Issuu

Maharani Gayatri Devi

Ms Lilian G. Lutter Founder Principal, Padma Shri 1943-1980

My dear girls of the ’81 batch, How can I forget the beautiful dancers of this class! You all took interest in learning and I enjoyed teaching. I especially want to mention Parul Singhal, who always kept the costumes and jewellery in the costume cupboard and left the Dance Hall absolutely clean after the dance programmes. Shabash Parul! I wish you and your dear ones All The Best. B. Aneja

Most outstanding Batch of ’81, an epitome of humanitarianism and self-sufficiency, with a penchant for independence. May God bestow His bounty of health, happiness and prosperity into your kitty. I also pray that God enlightens you and you rise above self and place human values before self. All the best in all your endeavours. You are always there in my prayers. Stay blessed. Ms Laxmi Singh

Ms Nanda

Alka Dhurka Singhania

Hello Friends, After spending many wonderful days in MGD and later at Maharani College, I got married into a very loving and warm joint family. I am blessed with a daughter, Ruchika, and a son Aayush. I have been a full-time housewife, which has been a lovely and very satisfying part of my life. I keep myself busy doing social work with an NGO. Our NGO is called ARPAN. We go into villages in the heart of Chhattisgarh and teach the local residents vocational skills, stitching and how to use computers. We work with girls and women with the aim of skilling them and enabling them to earn a livelihood. We also educate them in personal hygiene and other life skills. alkasinghania04@gmail.com

What a beautiful journey it has been! The teachers, the dancing and music and art, the games (loved basketball, hated hockey). And the wonderful, wonderful friends!! The bond is as strong as ever; thanks to technology, we have been able to reconnect and it’s like school days again whenever we get together. My parents returned to India in 1979, so I did my ISC and medical studies (MBBS, MS in OB-GYN) from Allahabad. Married a charming orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Kapil Kulshreshtha, established our practice in Allahabad, and have three lovely children. Shivangi, 23, is pursuing a career in physics. Shreya, 20, is doing work in films and art. And Shashwat, the delight of our semiretired lives, is 3-1/2 years old. Trying to pass on the motto, “our utmost for the highest”, to my children.

Anita Agarwal Kulshreshtha

My father was working in Zambia. And my parents wanted my values, traditions and upbringing to remain Indian. They decided to send me to a boarding school in India, and I joined MGD as a boarder in Class 5 in 1973.

kapil_anita@yahoo.co.uk

Anjleen Berar , nee Singh

I joined MGD at the tender age of six. My father served with the Indian Armed Forces and was a single parent. MGD was my first home and my second home as well. Friends were akin to siblings and we formed a sisterhood that was to last a lifetime. Life, for me, has been a constant stream of learning and teaching. Straight out of Lady Irwin College, I got my first job as a teacher in Bluebells International School, Delhi. Since then, I’ve worked at Amity International School as coordinator and headmistress, principal of Mount Litera Zee School, and now am vice-principal of Delhi World Public School, Noida Extension. In between, I did my M.A. and M.Ed, motivated by my father and my father-in-law. My husband and I have been happily married for 32 years, and we have a daughter and a son. My big MGD milestones: being elected vice-president of the School Council, crowned Ms MGD, and awarded the Best Conduct and All Rounder medals. My biggest takeaway: the values instilled in us by Miss Lutter and the MGD faculty. anjleenberar@gmail.com

I have since had the opportunity to live in many different places, and meet and interact with a cross-section of people. That’s because my husband was in the Indian Army and was regularly posted to different stations. I would take up a teaching job wherever we went and would enjoy engaging with children of various age groups. Now, after having taught in schools for years, I have embarked on a new career innings - I have started my own tutorial classes and help children prepare for various entrance exams, the IELTS and SATs.

Anu Malik

It’s been a long journey since I left MGD. After completing my schooling, I joined Punjab University, where I did my graduation and post-graduation.

I am the mother of two lovely girls, both of them happily married. I love reading and travelling. mukeshbawa_2003@yahoo.co.in

Archana Garg Singhal

MGD is the song in my heart that has an everlasting resonance! Today, I am a soft skill aand language trainer. My work involves a lot of interaction with all kinds of people. The ability to blend seamlessly, the inner confidence one exudes are some of the things that come naturally to every MGDian. And I am no exception! The set of values I strive to pass on were taught to me not only by my parents at home, but also by the most wonderful teachers at school. I shall forever be grateful to my alma mater, my dear school, for making me what I am. Those enriching, fun-filled 12 years spent at school are strongly etched in my memory and never fail to brighten a dark spot in the day. Long Live MGD! More Power to You! archanasinghal07@gmail.com

After marriage, I moved to Kolkata and have been fortunate to have spent the past 22 years of my life furthering preschool education. I have headed the first branch of Kangaroo Kids International Preschool in Kolkata since 2002. The past 20 years have been an exhilarating and rewarding journey, training young brains. I have also enjoyed writing scripts for the annual concert and training the teachers. Currently I am serving as a trustee for the Calcutta Foundation, an NGO that works to uplift women and children through welfare activities that enable them to be self-reliant and live with dignity.

Archana Sharda Mantri

My MGD years were some of the best years of my life. Memories of the stately building, dignified Miss Lutter, the teachers, huge halls, classrooms, paintings and gardens are still alive.

