Out of interplay of history and purpose there arises a legend of an institution. How true for one of the oldest schools of the city - Carmel Convent. It was an evening of hugs and tears as the Carmel Convent School celebrated its Golden Jubilee, yesterday. Meeting old teachers and friends, walking down those familiar corridors, peeking into the laboratories, marveling at the change in the colour of the buildings, new architecture, the giant expanse of the place, impeccable landscaping, the good old bird cage, canteen...it was trip down the memory lane for all the ex-carmelites.

"How I wish I could just pick up a basketball and start playing right now," says Gurbani Sohi, cherishing the time spent at the cycle stand and the old nursery block. "While for the students, the library was the source of all knowledge, it was the students from whom I learnt," the school librarian, Neelam, who has given 30 years to this institution, says that the school is like a second home to her.

From being a student to an teacher now, Harmala Kaur's association with the school has been quite long. Taking inspiration from the words of Browning 'A man's reach should exceed his grasp. Or what's a heaven for', she talks about the tremendous love, respect and sense of security the school has given her. "Things have changed over a period of time, but for the good."

But perhaps the most sought after person of the evening was 'Alice Ma'am'. Thirty-three years in the school do make you popular among students. From getting a sick leave to meeting the principal, everyone has been to her office at one point or the other. As usual, this busy bee runs around quietly, doing her work. Talk about old students and you cannot keep out the old student association. Carmel Ex-Student Association was formed back in 1996. With over 400 members, the association is platform for the alumni to get together and do something for the school and the society.