Arpita Jindal

From the Head Girl’s Desk: A Journey from 1981–82 to Today When I look back at the years spent within the walls of my alma mater, a flood of emotions comes rushing in - nostalgia, gratitude, and a sense of pride. Among the many milestones of my school life, the honor of being chosen as Head Girl in 1981–82 stands out as one of the most defining moments of my journey. It was more than a badge or a title; it was an opportunity to serve, to learn, and to grow in ways that continue to guide me even today.

Life at School

School was, in every sense, my second home. The classrooms echoed with lessons that went far beyond academics. From early morning assemblies where discipline and devotion were instilled, to sports fields where the spirit of healthy competition thrived, every space nurtured a part of who I would become. The vibrant inter-house competitions taught us teamwork and perseverance. The annual day celebrations made us fearless performers. Even the quiet hours in the library became a training ground for patience and reflection. Each day brought with it new challenges and new learnings, and together they wove the tapestry of my formative years.

Guiding Lights

No memory of school is complete without the teachers … their wisdom, their discipline, and their unshakable belief in their students. They were strict when needed, kind when we faltered, and generous in their encouragement. Their lessons extended far beyond textbooks: they taught us how to stand tall in adversity, how to respect differences, and how to carry ourselves with dignity and grace.I remember vividly how certain teachers pushed me gently but firmly to step into leadership roles. Their trust in me planted seeds of confidence that allowed me to grow into the responsibility of being Head Girl. To this day, I carry their teachings in both my personal and professional life.

The Head Girl Experience

Wearing the badge of Head Girl was a privilege I carried with deep humility. The role taught me that leadership is not about authority but about responsibility. It meant being the bridge between students and teachers, ensuring discipline while also lending a listening ear to classmates. It was about setting an example, not through words alone, but through action - whether it was punctuality, honesty, or fairness.There were moments of challenge, moments when I doubted myself, and moments when decisions were difficult. But those very experiences were invaluable—they taught me resilience, problem-solving, and above all, empathy. In many ways, my leadership journey right there in the school corridors of 1981–82.

Path to Medicine: 

Becoming a Doctor-The discipline, sense of responsibility, and curiosity instilled during my school years shaped my ambition to pursue medicine. Science fascinated me, and service inspired me … and the two came together in my decision to become a doctor.I went on to pursue my medical studies with dedication and completed my MD in Pathology. Pathology is often called the “backbone of medicine,” for it provides the answers that guide diagnosis and treatment. It is a field that requires precision, patience, and an eye for detail - qualities that my school had unknowingly nurtured in me long before I stepped into a laboratory. Looking back, I see how strongly my school years prepared me for this calling: the focus to study diligently, the courage to make decisions, and the empathy to see every case not as a specimen, but as a human life waiting for answers.

Balancing Life and Work

While my professional journey has been deeply rewarding, I must acknowledge the role of my family and personal life in shaping who I am today. Balancing the responsibilities of being a doctor with the demands of family life was not always easy. There were long hours, sleepless nights, and moments when personal sacrifices had to be made.Yet, in those very moments, I found strength. My family became my anchor, reminding me that success is not measured only in professional milestones, but also in the love, support, and joy we share at home. The balance was never perfect, but it was real, and it taught me the importance of resilience, prioritization, and gratitude.

Lessons That Lasted a Lifetime

The values I absorbed during those years became the guiding compass of my life. The discipline of balancing academics and responsibilities helped me in higher studies. The courage to speak up and represent others gave me confidence in my professional journey. The empathy and compassion nurtured in school stayed with me in patient care, in teaching, and in family life.Every milestone I crossed—earning my medical degree, completing my postgraduate training in pathology, contributing to medical education, mentoring young doctors, raising a family, and supporting patient care—traces its roots back to the strong foundation built in those school days.

Message to the Young Angelites

To the students walking those same corridors today, I would say this: cherish your time here, for it will become the bedrock of your life. Learn from your teachers not just subjects, but values. Compete fiercely, but celebrate each other’s victories too. Wear your uniform with pride, and know that you are carrying forward a legacy much larger than yourself.Leadership is not about being perfect, but about being authentic. Do not be afraid to stumble, for every setback carries within it the seed of growth. And above all, remain kind, because in the end, it is kindness that makes success meaningful.

Gratitude and Pride

As I pen these memories, I am filled with immense gratitude for my school that nurtured me, for my teachers who guided me, and for my fellow Angelites who walked this journey with me. We share a bond that time cannot erase, a bond built on shared experiences, shared values, and a shared identity.To be part of the Angelite legacy is an honor. To have been its Head Girl in 1981–82 is a privilege I will forever cherish. And to now share my journey as a doctor, pathologist, teacher, and lifelong learner with the next generation fills me with hope and pride for I know the spirit of excellence, compassion, and resilience continues to live on in each one of you.

With love and gratitude,

Dr. ARPITA BHARGAVA JINDAL

Head Girl (1981–1982)MD, Pathology