I have two children, Raghav and Radhika. I wish my fellow MGDians a life of zest and contentment - a lesson we learnt at our alma mater - Our utmost for the highest. mantriarchana1@gmail.com

Elke Krause - Hannak

After leaving MGD, I completed my school and university education in Berlin, Germany. In 1989, I moved to Bangladesh, then to India, Timor Leste, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and now I am in Turkey. I work in development cooperation with a focus on education and have worked with the UN, NGOs and bilateral donors. I have been married to a wonderful Austrian, Jürgen, since 1994 and we have two lovely daughters, Anjleen and Nandini, who are both at uni completing their master’s degrees. My friendships with MGDians have remained special in my life, it has been a joy to stay in touch these 50+ years and I look forward to the next years. In Germany, our base is my father’s former farmhouse, which has lots of space and where guests are always welcome. elke_dili@web.de

Gauri Singh

My years in MGD laid a strong foundation for the journey of life ahead. I was selected for the Indian Administrative Service in 1987. That took me from the deep jungles of Bastar to the industrial hub of Dewas, and many other places in Madhya Pradesh. I have worked closely with marginalised communities, designed policies and implemented programmes in health, livelihoods and energy. My work has received recognition at the national and international levels. While with the Government of India, I designed the framework for the National Solar Mission in 2010. This has been recognised as an initiative that has transformed the Indian solar energy sector. After 32 years in the IAS, I switched gears and moved to Abu Dhabi as Deputy Director General at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). My husband is a batchmate in the IAS, and I have a son, who is a corporate lawyer. gauriysingh@gmail.com

Hema Rathore , nee Deora

A minuscule number of children are fortunate enough to have a holistic and enriching experience in their formative years. I believe I am one of those lucky few. My time at MGD has been one of the most important and fruitful phases of my life. It was a wholesome journey, where I learnt from the finest teachers, collaborated with bright schoolmates and made lifelong friendships. I owe my optimistic attitude, zeal to keep learning and willingness to help others to my school. The values and skills that I learnt at MGD have helped me adapt to and get the best out of life, whether it be starting a business well past the age of 50, or tackling the challenges of being a homemaker and a mother, or doing a stint as a primary school teacher. MGD played a great part in igniting my love for books, cooking and knitting. My romance with my alma mater didn’t end with my passing out as I was fortunate that my daughter also joined MGD. This enabled me to deepen my bond with my school. hemadrathore@gmail.com

Ahead of the Rest, Rest, We Are the Best! Best! Class of 1981

Dr Jasmeet Kaur Saini

Hello dear friends. I am Jasmeet Kaur - hope you won’t find it hard to remember me! I am a doctor by profession, an alumna of SMS Medical College Jaipur, married to a gynaecologist, and blessed with a son. I am settled in Hoshiarpur, Punjab. I run a hospital and serve society in the field of gynaecology along with my husband, and my son will be joining us soon (fingers crossed). We try to serve mankind to the best of our ability. I feel blessed that I am a part of the MGD family. I was guided by a team of talented, caring, strong and intelligent teachers and mentors, who encouraged all-round development of students. I still remember the good old carefree days and a part of me still resides in those walls of MGD. I must say, my best memories are memories of MGD. Hope to see you guys soon. Love you all and God bless you all. jasmeetsaini264@gmail.com / 8847567668

Words from “Life’s Mirror” by Madeline S. Bridges, learnt at MGD, have been guiding me ever since I was a little girl. I am married, am the mother of two loving children, and grandmother of my MGDian daughter Purnima’s adorable son. Based in Punjab, I am the director of an innovative paddy straw processing industrial unit. My work involves promoting economically viable, sustainable agriculture by improving soil health and producing safe foods without chemical residues. My passion for reading has given me a creative perspective as I have joined an NGO where we discuss books and take up projects to help underprivileged students.

Madhulika Kukkar Nagpal

“Give to the world the best you have, and the best will come back to you.”

Deep gratitude to the founder of our school, the principal, teachers and classmates for the most formative and joyous phase of my life. Cheers to those cherished moments that linger in our hearts and inspire us. In the words of Howard A. Walter: “I would look up, and laugh, and love, and lift.” madhulikankukkar@gmail.com

Dr Madhulika Naithani , nee Misra

Felicitations to everyone. Post-school, I did a master’s in English Literature and thereafter became a lecturer in Jaipur. For my Ph.D, I researched on the Irish maverick writer, Oscar Wilde. Besides teaching for three decades, I have supervised many doctoral theses as an associate professor cum research guide, HOD of English and head, Faculty of Arts. I am in gratitude to Rajmata Sahiba, Miss Lutter and my teachers for nurturing an ideal institution, imparting holistic education in the truest sense. The school motto, the eclectic prayers, the rousing school song, the abiding friendships and Miss Lutter’s ingenious aphorisms like, “Those who are busy have time to spare”, have anchored me through life’s journey. Teaching has offered me an opportunity to “pass on the baton” of knowledge and character to successive generations of students and make a meaningful contribution to society. Married to a technocrat, I have a wonderful son, a software techie residing with his charming wife, a data scientist, in the US. I’m ever so grateful to my family (both Mishra and Naithani) and my close friends for their unstinted love and support showered upon me through the crests and falls of life. madhulika.naithani1989@gmail.com

I was extremely fortunate to study at MGD, which professed a strong educational and ethical philosophy. It was this foundation that helped me pursue a dream of becoming an educator. Slowly and steadily, I charted my course for a successful career, keeping the school motto, OUR UTMOST FOR THE HIGHEST, in my heart. In 2019, I bid farewell to teaching to fulfil the promises made to my family, who had supported me throughout my journey of self-discovery.

Madhurima Dhar Kaul

Born in one of the most strikingly beautiful regions of India, Jammu & Kashmir, and raised in a traditional army atmosphere, I grew up to be a B.R.A.T. (Born, Raised And Transformed).

