Page 5 - June 2021

CMS FIGHTS CORONA JUNE 2021 (5)

As the pandemic raged furiously, together we fought and we did it!

Valour stories of CMS students and teachers

The Covid-19 Encounter When the Going Gets Tough the Tough Gets Going
The Annual Examinations had just finished on April 8, 2021 and online
classes were announced from 9th April. I had been diagnosed with Typhoid It’s rightly said “Tough times don’t last , tough people do.” The same is
on 2nd April and developed fever from 9th April. I continued with my true for the Senior Principal, Principal and staff of CMS Gomti Nagar
duties taking online classes for two days of my Class X students who were Extension, who left no stone unturned to keep the children under their
to appear for Board Examinations soon. However, abdominal pain, fatigue and muscle care going in these difficult times. They showed a lot of positivity and zeal
cramps forced me to request for Medical Leave for few days. On April 15, I tested and encouraged everyone to carry on even in these difficult times. The deadly disease
positive for Covid-19. I continued doing some Yoga-Simhasana, Bhastrika, Nadi- hit many a parent, teachers and children but even then, the smooth functioning of the
Shodhan Pranayam-sometimes even at 3 am, and these made me feel better. My school was ensured as the principals took the reins in their hands and motivated the
younger son flew in from Dubai to look after me and took great care of my diet others to work enthusiastically. They proved to be true leaders leading from the front.
providing me fresh fruit juice, homemade food, soup etc. My elder son was guiding me
about what to eat and how to manage from Belgium. Finally, I tested negative in the Defeat Corona with Patience
first week of May. I'm thankful to my Principal Ms Aditi Sharma, who had all the time We had just passed Class III and were buying books etc. to study in the
been sending me positive messages to get well soon, to my colleagues and friends for next class. It was as if we were entering the new session by forgetting
wishing me the best of health and God for helping me fight this dreadful enemy with the bad memories of the corona pandemic last year. We were all
grit and determination. Ms Neerja Ravindra , ICSE teacher, CMS Chowk Campus overjoyed. We had also purchased new books, bags, bottles, shoes,
etc. But wait! Our school was closed again due to the second wave of
Covid-19. The online classes were resumed by our school. At the same
Willpower and Positivity- Key to beat Coronavirus time my Daddy isolated himself because a worker in his office was
My family and I experienced COVID like symptoms for the first time in the COVID positive and my father was also showing symptoms. I couldn't meet daddy. Now my
first week of March. Soon, in a span of 10-15 days, my health rapidly mother's difficulties and responsibilities had increased. Not only she had to give daddy food
deteriorated as fever continuously hovered around 103-104 °F despite and medicines separately, but she also had to take care of us, as well as address the
medication. But fever was only the first chapter, others were — sore challenges of keeping herself healthy and safe. These were very difficult days for our family.
throat, loss of taste and breathing issues. Amidst all this, I knew that this was my own During these days I decided to give full support to my mother. I used to share my mother's
battle. Therefore, I isolated myself, kept consuming the immunity khadha and was in small tasks patiently. Also, as per the Covid-19 guidelines, I kept calling or video calling my
daddy time to time. At the same time, I continued to attend my online classes. The tough
constant touch with the doctor following his advice. Very importantly, I did not pay 14 days passed. My daddy's corona report came negative and now he was fully fit and
heed to rumours related to the virus and was regularly sanitizing the place. healthy. Divisha Shukla, IV, CMS Jopling Road Campus
During this tremendous phase of my life, constant touch with my loving students, kept
me motivated and rejuvenated. Interactions with them through online teaching would
fill me with enthusiasm and hope. The “Wellness Circle” sessions also helped me to Help thy Neighbours
keep my spirits high, bring positivity around me, find my strength and win the battle As we all know this pandemic time is very difficult for us. Everyone one is
with the motto “Yes, I can do it”. suffering from this virus. It is a very dangerous virus.
Special gratitude to my Respected Principal Ma'am, Ms Samvida Adhikari, Primary Few days ago, one of our neighbouring families became Covid positive.
Incharge, Ms Deepali Singh and the entire family of CMS Aliganj Campus II, who stood Their relatives do not live in Lucknow. No one was there to help them
by me through thick and thin and were in constant touch with me. because the whole family was suffering. We decided to help them. My
Richa Vividh Bhatnagar , Assistant Teacher, CMS Aliganj Campus II mother prepared food and my father went to give that food. He wore the PPE kit and
went to their house. He put that food packet outside their house. We prayed to God
for everyone. We used to talk to them on video call because in these times it is very
Ramzan is a month of Charity important to be happy and one should not think negative. I sent them some jokes so
The second wave of Pandemic has been quite troublesome and so many that they read it and feel good. I advised them to take warm water, Vitamin C and hot
people have been infected by this deadly virus, some even losing their steam daily and after seven days their temperature and oxygen level was under
