Spaces in Prakriya

Prakriya is truly unique. When I described it to my friends at college, they were amazed. ”Nature walks” and “field trips to places other than Wonder La” sounded like alien concepts and fairy tales to them, but what really stunned them where the places I told them we had on campus. Treehouses, man-made ponds and mini gardens and farms? They couldn’t believe it.

Prakriya is a large. So many places, all full of memories that I will cherish forever. So here are some of my favourites.

1. The Pond Area: The Pond is the first place you see when you walk into the campus.Surrounded by bamboo trees, the pond has a small island in the middle, and little tadpoles and fishes that swim around. I was not a student of Prakriya when the Pond was built, but it certainly wasone of my favourite places. It was the first thing I noticed when I entered the campus 7 years ago, and it fascinated me. When we had our unit tests and exams, my friends and I would spend time near the pond, studying for the next exam, joking around or relaxing. It was also the perfect spot for class photos.
2. The Honge Mara Amphie-theatre: This is often the centre of all excitement. On normal working days, we have meetings and team-building exercises here. When both the students and teachers wanted a change from the class environment, we’d have our classes outside, under the Honge tree. During Habba season, the Amphie-theatre comes to life. The space is decorated with large posters, lights, microphones and on the evening of the Habba, the Amphie-theatre witnesses a large crowd of parents and families of the actors who’ve worked hard to put on a show.
3. The Shed behind the Honge Mara Theatre: The Honge Mara theatre is certainly beautiful, but the shed behind it is where thefondest memories of my time with friends was formed. Snack and lunch breaks were spent here, talking, laughing and sharing food. It wasn’t long before other classes occupied the shed and we were left without a place to eat, but then again, who could blame them? It truly was one of the best lunch break spots in Prakriya. With a nice view of the basketball court, it was also a good place to sit, from where you could watch a basketball match.
4. Devar Kadu: Situated just next to the basketball court is the Devar Kadu, a mini forest, with a variety of trees and shrubs. It’s a wonderful place to take a walk once in a while. My friends and I would stand there for most of the lunch break, talking and laughing, without a care in the world.
5. Fruit Orchard: A walk down the path that winds amidst colourful flowers, strange shrubs and trees is a must when you are in Prakriya. The Singapore Cherry tree was the first tree I ever climbed (and possibly the last as well) and I remember spending most of fifth grade under this tree with my friends. Gooseberry tree, insanely popular among my friends who liked gooseberries, never really appealed to me, but going there hoping to find some good gooseberries on the ground was memorable.
6. The Libraries: There are two libraries in Prakriya; one in the Primary Block and another in the Middle and High School building. The library is a wonderful place to be. The library in the primary school block is large and spacious, with small chairs and tables where you can sit down and read a book. The calm environment is just what you need when you are reading or finishing any work. We spent a significant amount of time during our pre-board examinations in the primary school library.
7. Buddha Lobby: Though I did not spend much time here, this place is a lovely spot in Prakriya and the giant Buddha head is simply stunning. During festival times, the lobby floors are decorated with colourful and beautiful rangolis, something I can never forget.
8. Auditorium: When I think of this auditorium I remember all the assemblies that took place here. Well, not all, but I remember the music assemblies, news reading days, special performances from guests, and the inter-house competition announcements.
9. Football, Volleyball/Throwball and Basketball Courts: Games period was everyone’s favourite class, and being out there on the field was the best ever. All my classmates can agree when I say that at least one of these three courts was one of their favourite places to be. I was never too good at sports, but spending time with my friends made me enjoy basketball and throwball.