I now bask in the loving company of my husband, with whom I have had 36 glorious years of togetherness and plan to spend our future with our son in Canada. Apart from that, I have always had a keen interest in reading, listening to music and spending time with my loved ones. rubydharkaul@gmail.com

Mayank Singh

MGD brings back fond memories of various classroom shenanigans, shared afternoon lunches in the Rose Garden, dozing off in Mrs Mathew’s Biology classes (only to be woken up by a perfectly aimed chalk from her), and the carefree days, all of which made school feel like home. We really lived each day to the fullest! I joined MGD as a shy and demure girl in P2A (4th) with Miss Woods as the class teacher. I still remember being nervous on my first day, but Miss Lutter made me feel at ease with her charming and enigmatic personality. MGD provided us with an allround holistic education in the truest sense. I learnt a lot from my teachers, friends and batchmates, lessons that help me to this day and inspire me to do my utmost for the highest! I am a homemaker and love to embroider, knit, cook and tend to my garden in my free time. I am married and have a daughter, who is also an ex-MGDian and is currently a lecturer at St Stephen’s College, Delhi University. mayankmursan@gmail.com

I was fortunate to belong to the best batch that MGD ever had, the CLASS OF 1981, some of those friendships stretch over 5 decades - just sisters from other mothers! How lucky am I! I live in Vancouver, Canada. Grandma to 2 beautiful baby girls. Mum to 2, ma-in-law to 1. Married to my best pal for 35 years. The kids have grown up, and flown away, but we have Molly our Labrador to keep us still young and fit.

Mekhala Murdeshwar

In the autumn of my life, I pause a moment to think what got me here…knowledge on life was best anchored in MGD, where we skinned our hearts, and skinned our knees, learnt of love and ABCs, and maybe some sort of education in the classrooms was also acquired.

I indulge in quilting and knitting, hobbies that over time have become enjoyable. Career woman in the field of insurance. I persevere and carry on, life is not always perfect, and sometimes it hurts, but I put on my lipstick and high heels and face adversity, for MGD ’81 taught me to live life to its utmost. mskale@telus.net

Menaka Singh

MGD gave me the framework for a happy life. Being here meant growing up in an environment that encouraged free expression. That is something that will always have great value for me. Along with everything else, MGD gave us all the precious gift of lifelong friendship. I remember Miss Lutter and all our teachers with affection and a sense of gratitude. Needless to say, I never miss an opportunity to visit MGD. After spending twelve years at MGD, I left for Delhi to attend college. During college and later, I worked with environmental NGOs, getting a chance to travel in rural India. That experience left a deep impression on me. I returned to Jaipur in 1989, eventually settling into a career as a Geography teacher. Over the years, I have dabbled in a few hobbies including photography, bird watching and travelling, which I enjoy very much. I also like spending time with my family and friends. singh.menaka@gmail.com

Professionally, I ventured into the world of garments and fashion, and spent nearly 15 years in the industry, rising to lead the company. During this period, I created fashion lines for reputed international brands and travelled overseas extensively on work and participated in fashion shows. I am the mother of two boys and wife of a successful corporate professional. I consider myself a global citizen, having lived overseas for many years and both my children being abroad. Over the last few years, I have involved myself considerably with charity and social work. I am also deeply into spirituality and Buddhism, and am currently the district leader for Nichiren Buddhism.

Mini Saurabh , nee Srivastava

MGD…made me who I am today. A proud, smart and confident alumna. It is here that I learnt the little nuances, the finesse and the essence of life. It turned me into a beautiful human being and taught me humility, compassion and zest for the future.

I enjoy music and singing, and am an amateur painter, creating oil canvases. minisaurabh64@gmail.com

Monica Kar , nee Bajaj

I was in MGD only in Classes 11 and 12, but those two years were so full of camaraderie and adventure that they are imprinted on my mind. Two special people to thank: Ms Lutter, grace, discipline and love personified; and Maharani Gayatri Devi, who held us in awe each time she elegantly stepped into school. My best memories: learning to eat melted ice-cream with forks :), Tara, who took care of us in IB hostel, hockey (I was games captain), playing Holi with shoe-polish, lining up to get our uniform dupattas ‘pinned’ by star-pinner Sujata Somaia! Playing Shylock (with the most scratchy beard) in Merchant of Venice and a bangle-seller in the Dance Extravaganza choreographed by creative genius Ms Aneja, who made even two-leftfeet me dance! Absconding to watch Ram Balram in a cinema hall, being taken to Ms Lutter on our return! Oh! So many wonderful memories! So many friendships created that have stood the test of time! I went on to graduate in English. Lived in many places. Now settled with my family in USA and am a grandmother. Sending much gratitude to the staff and faculty and many blessings for all who study there. momm63@gmail.com

I then attended Maharani College and got married at the tender age of 20. I have two beautiful daughters and a handsome grandson. We all live together with my in-laws. I manage the family business and am a director/partner in manufacturing and distribution. I have been a successful homemaker and later a capable businesswoman. I give credit to MGD for this.

Monica Khanna Kackar

I am a proud alumna of MGD. The school helped me to be confident and capable. I achieved my potential in academics, dance and sports. I was the best dancer in school and also sports captain of Helen Keller. I passed out of ISC with flying colours.

MGD has taught me values and given me a sisterhood that I cherish. The bonds we created at MGD still endure. I thank my teachers for imparting good values and morals to us while providing us with the best education. monicakhanna13@gmail.com, monikakhanna23@gmail.com

Dr Mukta Singhvi

MGD, my alma mater, gave me the education and grooming needed to become the person I am, always striving to do my UTMOST FOR THE HIGHEST. A Rhodes Scholar from Oxford University with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, I have been a Professor of Psychology for the past 33 years. I currently head the Department of Psychology at the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. I am also a trained Counselor and Psychotherapist. So apart from being Coordinator of the Psychological Counselling Cell of our university, I also have my own clinical practice. Following my childhood passion for music, I ventured to do Visharad in Indian classical music and am a professional singer today with several albums and films to my credit! I am the mother of two great kids, both Ivy League graduates settled in New York. My son Aman, is an Energy Scientist with AECOM and it gives me great pride to mention that my daughter Anjali, a Graphics Editor with the New York Times, has received four Emmy Awards and the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for her work. mukta_63@yahoo.com

My friends identify me as Smarty and Jhansi ki Rani as I was good at Hindi recitation and also composed Hindi poems during my school years. I was in Helen Keller house and blue was my favourite colour! I was an educator at Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram, New Delhi, for 30 years. Now, my husband, my son, my family and I are back in Jaipur with our elders.