lives. Ramzan is the month of fasting and also charity. My father brought control. We thanked God. Oh God, please listen to our prayer, make everyone healthy .
some face masks and sanitizer bottles and I distributed them equally Stay home, Stay Safe. Adya Garg, III B, CMS Anand Nagar Campus
amongst my neighbours, relatives and needy people for their protection and hygiene.
My mother has also been preparing food for some Covid patients who are isolated at To be a Teacher Needs lot of Courage,
home and also some patients who are admitted in hospitals and I have helped her in Determination and a whole lot of Patience
packing the food. The packing of food was a big challenge as we had to prepare 5-10 The courageous, determined and diligent Primary Section teachers of CMS Kanpur Road
packets of Lunch and dinner daily, for almost the whole month of Ramzan. Campus, despite being infected by Covid-19 virus, only after a short rest or no rest at all,
We had purchased disposables for infected patients alongwith aluminium foil and successfully conducted the online classes. The teachers felt that the best way to fight this
zipper bags for fruits. Infact we are still preparing food and distributing it to the poor disease was to be engaged in teaching because children are the best source of positivity
people. I am not going to celebrate the festival of Eid this year in this pandemic and energy. The smiling faces of students, their concern and best wishes for their
situation. Instead I have utilized the same money to buy clothes and food for the
children of my maid. Faizah Fatima, II C, CMS Station Road Campus teachers did magic and healing was quick. Thus, the teachers were successful in
combating COVID-19.
CMS Kanpur Road Campus Primary Teachers
Selfless Service
My father is a chemist and worked with his team during Duty with a Smile
the tough time. His selfless work is recognized as he fixed Monika Raja Vasandani, front desk Administrative Assistant Teacher, at
appointments with some senior doctors online in case of CMS Gomti Nagar Campus I, emerges as an unsung hero. Monika, whilst
emergency. He also helped several in cremation whenever keeping up with her many responsibilities as a mother of a little girl, aged
required. Ummul, VI, Asharfabad Campus
seven, continues to handle the duties of a front desk officer each day in
the school in the middle of this deadly pandemic, wearing a smile on her face, always!
My Experience during Covid In spite of being aware of the repercussions of a high level of exposure to the virus,
I tested positive for coronavirus on 9th April along with my husband. Both she meets a number of visitors daily. In addition to this, despite her underlying health
of us isolated ourselves in two different rooms in our home. As per the conditions, she continues to offer her help, every evening, as a social citizen to anyone
doctor’s advice, we took medicine and followed a new routine for the who needs medical services pertaining to Covid-19 in the hospitals. She continues to
next 17 days. I was worried about my husband as he has diabetes and I provide assistance to whoever needs it. Her courage and valour are rare, and we are
was getting information through the media that so many people with very lucky to have such a strong woman as part of our team. We salute you!
comorbidities were dying, but in my heart, I knew that everything will be alright soon.
During that period, I had a fever, sore throat and body ache. Gradually by taking The Testing Times
medicine, doing pranayama and meditation, I was able to recover. My whole family tested positive for Covid last month and it was the most
My father used to bring food for us during the isolation period. I felt happy to have the crucial time of my life. There was panic and chaos all over the place and it
yummy food prepared by my mother but at the same time, I felt bad for my parents was hard for me to manage everything. In those tough times my family,
for doing so much for me when I should have been doing something for them. Soon friends, colleagues, respected Principal Ma’am and Incharge Ma'am were
the period passed, I kept myself motivated by connecting with God. I did my of great support . They checked on me frequently and gave me advice to stay mentally
pranayama every day and that led me to be free from congestion. Soon the nightmare and physically fit.
was over and with the grace of God, we were both back to health again. I am grateful that my family has recovered now.
Shubha Mukherjee , II A, Jopling Road Campus Anupama Gupta , Teacher, CMS Chowk Campus

I did not Deter from my Duty CMS Taught Me to Serve Society
I did not deter from my duty and continued to guide students online, Among the various courageous workers my uncle Zulfqar Hussain has
even after being infected with COVID and suffering from fever. I gave been the role model and also a great source of inspiration for me. A chef
instructions to my students for taking necessary precautions during by profession, he helped many people by providing jobs, food and shelter.
Bio-Technology practicals of the Board Exams. The practicals went on The condition is very sad and depressing. In such a time my uncle
smoothly but I was hospitalized. Later on, my three year old child also provided means of livelihood and source of support to the needy. He
caught the infection. The child has recovered but I am still in isolation, yet teaching my himself has been a student of CMS Asharfabad and the spirit of going back to society
students with full devotion and courage. has been developed in him during his days at school.
Shikha Sareen , Senior Section Teacher, Kanpur Road Campus Wabisa Zehra, V, Asharfabad Campus
Cont. on page 8

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans