<p>The 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, brought back memories of my 2008 visit to the city for an engineering assignment. Upon arrival, I experienced my first-ever lost baggage. After reporting it, I was assured it would arrive at my hotel the next day, but it didn't. Finally, on the third day, my baggage arrived at the airport, requiring me to retrieve it and clear customs. Wearing the same outfit for almost three days was a miserable experience.</p>.<p>This incident reminded me of a similar experience from my school days. During the annual school day at St Michael's School, Madikeri, I received a prize package for academic merit in Class 7. The prize package held sentimental value, being my first-ever academic award.</p>.<p>The event began with our popular math teacher Krishnaswamy sir's welcome address, followed by a group song and prize distribution. I received thunderous applause as I stepped onto the stage, dressed as Shivaji Maharaj for a Hindi drama that was to be staged later in the evening. I was to play a role about Shivaji’s great escape from Agra. And the only qualification I had for playing the role was my pointed nose! I had pestered my mother until she agreed to lend me her Kodava head vasthra for the costume. The drama was meticulously prepared under our Hindi teacher Madhava Bhat sir's strict supervision.</p>.<p>My prize included a cricket captain cap, a rubber ball, two storybooks, and a pencil box—a peculiar combination. Though I had never played cricket, wearing the cap made me imagine I looked like cricket greats of the time like Poly Umrigar or Manjrekar or Nari Contactor. However, my concern was safeguarding the prize, as the green room was chaotic. My friend Sudhakar Udupa handed it over to another friend for safekeeping.</p>.<p class="bodytext">After the prize distribution, the stage was reset for performances. One memorable act was a dance by my friend Lionel’s sister, accompanied by a turntable—a rare sight back then, owned by Lionel’s father, a coffee planter. As the hit song Laralappa Laralappa Laralappa Lai played, the performance captivated the audience. But the turntable slowed down mid-performance, and Lionel’s brother had to rush to crank it, restoring the music and adding drama to the dance. Our Hindi drama earned a standing ovation. </p>.<p class="bodytext">My friend Sudhakar and I rushed to retrieve my prize hamper from the backstage. We found that it had changed hands multiple times, and the cricket cap and rubber ball were missing. Despite our efforts, the missing items were not found. I returned home, crestfallen, where my mother consoled me.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The next day, Sudhakar and I reported the loss to the head sister, but in vain. Though I was left with only the storybooks and pencil box, and despite the loss, the memories of that day remain vivid—a mix of joy, nostalgia, and a tinge of regret.</p>
<p>The 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, brought back memories of my 2008 visit to the city for an engineering assignment. Upon arrival, I experienced my first-ever lost baggage. After reporting it, I was assured it would arrive at my hotel the next day, but it didn't. Finally, on the third day, my baggage arrived at the airport, requiring me to retrieve it and clear customs. Wearing the same outfit for almost three days was a miserable experience.</p>.<p>This incident reminded me of a similar experience from my school days. During the annual school day at St Michael's School, Madikeri, I received a prize package for academic merit in Class 7. The prize package held sentimental value, being my first-ever academic award.</p>.<p>The event began with our popular math teacher Krishnaswamy sir's welcome address, followed by a group song and prize distribution. I received thunderous applause as I stepped onto the stage, dressed as Shivaji Maharaj for a Hindi drama that was to be staged later in the evening. I was to play a role about Shivaji’s great escape from Agra. And the only qualification I had for playing the role was my pointed nose! I had pestered my mother until she agreed to lend me her Kodava head vasthra for the costume. The drama was meticulously prepared under our Hindi teacher Madhava Bhat sir's strict supervision.</p>.<p>My prize included a cricket captain cap, a rubber ball, two storybooks, and a pencil box—a peculiar combination. Though I had never played cricket, wearing the cap made me imagine I looked like cricket greats of the time like Poly Umrigar or Manjrekar or Nari Contactor. However, my concern was safeguarding the prize, as the green room was chaotic. My friend Sudhakar Udupa handed it over to another friend for safekeeping.</p>.<p class="bodytext">After the prize distribution, the stage was reset for performances. One memorable act was a dance by my friend Lionel’s sister, accompanied by a turntable—a rare sight back then, owned by Lionel’s father, a coffee planter. As the hit song Laralappa Laralappa Laralappa Lai played, the performance captivated the audience. But the turntable slowed down mid-performance, and Lionel’s brother had to rush to crank it, restoring the music and adding drama to the dance. Our Hindi drama earned a standing ovation. </p>.<p class="bodytext">My friend Sudhakar and I rushed to retrieve my prize hamper from the backstage. We found that it had changed hands multiple times, and the cricket cap and rubber ball were missing. Despite our efforts, the missing items were not found. I returned home, crestfallen, where my mother consoled me.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The next day, Sudhakar and I reported the loss to the head sister, but in vain. Though I was left with only the storybooks and pencil box, and despite the loss, the memories of that day remain vivid—a mix of joy, nostalgia, and a tinge of regret.</p>