Namarita Kanwar

I am a proud alumna of Maharani Gayatri Devi Public School, Jaipur.

I love to paint and play table tennis with my age-mates. I enjoy engaging in craft with my granddaughter. I can’t wait for the borders to reopen so I can travel again with my daughter. namarita@gmail.com

Namrata Sharma

I was in MGD for a very short period, about four-five years only. But I gained a lot during that time and have great memories of school. I live in Jaipur and am from Jaipur. At present, I am working as a social worker with the Mahaveer Cancer Hospital in Jaipur. I am married to a cardiac surgeon and we have two loving children. My daughter is an architect and urban planner, and works in sustainable design in Boston. My son-in-law and my son are both computer engineers. I love travelling, reading fiction, and listening to music. That pretty much sums up my life! nam17@live.com

To catch up where we left off, I did my undergrad and my master’s from St Stephen’s College, Delhi, then worked with India Today, Outlook and WWF International. I’m now editor-in-chief of the India Infrastructure Group. I write about energy, telecom, aviation and finance – all the fun stuff we can’t do without! And while I crunch words, my husband does the number crunching, he’s a banker. We have two gorgeous kids, both in their 20s, working in big tech in the US. Through all these years, I’ve carried a slice of school with me. MGD has defined who I am – a blend of modernism and traditionalism. It’s helped me find my niche in the corporate world yet value custom, home and tradition – the beauty of balance between two worlds.

Nandita Sardana Kochhar

Hi Friends! It’s been a long while since we stepped out of MGD’s beautiful pillared portals and it’s great to reconnect with everyone.

I enjoy dancing and am learning the salsa and the waltz. I also enjoy working out; it’s a big part of my life and brings me a great rush of endorphins! nkochhar@hotmail.com

Parul Singhal Swarup

School days make me feel blessed and supported. Maharani Gayatri Devi nurtured me both academically as well as culturally. In school, I was always good at dance and attribute much of my grace to this wonderful art form. I also love music and am interested in fusion cooking. I am a proud homemaker with three wonderful daughters and a son-in-law. My husband is my best friend and we, together as a family, play bridge. My relationships with my extended family are excellent and I attribute this to my alma mater. MGD taught me the value of relationships and to this day, I have wonderful friends who love and support each other. Mrs Aneja and Miss Das have had a profound impact on my life. I like to make each day count. Every birthday is a celebration of life. I love to spoil my family and friends on their birthdays. parulswarup@hotmail.com

Preeti Jain

As I stroll down memory lane and reach my school years at MGD, the experiences that I can recall most vividly are the scrumptious feast on Janamashtmi and going to the Tuck shop with friends. It is a very distant memory, but it seems just like yesterday. I have been a homemaker for the past 37 years. My ménage includes a loving husband, a daughter, a son-inlaw, a son and a daughter-in-law, and the most adorable granddaughter. In my leisure time I indulge myself in the kitchen, experimenting with motley dishes. I am a traveller at heart and have been fortunate enough to have travelled across several countries around the globe. Being around my family and spending fun-filled time with my kids and grandchild is something that I find immensely delightful and satisfying. sethywires@yahoo.co.in

Come, Let Come, Let’’s Sing of MGD

Sing of All the Happy Hours

Rashi Kambo Madhok

I am Rashi Kambo Madhok, the middle of the three Kambo sisters, all proud alumni of MGD. I feel a solid education is so much more than just schooling and is what we got from Ms. Lutter and our teachers. I am an architect-planner with a background encompassing both architecture and urban planning. After my undergraduate studies in architecture, I came to the United States for graduate school and have lived here ever since. I am an art enthusiast, love museums, travel, nature and the outdoors, including exploring urban areas. I am fortunate to live in beautiful Jacksonville, Florida with ample waterfront and stunning beaches. I live with my husband Dinesh, and have two boys, Ishaan and Kuber, and a shih-tzu, Leo. I have a plethora of wonderful memories from my eleven years at MGD as well as lifetime friends. We remain forever connected! The elegant art cottage, the stadium where we had our assemblies, the hallways where we gathered and chitchatted, and the beautiful rose garden are all special memories that I cherish along with the people that filled these places. madhoks@yahoo.com rashikambo@gmail.com

After school and graduation, I had to make a choice between family or a career. My family needed me more since I had lost my father very early. My life was full of challenges, but I sailed through. I am blessed with two children, who are postgraduates and working, and are kind souls.

Rashmi Baluja , nee Nagpal

My tenure of ten years at MGD were the GOLDEN YEARS of my life. MGD and my friends have played a very important role in my life. School life inculcated in me a number of qualities like self-confidence, leadership, adjustment, caring, sharing, resilience and multitasking. There were many activities like sports, first aid, art and craft, music, dance, drama, cooking, picnics, movies and excursions at school that contributed to my all-round development. Our ideals were Rajmata, Miss Lutter, Miss Emma and many dedicated teachers who taught us compassion and empathy. My MGD friends are the best gifts in my life. I see them in me and myself in them. We are like sisters with a common parent, MGD.

