bunch of children singing this?
PS1: This is 1/5 songs the children sang.
PS2: Mieja wasn’t left out. G Is For Gold(And Silver) follows soon.
17 Responses for "G Is For Graduation"
Absolutely lovely! Beautiful singing and equally cute giggling:) Chula has a very sweet voice. And as far as the graduation ceremony goes, yes, I definitely miss the American way of ‘doing things meticulously” irrespective of how big/small the occasion is!
UTBT SAYS: Thanks Usha. I like the song so much, but am banned from singing it. She keeps yelling at me that I am singing off key. She has declared all attempts to teach me is futile because, “Amma, can I say something…… you are a little, not much….just a little, not listening to the tone or the tune. “
What a lovely voice!!! I especially loved the giggling at the end!!!!
UTBT SAYS: Almost all of their recordings have giggles. I used to get so worked up about it, but now I like it this way.
Wow. That is SO SO special. M and C are lucky girls!
UTBT SAYS: Yep they are!!
🙂 really nice of the school ..lovely voices
UTBT SAYS: Thanks Shruti. That school has set our bar high…. H.I.G.H.
Well.. Dust fell on my eyes again!! Why do you have to go and post this!! Have to go wipe away the tears(Promise, caused by dust or onion)!! Bye.
UTBT SAYS: Same bloody dust here too!
Adorable! She sings so beautifully. Antu wants to listen to it again and again now. 🙂
Btw, YY – How come no dust fell on your eyes when you got married and went off to Amreeka leaving your little Sis behind after TWO decades of togetherness?!!!!! huh? HUH?
UTBT SAYS: Thanks Boo. Sabash seriyana potti-ya yirukke!!
that’s so nice of teacher R. I wonder if teacher’s have this connection with kids at India I mean the majority there are always exceptions and I know people who are passionate about it..
lovely graduation for a lovely girl…
UTBT SAYS: Yes it is very nice of the teachers. It was a cozy ceremony.
Her singing is wonderful !
UTBT SAYS: Thanks Ranjani.
OK UTBT…officially I am deaf 🙁 I couldn’t hear the song…pretty sweet of the teachers to have done that. REally sweet and I say we need more of these teachers to make life more meaningful.
UTBT SAYS: Sent you the song as an attachment. Sometimes it asks for layer update an displays an empty page.
How adorable!! Such a lovely gesture by the teacher to take the time and effort. They are indeed special kids 🙂
UTBT SAYS: They are blessed. As they grow up, hope they recognize and are thankful for these little blessings in their lives.
What a ringing voice, bursting with confidence and joy! That, along with the compelling words, surely has the power to move mountains, don’t you agree?
UTBT SAYS: Yes . Plus I am the mother, so I believe in even more 🙂
Such a wonderful voice. oru pisuru thattala, loved the confidence with which she sings. C is really gifted with a good voice for sure. I am so glad that the school here was so understanding & considerate and they made it a special occasion for C&M.
UTBT SAYS: Thanks Anu. Yes, we are lucky to have been in a school like that.
Very nice song..Is there an original version of this song ? Or this is it 🙂
UTBT SAYS: Su, the children have been singing this song for a long time in their school. I was googling for more details and could’t find any.
What beautiful words! No wonder she loves the school so much and wanted to do an extra week..
love the giggles.. such little darlings they are! And all the best to all of you as they start with the new school next week 🙂
btw.. what was the Indian folk dance all about?
UTBT SAYS: We have a parent teacher meeting in the new school today. Chula will be meeting her teacher for the first time today.
Chula went for a folk dance taught by this lady in San Jose-Cupertino. I liked it because the choice of songs, lyrics and steps were age appropriate, no writhing and rolling on the floor. The teacher teaches one regional folk dance(karagam, kummi, kolattam kinds) and one bollywood song(but again the steps and costumes are child friendly) in a year. The kids liked it because the teacher gave important to the process, let them have fun moving their bodies to the music and as a result the product was amazing.
She also teaches for adults in case you are interested.
So, your kids went to Xpressions? Nice… it is indeed a small world 🙂 I go for the adult class there, met someone who knows you… A small world, indeed!
UTBT SAYS: Did you do the Fri eve class or the Sun afternoon class? I am sure we must have passed each other a few times when I dropped off the child. Small world indeed.
Friday evening… Am sure we must have passed each other 🙂
UTBT SAYS: 🙂
So…so cute! She must miss them all so much. How is she coping in India?
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