When I first stepped into Baghmara High School back in the year 2005–2006, I was just a nervous little boy carrying more fear than confidence. I had no idea that the next six years of my life would become the foundation of my character, my friendships, my failures, and my lifelong memories. Today, as I sit and write these lines, I can still feel the old wooden benches, the smell of chalk, the ringing of the school bell, and the voices of my teachers calling us to be disciplined and hardworking students. This journey from Class 5 to Class 10 is not just my story — it is a mirror of every student who has lived the golden days of school life.
🎒 The First Interview – My Nervous Beginning
My school life officially began with an interview that still echoes in my memory. The admission process made me more nervous than any exam I ever faced later. The interview was taken by two respected teachers — Jaysaran Basumatary Sir and Ansuma Basumatary Sir. I remember how my small hands trembled as I stood in front of them.
Jaysaran Sir, with his calm but strict voice, asked me to introduce myself. Then, in Bodo subject, he asked: 🗣️ “
हाग्रानि मुलि मैगंनि मुं खौ बुं?”I gathered all my courage and replied, “मानि मुनि मैगं.” I still remember the little smile that appeared on his face — a sign that maybe I was doing fine.
Then Ansuma Sir asked me another question: 🗣️ “
मैदेर, सियाल खौ इंराजिआव मा बुङो .... नों जानो मोजां मोनाय फिथाय थायबा (5) fruit नि मुंखौ इंराजिआव बुं।”Out of nervousness I said, “Elephant, Fox… Mango.” Only Mango was correct. The teachers exchanged a smile, and my heart was pounding fast. But soon came the relief — I had passed the interview!
That day, I received my roll number — Roll No. 5. Since then, I have considered it my lucky number.
🌱 A New Class, A New Start
Two days later, I officially joined my new class. I still remember entering the classroom in half pants, unaware that the dress code for high school was long pants. A few new friends smiled and said, “Bro, from tomorrow wear long pants, okay?” I smiled back and said, “जागोन दे (Sure).” That was the beginning of new friendships that would define my school life.
Names that will forever stay in my heart: Hitesh, Brimen, Sanjay, Ghanakanta, Tutumoni, Saya and many more. They weren’t just classmates — they became my extended family, my support system, and sometimes my partners in mischief.
💻 First English Class & First Computer Fear
My very first English class was unforgettable. Ansuma Sir asked me to read the lesson titled “I AM NEETA.” I read it clearly, and from that moment, Sir started showing me warmth and trust. He became one of the most influential teachers in my life.
Then came my very first computer class, also under the guidance of Ansuma Sir. It was the first time I had ever seen a computer in real life. I was scared even to touch the keyboard, thinking I might break something. But Sir stood beside me with patience, teaching me typing step by step. That fear slowly turned into fascination, though it took me months to feel comfortable.
📚 The Struggles of Textbooks
One of the biggest challenges of being in the Bodo medium section was the unavailability of certain textbooks. Social Science, Bodo, and Environmental Studies books were missing for us. Because of that, my friend Bulu (Kamal) and I couldn’t even give the Bodo subject exam. It felt unfair, but it also taught me an early lesson about life — sometimes, resources are unequal, but we must move forward with whatever we have.
⌛ Class 7 – The Turning Point
By the time I reached Class 7, everything started to change. Unfortunately, I began keeping the wrong kind of company. I skipped classes — sometimes for 12 to 14 days in a row. At that age, I thought it was fun, but deep inside I knew I was heading in the wrong direction.
One day, Ansuma Sir caught me outside in uniform, roaming around when I should have been in class. Without saying much, he slapped me hard across the face. The sound still echoes in my memory. Calmly, he said, “Come to class tomorrow, or I’ll hit you again.” Then he went off to drink tea as if nothing had happened. That moment changed me. Fear mixed with respect pulled me back into the classroom within a few days. That slap was not punishment — it was a wake-up call.
✍️ My Handwriting Became My Identity
One of the things I am still proud of is my handwriting. By Class 8 and 9, my English and Devanagari handwriting had become the best in my section. Jaysaran Sir and Ansuma Sir often used my notebooks as examples in front of senior students from Class 9 and 10. That small recognition gave me confidence — it made me feel that maybe I could truly be someone.
🥋 Distractions, Kung Fu, and Failure
By Class 8, my attention shifted away from studies to Martial Arts. I became deeply interested in Mansuriyan Wushu Kung Fu. Training gave me confidence, but it also distracted me from academics. I failed Class 8 once, had to re-take admission, and only then managed to pass. Even after that, my habits did not fully change. I skipped classes after the 5th period, disrespected teachers at times, and ignored instructions. It was a painful period where I lost direction.
💌 Class 10 – Love Letters & Shah Rukh Khan Vibes
By the time I reached Class 10, teenage emotions had taken over. Inspired by Shah Rukh Khan’s movie Darr, I started writing love letters in Assamese. Looking back today, it feels funny, but at that time it was serious business for me. I wrote letters secretly, shared them with friends, and sometimes even dared to pass them to girls. It was innocent, but also full of regret when I think now — I wasted precious time on things that didn’t matter.
📖 Final Exams & Mixed Feelings
Somehow, despite all the ups and downs, I managed to appear in the HSLC final exams. When the results came, many of us passed. Outwardly, I smiled, but deep inside I knew that I had failed in values and discipline. Marks alone didn’t define me — it was the journey that had shaped me, and I had many regrets.
🏫 Goodbye Baghmara High School
Then came the hardest day — saying goodbye to Baghmara High School. I still remember the farewell function. Some teachers gave speeches, friends clicked photographs, and we exchanged words we could barely say through our tears. I looked at the classrooms one last time, touched the old blackboard, and silently whispered, “Thank you.”
Sometimes, when I sit alone today, all the memories come flooding back — the mistakes, the missed exams, the laughter of friends, the punishments, the handwriting compliments, the love letters, the Kung Fu practices, and the endless ringing of the school bell. I often ask myself, “Why did I become like that? What shadow was I under?” But now, I write this with hope — hope that I will never repeat those mistakes again.
🌟 Lessons Learned
This is not just my story. This is the story of every student who went off track but still had the courage to come back. School life is not only about grades — it’s about learning discipline, respect, and responsibility. The slap from Ansuma Sir, the encouragement from Jaysaran Sir, the laughter with my friends — these are the treasures I carry forever.
Life moves on, but memories stay. And whenever I think of Baghmara High School, I don’t just remember a building — I remember a family, a chapter, and a journey that will remain etched in my heart forever.
💬 Share Your Memories
If you’ve ever felt like me — lost at times, mischievous at others, yet deeply connected to your school — drop a comment below. Let’s celebrate our school days together and smile, even through the regrets.