My life’s motto is still the same as the motto of the school: “OUR UTMOST FOR THE HIGHEST”. balujadolly@gmail.com / 98-111-03040

Rati Vishnoi Singhal

MGD invokes myriad memories of an institution filled with learning, heritage, beautiful buildings, caring, exceptional staff and friendships that last a lifetime. The school provided me an education rich in academics, music, dance, work ethic, integrity, culture and sport. It prepared me to be the person that I am today. The staff, the building and my classmates hold a special place in my heart. I am a school library media specialist at an elementary school in Central Illinois, USA. My journey to becoming a school librarian went through Lady Shriram College and South Delhi Polytechnic in India. I arrived in the United States after my marriage in 1986. I first worked as a Montessori teacher for five years before going back to school to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s in school library science. I am married and have a son. rativishnoi@gmail.com

I continue to share stories of boarding school life with all my friends, and still maintain a strong bond of sisterhood with my batch-mates – so much so that I never missed not having a sister, because instead of a couple, I have several!

Ravija Raghuvanshi

Looking back through the years, I have to say my years at MGD were where some of my happiest memories were made. I carry the lessons learnt during that time close to my heart, from a sense of inclusiveness towards and an acceptance of all, an ability to always look at the positive, and an enduring love for learning.

I have two girls of whom I am immensely proud. They work in IT, and have lived in New Jersey, US for the past several years. I remain forever a proud alumna of MGD, batch of 1981. ravija.singh.0401@gmail.com

Renuka Bhargava

My journey with MGD began in “Introductory” class. Thereafter, I pursued a B.Sc. and a master’s in public administration from Rajasthan University. I got married and settled down in Allahabad. I take pride in being the support system for my family. It gives me immense happiness to see my husband reach the pinnacle of success in the legal profession (Senior Advocate and Judge at Allahabad High Court) while I stood behind as a pillar of strength and support for him. I raised two responsible children, who are doing well professionally. Despite the passage of 40 years, the memories that I made at school have stayed with me long after we walked those magnificent corridors. MGD was my second home. The school song still resounds in my ears and those carefree days still feel fresh. Over the years, I have come to value the MGD community and connections even more. MGD will always and forever hold a very special place in my heart. renukabhargava@gmail.com

Renuka Wali

I was at MGD for Standard 9 and 10 in 1978-79. Although it was just two years of my school life, that period remains dear to my heart – most of all for the strong friendships I made. Those bonds have endured despite us having gone off in different directions across the globe. The batch stays in close touch and is there for each other to share in times of joy as well as sorrow. After MGD, I finished high school and then studied psychology at Delhi University. In 1987, I went to New Zealand (off the beaten track and not the conventional path back then) to complete my training as a clinical psychologist and decided to stay and make it home. I married a New Zealander – also a psychologist – and we have a son and a daughter in their 20s. I have my own practice in Auckland and am grateful to have found a profession that continues to challenge and reward. Life has been kind and my MGD friendships remain a cherished tie with my homeland. renukawali64@gmail.com

Ritu Jain , nee Agarwal

After leaving MGD in 1981, I got married and moved to Toronto where I continued my studies, balancing work life with a growing family. Toronto is my happy home with my husband, three children, son-inlaw and two grand-daughters. I am both a proud Canadian and a deeply rooted Indian, who embraces our rich traditions and cultural values. While much of it comes from the strong foundation given to me by my family, my impressionable years at MGD, where we were empowered to be self-confident and independent whilst being sensitive and compassionate, also played a meaningful role in my upbringing. Giving back is important to me and I currently volunteer for an Indian Vedic Heritage Program and for a non-profit organization that educates underprivileged children in India. I enjoy reading, yoga, gardening, nature walks, travelling and concocting new recipes for my grand-daughters! Ritu627@yahoo.ca 416-278-2307 (Toronto, Canada)

The values of honest hard work instilled in me by Miss Lutter and the teachers culminated in my standing first in my BA Final at Kanoria College and a scholarship for my MA. The spirit of righteousness imbibed through my parents and my alma mater empowered me to be true to myself. Delhi-based, I am married with two daughters and a son. As a member of Indraprastha Women’s Development Council, I work to sensitise people towards nature. I have held workshops on home composting and recycling of waste. I believe in “seeing goodness in everyone and everything”. I am proud of the bond of sisterhood that I share with my MGD mates. I am honoured to be an MGDian to the core.

Sangeeta Bhushan , nee Godawat

I took introductory steps into MGD as a shy child and was nurtured into a confident young woman.

sangeetabhushan8@gmail.com

Throwback Trends

Those Were the Days,, My Friends … Days Shared Moments, Special Memories l Sleeping

under starry skies in summer!

l Participating

and cheering in interhouse competitions. l Being

a Jija!

l Walking

back to hostel forming a human chain, playing games in the hostel, group study before dawn in the bathroom. l Hostel

courtyard where we would stand on a bucket and sing, “mere paas aao mere doston, ik kissa suno”. l Midnight l Holi

feasts and getting caught by Ms Das.

celebrations.

l The

entire batch walking out to watch a movie or a polo match. Special People l Ms

Laxmi Singh, Ms Rao, Ms Mehta, Ms Das, Ms H.G. Gupta and the teachers in the Science Block, but Ms Lutter was “the one I looked up to, even though she was much shorter than me :)” l Ram

Mohammed bearer, for his politeness and kindness! Special Food l Left-over

rajma on toast for breakfast, Slice of watermelon as a snack, Liver fry for breakfast, Chocolate pudding, Bread pudding, Pish Pash, Dum Aloo

Sangeeta Mullick , nee Widhan

Hi. I am a banker by profession. My husband and my careers have taken us to Singapore, South Africa and Dubai – where we now live the empty-nester life, with our two lovely daughters being in the US. With more time on my hands, I pursue my interests in reading and experimenting with exciting recipes. I also love getting some retail therapy and unwinding with good friends. I have MGD to thank for providing me with not only a solid educational foundation, but also the strong bonds of friendship that will last a lifetime. Memorable moments of my time at MGD include rushing between classes, and being enamoured by its vast and beautiful grounds. And something that I can now laugh about – getting that infamous chunni’s pleats to sit right! See you at the Reunion! sangeeta.mullick@gmail.com

