In the Convent of Jesus and Mary in the Doon valley where I was fortunate enough to do my schooling, the Irish nuns were the most important aspect. Their vision of education and their qualities of character gave a special complexion to the school which is around a hundred and seventeen years old.
When I entered the portals of this hallowed institution, I was not aware of its glory and fame. It soon became my second home and I began to discover that the “sisters” in their smart habits were not to be feared but to be respected and loved. They inculcated discipline strictly and yet had a way with us which endeared them to us. We did not take their admonitions to heart .We tried to improve ourselves according to their instructions and, over the years, realised that their guidance had made us strong and good people.
The sisters I fondly remember till today are Sister Stella, Sister Rosa, Sister Florence, Sister Rita, Sister Matilda and Sister Andrew. And then there was Mother Claudine with her huge German Shepherds. She was indeed a formidable figure. She was on the plump side and as she moved slowly, with dogs in tow, around the school campus, children (and even teachers) began to disappear from around her and slip into the classrooms. Nobody wanted to be caught unawares by Mother Claudine! She was an affectionate person but the aura of strictness and the dogs gave her an intimidating look which was strengthened by her booming voice.
She wore a whistle around her neck which she would blow loudly whenever she wanted to call the attention of the school towards her. Mother Claudine’s whistle was one sound which nobody in the school loved. It was a harbinger of trouble for someone or the other.
Sister Rosa was a gentle soul who taught us needle work and we could get around her so easily. She had a soft heart and motherly feelings and the moment some girl said she was not well, she excused her from the tedious needlework class. She was a good sort, Sister Rosa. On the rainy days when the valley was lashed by torrential rain, she would be standing at the gate with a large umbrella to inform that the school was closed for the day. These rainy day holidays were so looked forward to by all of us. They were like a wonderful, unexpected gift and as they were always given to us through Sister Rosa, we had a soft corner in our hearts for her. Sister Florence was very short and quite skinny. Her rimless spectacles were always balanced delicately on her hooked nose and it always seemed to us that they would fall off. But they never did. She would be moving around the school all day, looking very busy. Now I wonder what she must have been doing. Was it just a way to show that she was engaged in a lot of workIJ She was a sweet soul despite her nagging and complaining.
Sister Stella was the principal of the school when I took admission. She was a stern young lady who smiled rarely. She was scholarly and could quote Shakespeare all day. We maintained our distance from her as far as possible. I recall her, sitting in her study with a black shawl thrown over her habit in winters. Her pale face had a far away look on it. When I think back, I realise that all these sisters, young and old, were so far away from their families, from their country. What must they have felt, what were their thoughts and did they feel out of place hereIJ In those days, these thoughts never came to me. Sister Rita, the old nun, was feared greatly as she was incharge of the sick room and administered horrible concoctions to us when we went there with a tummy ache or a headache. We preferred to keep quiet rather than be sent to Sister Rita’s infirmary. The aches were better than consuming those weird liquids! I miss those days greatly. The Convent with its disciplined and loving nuns, the wonderful dedicated teachers and a sheltered atmosphere which helped us study and grow well. It was a memorable time that laid the foundation of my life. Each day taught us a new lesson of life. I thank the Irish sisters for being our mentors and guardians. They gave us values that have served us well in life.