The KG tots -- bursting with eager anticipation and excitment -- arrived in school on December 15 in the morning, carrying their overnight bags and happily waving goodbye to their doting mothers or fathers. Their parents must have felt the first pangs of separation from their precious little lads.

With a hop and a skip and under the very protective wings of their teachers, the boys were off to board the buses, which would take them on a marvellous adventure of growing up, gaining knowledge and having lots of fun, along the way!

The Pune airport was the halt, where the thrill of watching the giant birds take flight with a deafening roar or else making a beautiful, perfect landing was reflected on their young faces -- a joy to behold.

The buses then rolled along to "Choki Dhani" reverberating with little voices singing merrily away or vociferously chatting and nibbling - with their friends and teachers.

A traditional welcome with "tikka" and "arati" awaited the boys at the "Rajasthani Village" recreated at "Choki Dhani" complete with camel and horse rides, games, music, dance, puppet and magic shows. They were treated to a sumptuous breakfast and, later, to an equally delicious Rajasthani style lunch, served on chattais, in thalis, with a lot of f un and activities to follow. The day just seemed to fly along. The balmy, cool, winter air made the tiny tots extra energetic and hungry too. No one needed "mama" to coax them to finish their meal.

Reluctantly, they returned to school where hot 'vada' and welcome tea awaited the boys and teachers too.

It was amazing how responsibility and independently the children refreshed and donned casual attire, without their mother's ministrations. They seemed to have suddenly grown up.

As twilight approached, the boys gathered outdoors for the "sing-song" around the camp-fire. With Santa's arrival their joy was unbounded and the chants of 'Jingle Bells' and 'Pretty X'Mas Tree" filled the air.

Dinner was swiped off almost as soon as it was served -- and the little elves were soon ready for beddie -- bedtime in cute pygamas, feeling happy and secure with their "teacher-moms" around. Gradually, the twittering and chattering ceased as eyelids dropped and they slept the "sleep of the innocent" all night.

Back to school and to the waiting arms of their eager and anxious parents.