I’ve lived in Dallas since 1987, where I am blissfully married and am mother to 3 remarkable sons. I am a Software Engineer by education, and I now serve as the Financial Director in our family business. Being passionate about धर्मो रक्षति रक्षित:, my family stays active in sharing our beautiful heritage and values. Proudly, I stand beside my husband, who serves as Director of the World Association for Vedic Studies (WAVES), and my eldest son, who is President of the Hindu Students Council (North America). Giving to the world the best I have - with love, prayer and forgiveness in my heart. Namaste Batch of 1981! I am proud to be one of you.

Sangita Kejriwal , nee Tibrewala

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन। This is the guiding principle by which I am living my life. Doing my karma - putting my heart, mind, and atman into each of my actions - trying to leave a bit of sparkle and smile everywhere I go.

sankej@gmail.com, +1.214.417.0001, Address: 18712 Wainsborough Lane, Dallas, TX 75287 USA

Sarita Mathur , nee Bahadur

I am a proud alumna of Maharani Gayatri Devi Public School. The school provided us with an excellent all-round education. I am a poet and author of the book, Once Again Love: Reconnecting with the Heart. It is a memoir, written in a combination of prose and poetry. It was accepted in the Delhi Literature Festival as well as the Calcutta Literature Festival. At the core of this book is a chapter on MGD. I’ve taught Reiki and other energy healing techniques for many years. I am also a motivational speaker and run workshops called, “The Caterpillar has become a Butterfly”. I am an avid bridge player and love people and nature. I love art and I paint in different mediums. I was awarded the Silver Quill Award for promoting Durban as a UNESCO City of Literature. I have coined the acronym M.O.N.E.Y, which means My Own Natural Energy Yields, which speaks of abundance coming from within. I am married and have two sons. mathurs@mweb.co.za

Today, I spend my time nurturing my garden and furthering my mission of giving wings to the hopes and dreams of more and more children. I am happily settled with my husband in Parwanoo in the foothills of The Himalayas, where we are often visited by our lovely daughter, cheery butterflies, chirpy hummingbirds, and wonderful friends en route to Shimla.

Savitri Sihag , nee Malik

Curly hair and a hockey stick in hand – that’s me! My journey from a small village in Haryana to MGD Public School, Jaipur, to the upper echelons of the Education Department, Haryana, is a true exemplar of the transformative power of education. What started as a fortuitous endeavour continued as a lifelong mission, as I devoted 33 years of my life to the field of education, making sure that every child has the tools to shape her future!

savitrisihag63@gmail.com

Seema Goel Gupta

As an innocent six year old, I entered the gates of this esteemed institution and little did I know that this would become my second home for the next 13 years. I am extremely thankful to all the teachers, matrons and bais who helped me through my formative years of life – growing from a young child to an adolescent and then to a confident young lady. After finishing school and then a master’s in psychology, I got married, came to USA, and settled in a quaint town in Virginia to raise our family. We also started our own venture in the IT field. But the best part of my life and my biggest achievement is being a mom to two handsome, bright boys. The love and care they shower back on us is the best reward of life. Besides that, I love to cook, travel and do gardening in my spare time. And now, the gift of social media has brought me close to all my childhood friends after 40 years! seema@uniplus.com

It’s been a long journey since I passed out of MGD. I did my medical studies from SMS Medical College, Jaipur, got married in 1993, shifted to Delhi and was blessed with a daughter, who is at present pursuing her MD in psychiatry. I joined Max Health Care in 2001. Initially, I worked on the clinical side but soon decided to shift to medical administration and pursued an MBA from FMS, Delhi University. I worked at the operational level as medical superintendent for some years and then shifted to managing the medical quality of the hospital and played a major role in getting various accreditations such as NABH and JCI for the Max Group of Hospitals. I have also organised multiple conferences. At present, I am working as deputy general manager. In my spare time, I love listening to music, travelling and binge watching web series.

Shalini Chhiber , nee Naithani

Greetings to all!

For achieving whatever I have, I thank my parents and Ms Lutter, as her words, “If you are doing any work, do it perfectly or don’t do it at all”, have always resonated with me. shalinichhiber@gmail.com

Sharmila Barua Roychowdhury

I graduated from MGD as head girl of the Class of 1981 and captain of the hockey team. I then did my graduation in law. The initial years of my adult life were spent as an Air Force wife, married to a fighter pilot, and the mother of a daughter. During this time, I experimented with the social development sector. My life took an unfortunate turn when, in 1997, I lost my husband in an aircraft accident. Having received this blow from life, I got down to the task of sorting out life for myself and my fast-growing child. I established an IPR law firm and a knowledge process outsourcing company in Delhi. I shifted gears once again and today hold multifaceted portfolios, including independent directorship of a public limited company, consulting director of a charitable trust engaged in healthcare and medical education, and trustee on several other trusts engaged in vocational training and skill development. Besides this, I find time to run my home in Goa. shroya@gmail.com

I joined MGD in the 9th class. Although I studied in the school for only four years, it gave me tremendous confidence. After graduating from MGD, I did my BA and MA (Economics) from Rajasthan University. I got married in 1985 and have since lived in Delhi, Singapore, Syracuse, Long Island and Connecticut. While in Syracuse I did a master’s in library sciences from Syracuse University in 1998. Since then, I have been working in various school libraries.

