The Witty Stride

– Satyakam Ray

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world”- Gustave Flaubert. The great French 19th-century novelist, Mr. Flaubert, didn’t expect his quotes to stay relevant almost 100 years after his death. The kids of the 1990s would happily recollect their vacation stories. They did so with enthusiasm from their school and college days. These recollections occurred at gatherings of friends and buddies. Whether a lovable lifetime memory or a traumatizing, sad tale, each vacation gave ’90s kids perspectives and experiences to ponder.

Believe it or not, the small vacations that ’90s kids mostly cherish are the ones when the school bell rings. Whether an academic topper or a loafer, everyone becomes Spiderman when the school bell rings. The sweet sound activates their Spiderman traits. The mini vacation begins with dull, monotonous studies, and a free spirit emerges in the school compound. The kids enjoy their little freedom. They make the most of it through playgrounds, hobbies, and other personal eccentricities. Corporate tea breaks or time-outs now replace the mini-vacations of school days, but something is missing. The soul, the vitality of joyous innocence, and the spark are missing nowadays. If anyone is curious about finding happiness, flash back to your memory lane. Seek the child in you running towards home or the playground with friends after the school bell rings. That’s the purest form of vacation.

The other socially accepted vacation norm involves traveling to a tourist destination or visiting grandparents’ house during school holidays. Depending on their parents’ financial status, 90s kids had various travel experiences. They visited scenic holiday resorts. They saw world-famous monuments. Some explored idyllic villages in remote corners of India. The wealthy and elite ’90s kids typically traveled to exotic foreign destinations for their holidays.

In contrast, poor and middle-class children often spent their vacations in India. They stayed at their grandparents’ homes or traveled to small-scale destinations like Shimla, Darjeeling, or Agra. Many nerds or toppers spent their vacation time preparing for Olympiads. They worked on IIT/AIIMS preparations. At the very least, these dedicated students finished the following year’s course before the class started.

It doesn’t matter where the ’90s kids traveled for their holidays. What matters is how they described their experience to their classmates when the school reopened the following year. The show-off and fake narration by classmates created many original stories. They often put the other kid who hadn’t traveled in a depressed mood for a while. Even recently, presents and souvenirs from close friends remain a hallmark of gifting. This includes those from the 90s. Most importantly, sharing memories is something that a ’90s kid will remember. Unforgettable stories and friends’ experiences are cherished in the gossip circle.

The vacations developed the intellectual side of the 1990s kids. They traveled to many places. They learned about other customs and traditions. They also tried their hands at many new things. Their social behavior improved as they mingled with unfamiliar people. They made friends with strangers by playing cricket. They also discussed schools, dreams, and aspirations. Some ’90s kids also learned a few kinky things during these touring endeavors.

Many extracurricular activities, like debating, quizzing, and essay writing, provided students with opportunities to take short breaks. These activities allowed them to rest while studying the course. Under the pretense of participating in these events, 90s kids also enjoyed small breaks from their studies. The junior Red Cross and NCC were significant. Other seminars also offered vacations for the academically inclined ’90s kids.

The Author and many adults still remember the Doordarshan song celebrating school holidays. Those songs had happy vibes before the term “vibe” was coined. The movie “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” effortlessly captures the essence of vacations from the 90s. Now, they yearn to live those moments again, but they know it’s impossible in their hearts. Only happy memories of holidays linger in the daydreams of 90s kids.

Meanwhile, a few production issues are pending. A new patient needs attention in the hospital, or other professional commitments arise. It’s like a beautiful dream that once lived long ago. We ponder whether we can relive those priceless moments again with our parents, school friends, or best buddies! The moment is nostalgic and heartwarming to the ’90s kids.

Mr. Flaubert is right in his quote, except that the ’90s kids have nostalgic, downright sentimental hearts. They see the whole world in their tiny hearts and dreams as they apply for leave or plan it!