THE COLLEGE SOCIAL GATHERING

The college day is the day when the annual social gathering of the college is held. It is the most eagerly awaited day during an academic year as it is a day of fun and laughter for the students. It also provides them with an opportunity to show their talent.

In my college, third of January was announced to be the college day. The college began to hum with activities since the day of the announcement. The function was held in the town hall. The hall was decorated with colourful flags and festoons. It wore a festive look.

The programme was to start at six in the evening. Boys and girls in colorful costumes were seen moving about with smiles on their faces. Parents and guardians were present in large numbers to watch the programmes.

The mayor was the chief guest. He arrived at five minutes to six. He was garlanded at the entrance and greeted by the Principal and the staff. Then he was escorted to his seat.

The programme started with a prayer by a group of Junior College girls. It was followed by a Marathi play. It was comic. It was followed by a folk-song. A final year student presented Hamlet's Soliloquy.

The programme was interrupted for a while for the official function. The Principal welcomed the chief guest and gave a brief account of the various activities of the college. Then the mayor gave away the prizes. The students clapped and cheered each prize-winner as he or she went to the dais, shook hands with the mayor and received the prize. The prize distribution ceremony was followed by the mayor's speech. The mayor congratulated the prize-winners and praised the Principal and the staff for the excellent performance of the students. Then the student general secretary thanked the chief guest and the parents.

Students had become restless by now and catcalls were heard. But silence was restored as soon as the programme was resumed. A play in Hindi was followed by agarba dance. Then a senior student presented an item of mimicry. The audience roared with laughter. It was on this happy note that the programme ended.

The programme was over at ten. Our hearts were full pf joy as we left the hall. The jubilant mood of the day lingered for days together.