Shashi Johri , nee Akar

My husband and I live in Connecticut, USA. I am working as director of library services at a private high school. We have two children, both married, and a 10-monthold granddaughter. Our daughter lives in New York and our son in Austin, Texas.

I love hiking, pickleball and book clubs. shashijohri85@gmail.com

Shikha Khanna , nee Babbar

I consider myself privileged to have worn the MGD tag right through my school days, from 1969 to 1981. I vividly recall the school days when we went through the grind under the ever watchful eye of our principal, Miss Lutter, and her very distinguished team of educators. My alma mater groomed me and gave me the confidence and sense of pride to take on the challenges of life. I have an MA and a B.Ed degree, and have pursued a career in teaching and my talent in singing. I am married to an Ex-NDA, Indian Navy Captain. My daughter, an HR professional, and my son, a marketing professional, make up my family. Having navigated through many naval stations for 27 years, we are back to our roots having dropped anchor at our home port Jaipur, after retirement. I look forward to continuing my association with my alma mater. shikhanil.88@gmail.com

I joined MGD in 1979 and passed out in 1981 to graduate from LSR, Delhi. Destiny again drew me back to Rajasthan where I spent my halcyon years! I was indeed fortunate to get the opportunity to reside in some of the most picturesque places of Rajasthan, soak in its rich culture and carry forth some long-lasting memories. After completing my doctorate, I became an educationist and my career trajectory thereafter alternated between schools and colleges. I was senior vice-principal at JPHS, Jaipur, after having served at Mayo Girls, Ajmer. I am glad that I spent the most productive years of my life with my students, an enriching journey indeed! I have just begun the retired phase of my life and am loving it!

Dr Sonia Upreti , nee Pande

Hello! I am Dr Sonia Upreti (earlier Sonia Pande).

My bucket list now includes travelling to some of my favourite destinations and spending fun-filled hours with family and friends. Hope that we all meet up sometime soon! sonia_upreti@yahoo.com

Timeless Traditions, Traditions , Changing Times MGD has stood true to Rajmata Gayatri Devi Ji’s vision of not just staying with the times, but staying ahead of them. It has been evolving continuously, embracing change while preserving traditions. Just like the world around us, the pace of life at MGD has also changed. I remember my mother fondly reminiscing about her school life, slow and peaceful, where students enjoyed each day to the fullest without the stress and worries that are the hallmark of today’s times. The 9-5 day-school has now changed to a 7-2 pattern, lunch hour is now the 20-minute brunch, wherein girls throng the couple of outlets that have opened on the premises. The names of classes have changed from P1, J1 and S1 to introductory, sixth and ninth standards. The uniform has also undergone numerous changes. For a few years, divided skirts were introduced as a part of the sports uniform instead of shorts. The sports T-shirt now has the respective house colour on the collar. The famous MGD dupatta comes pre-pleated from the shop! Over the years, the school has made great strides in its commitment to provide comprehensive and top quality education. Apart from the main building, the school now has two new academic wings, the Jagat Singh Wing and the Maharani Shiv Kumari of Kota Wing, located near the House of Science. It has two vast libraries. One of them was reconstituted as the Ms Lillian G. Lutter Memorial Library and Reading Room in 2013. This is situated where the boarders’ dining hall used to be, which has now shifted to near Lillian Hurst Hostel. There are state-of-the-art laboratories not only for the sciences but also for Maths, IT, Geography, Psychology, and Home Science. There are rooms equipped with AV facilities for workshops and co-curricular activities. There is a new hostel building, Vidya Devi Bhawan, and hostel allocation for seniors is done house-wise. The dance and music halls have been shifted near the Biology Lab. The Art Cottage is still where it used to be, and its walls adorn the work done by girls over the years. I hear the school is planning to re-introduce the day-school pattern for day-scholars of Class VI. Even though the school has expanded its scale of operations and made many changes to keep up with the times, there are many things, big and small, that continue till date. The majestic main building stands, improved and refurbished, and can make one nostalgic and proud in an instance. The rose garden still remains a favourite spot (and the hockey field remains a favourite spot for bunking class). The pride of school, the MGD Band, has continued through the years. The three-day gala, comprising the farewell and thank-you parties and the passing out ceremony, has also stood

the test of time (but we also have a dandiya night organised by the guild)! The school fete has continued, though it’s shifted from the quadrangle in the main building to the hockey field. What has also continued is the healthy competition between the four houses, with girls giving their best whenever there’s an inter-house competition, as if it were a matter of life and death! We have all learnt our first lessons in humility and the first taste of victory in these competitions. Cries of “Ra Ra, Ra Ra Ra” and “Go MGD” still ring outand drown every other soundwhenever there is an inter-school event! The focus on sports and games continues, and has been supplemented with yoga. Sports day is still a major, fun-filled event with the four houses marching together – a spectacle to watch. For some years, it was held every four years, but now an edition of it is held each year. The bitter-sweet rivalry between boarders and day-scholars pops its head every now and then! The fondness with which students address their seniors as Jijas and the respect towards baijis and bairajis has also not diminished in any way! The dupatta may now come pre-pleated, but the fuss over it has not reduced; just that the pleating ritual has been replaced by a ritual of pinning each other’s dupattas in the morning! From art and needlework to blue pottery and cookery, there is an opportunity to learn all the skills one wishes to. We still have rakhi-making competitions, but the repertoire has been expanded to friendship bands!

Mayank and Hema (centre) with their daughters Divya and Khyati

Madhulika Kukkar with Purnima

Most importantly, the school has remained true to its goal of providing an all-round, holistic education to its students. It has moved ahead with the times, but has also remained firmly rooted in its legacy and traditions, and in Rajmata’s vision. And last, but not the least, the values that the school imbibes in each and every student – integrity, confidence, selflessness, among many others – and the bonds that it engenders among students have lived on. What has lived on is the MGDian spirit, to give our utmost for the highest! Divya Singh, Batch of 2012 Daughter of Mayank Singh

Nidhi Bhagat with Anadya

Sujata Morjaria , nee Somaia

My entire school life was in MGD, from 8 to 18 years. MGD has not only been a school but also a parent and guide, and it has given me a cherished sisterhood. One of the lessons I still carry, I learnt as games captain: “Play up, play up and play the game.” This motto has enabled me to take on many opportunities. I live in Nairobi and am married to a wonderful man; we are proud parents of two. I am an interior designer, currently working as head visual merchandiser and head of Home Décor at Kenya’s largest furniture store. As an extension of my design capabilities, whilst living in Dubai, I designed flowers for the Sheikh’s weddings and events. I am also an international floral art judge/ demonstrator and have won a prize in the World Flower Show in Glasgow. My passion for flowers led me to my most recent reunion with my MGD sisterhood at the Jaipur World Flower Show in 2020. sujata92@hotmail.com

There was no looking back after that. With hockey and basketball as my weapons of choice, I was groomed to mature from a child to a bright-eyed teenager. From the school team to national tournaments, I hit it out of the park, eventually becoming sports captain of the batch of 1981. It is on the grounds that I learnt the wisdom of those words, “A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.”

Sunita Dhillon Malik

It was the beginning of the year 1973. I had a dream that I was riding a bicycle in a city full of forts and palaces. It was a peaceful ride indeed! As destiny would have it, a few days later, my father, on the advice of Mr M.N. Kapoor (Principal of Modern School, Delhi), got me admitted in MGD Public School, Jaipur.

Keeping this learning close to my heart, I partnered with my late husband to set up our life and our C.A. firm. I live in Delhi currently with my two loving sons. sunitamalik93@gmail.com

Supriya Poonglia Chordia

Hi Friends, I graduated from Maharani Gayatri Devi Public School in 1981. The school provided me with an excellent education and life lessons that are still benefitting me. After MGD, I studied at Sophia College and graduated with a double major in economics and English Literature. I went on to get a communication and marketing degree from Nirmala Niketan in Mumbai. I now live in Pittsburgh, USA with my husband and I have three sons. I visit Jaipur often and every time I drive by MGD, it brings back a rush of fond memories and puts a smile on my face. Lalit.Chordia@thartech.com

Learnt many life lessons as well as proper lessons there! Made strong bonds of friendships, but sadly had to leave in 1977. I was extremely upset on having to leave school due to personal reasons. Came to the UK and completed my studies here - a degree in biochemistry. Worked in hospital labs; then decided to branch into orthopaedic nursing. I love my job! It’s very satisfying and I have very grateful patients.

Sushma Patel

At the age of 55+, I can say with hand on my heart…“My happy place was MGD School!”

I have a lovely husband and am Mum to two lovely daughters! In my spare time, I enjoy gardening and love the outdoors, going for hikes. I love baking and eating my bakes! Social media has helped me find and stay connected with my gregarious talented batchmates. sushp1717@yahoo.co.uk

Surma Mitra

My short and sweet stay in MGD left an indelible impression on my mind. I was a boarder there for four years, from P1 to J1 (1973-76) and completed my schooling from Mother’s International School in New Delhi. Thereafter, I graduated from Kirori Mal College, Delhi and followed it up with an M.Sc and a Ph.D from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Attractive post-doctoral fellowships pulled me away from our shores to the UK for research in environmental microbiology and then to the US-Environmental Protection Agency. Enriched by this experience, I returned home to join IIT Bombay as a senior research associate. At present, I live in Thane and am a homemaker, celebrating life, painting, reading and sometimes volunteering for environmental and social activities. I am married and have a daughter. surmamitra@gmail.com, +91-98-196-01312, Address: A1/605, Shruti Park, Kolshet Road, Thane, Maharashtra-400607

I may have missed being with some of you because there was a brief gap between my two innings at MGD. I was first there for a period of four years, then left, and rejoined in 1979. I have some really fond memories of MGD. We were a small group of 25 girls in ISC Science. We spent some good times at the House of Science, bonding with each other and learning the fundamentals of science. And, of course, there was Upadhyaya Sir, our physics teacher, and Mrs Mathews, our biology teacher, to whom I owe much. That paved the path for my future career. I cleared the medical entrance examination in 1982. Currently, I work at a private cardiac set-up as laboratory director.

Tanu Malhotra , nee Verma

Hello Friends. I am really happy to reconnect with you all.

tanvin91@gmail.com

Uttara Chatterji , nee Banerji

Hello to all my school friends. After MGD and college in Jaipur, I moved to Kolkata, and then to Indonesia for 18 years. I now live in Bangalore. I have two children. I have been a school teacher and have taught in a Singapore-based preschool in Jakarta. I have many fond memories of MGD, especially our art and music classes with Ms Das and Ms Goswami. I fondly remember singing prayers for the morning assembly in the Assembly Hall or in the stadium on a daily basis. After MGD, I continued my passion for singing by participating in various stage shows in Indonesia, along with celebrities such as Usha Uthup and other Bengali artists from Kolkata and Bangladesh. I am excited for our upcoming reunion and hope to meet all of you there. uttara.chatterji@gmail.com

Play Up, Up, Play Up and Play the Game

SCAN ME FOR

A SURPRISE

Let ’ s Sing of All Who Let’ May Be Absent

Anju Chajllani/Chordia

Parveen Gujral

Date of birth: February 5, 1964

Date of birth: January 6, 1964

Passed away: May 8, 2021

Passed away: 1983

Renu Daga/Maheswari

Sangeeta Poonglia

Date of birth: July 31, 1962

Date of birth: September 23, 1962

Passed away: December 29, 2012

Passed away: April 2, 2001