A MAYO COLLEGE PUBLICATION

FEBRUARY 2025
Celebrating 75 Years of Readership EDUCATE. ENGAGE. ENTERTAIN.
Reminiscing Legacy. Reinventing Future.

MAY SINCE 1950 THE MAYO MONTHLY

R “True leadership isn't claimed; it's
earned through respect, integrity
and the impact you create.”
(Read more on Pg 3)

“I wonder, what if there were no sun,

No moon, no trees, no ocean, no flowers?
What would I do?
Would you wonder like I do?”

“There are two (Read more on Pg 4)

“So, one day I sat down, took out

a pen and a sheet of paper. I had
great days in written a lot of stories in the
past; I thought this would be a
cakewalk.”

a person’s life (Read more on Pg 5)

l k Inside
—the day we Pg 2: Graduation Ceremony

are born and Pg 3: An Open Letter from the

College Captain

Pg 4: Poetic Expressions!
the day we Pg 5: The Rejected Writer

discover Pg 6: Checkmate: Through the

Checkered Boxes!

why.” Pg 7: February Highlights

DID YOU KNOW?

In February 1890, His Royal
Highness, Prince Albert Victor,
grandson of Queen Victoria
visited Ajmer. In his honour a
cricket match was played between
the Mayo College and the
Gymkhana. On this occasion, for
the first time, the College
Eleven wore their colours and
uniform. They consisted of a
white flannel coat, tight at the
chest and loose below reaching
FLASH FICTION halfway to the knee, ‘dhotis’ or
trousers and a ‘pugree’ of the
EASHAN AGARWAL, XI ‘Pachranga’. A shield of the same
colour was worn on the left side
He stood on the desk, declaring the importance of of the chest.
poetry, but when the bell rang, the only verse Dr Mohit Mohan Mathur
HoD, History & Museum
anyone remembered was ‘See you tomorrow’!
 GRADUATION CEREMONY: BATCH OF 2025

On 7 January 2025, history was made as our

esteemed institution hosted its first-ever
Graduation Ceremony, ushering in a new era
of tradition and excellence. The Batch of
2025, resplendent in their royal blue robes,
embodied the perfect blend of global
outlook and local charm, ready to take the
world by storm!

As lanterns soared into the night sky from

the main building's balcony, we knew we
were witnessing something special – dreams
without borders, illuminated by fireworks
and fueled by the unbridled spirit of our
young graduates.

The ceremony was a visual spectacle in

elegance, grandeur and heartfelt emotion,
setting the bar high for future celebrations.
When the Batch of 2025 came together to Don't be pushed
celebrate their momentous night, the
brotherhood and camaraderie were palpable, around by the
leaving us all beaming with pride. fears in your
Here's to the Batch of 2025: May your future mind. Be led by
be as bright as the fireworks that lit up your the dreams in
special night!"
your heart.
 CENTRAL APPOINTMENTS
College Captain: Advaya Sidharth Bhatia “True leadership isn't claimed; it's
College Vice Captain: Neil Tyagi
College Vice Captain: Viren Singh Tak
College Academics Captain: Kartikeya Parasher
earned through respect, integrity
College Sports Captain: Aamer Anand Shah and the impact you create.”
College Cultural Captain: Veer Vikram Kochhar
College Music Captain: Raghav Agarwal

HOUSE APPOINTMENTS Dear Mayoites

Ajmer: Shauryavardhansingh Ripudamansingh
Vaghela, Divyam Vohra Since I stepped into Mayo College in the 4th grade, this institution
Bharatpur: Pranav Singh Oberoi, Yajur Sehgal has been more than just a school to me—it has been my home, my
Bikaner & Tonk: Vaidhrata Sinh, Gurjaipaul training ground and the place where I discovered my true passion.
Singh
Colvin: Jay Nishant Gupta, Prakram Singh Today, as the College Captain, I hold the highest authority within the
Bhayana student body, a position that fills me with great pride and
Jaipur: Darsh Lakhani, Shaurya Tyagi responsibility. Mayo has shaped me in countless ways. It has instilled
Jodhpur: Kanishka Kapoor, Viraj Verma in me the values of discipline, perseverance and teamwork. Among all
Kashmir: Aryaveer Gautam, Raj Anand Kataruka the experiences I have had here, football remains my favourite. The
Rajasthan: Aditya Jain, Aaryan Rathi game has taught me the importance of resilience, strategy and
camaraderie—lessons that extend far beyond the field and into every
aspect of leadership.
SPORTS APPOINTMENTS
Athletics- Tanmay Jain
As a leader, I strive to set an example for my peers and juniors.
Archery- Adidev Singh
Leadership is not just about holding a title but about making a
Basketball- Tekeshwar Pratap
difference, standing by your team and always acting with integrity.
Singh Tanwar My role is to inspire, support and ensure every student finds their
Boxing- Gauransh Garg place in this incredible institution.
Chess- Aaryan Rathi
Cricket- Parth Aggarwal As we enter the new academic year in April, I look forward to
Cross-Country- Yajur Sehgal bringing new ideas, creating a better environment for us to work in as
Equestrian- Aamer Anand Shah a unit, and fostering a mindset that moves us forward rather than
Football- Prakhar Sharma degenerates us. I am excited about what lies ahead in the upcoming
Hockey- Shauryavardhansingh term and will be willing to do everything I can to improve the culture
Ripudamansingh Vaghela of our school.
Shooting- Aryaman Singh Yadava
Squash- Shourya Mehta For those who aspire to become a College Captain, remember that this
Tennis- Noam Pratipal Das position requires dedication, hard work and the ability to lead by
Yoga- Viraj Verma example. It’s not just about authority—it’s about responsibility. Be
involved, uphold the school's values, and always aim to bring out the
best in yourself and others.
CULTURAL APPOINTMENTS
Arpeggios: Kanishka Kapoor True leadership isn't claimed; it's earned through respect, integrity
Indian Music: Raj Anand Kataruka and the impact you create. I hope to leave behind a legacy of strong
Brass Band: Pranjal Vashistha leadership, unwavering sportsmanship and a deep sense of pride in our
IT & Media: Advit Jain school—one that inspires future generations to carry forward the
Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Meet Mayo spirit with honour and dedication.
Singh & Yatharth Chhura
Fine Art: Divit Chandak Advaya Sidharth Bhatia
Career Counselling: Parth Gupta College Captain (2025-26)
MUN: Ojasya Garg
 POETIC EXPRESSIONS! Just Wonder!
A Bond of Love Urvil Ghoshal, VII E
Salam Akshat Singh, VII A
This cycle of illusion forms a bond of love over this celestial horizon. Why do we dream while we sleep?
The fleet of solitude washes away from this land of fantasy. Are there night fairies that softly creep?
The sparkle in her eye curtains a sense of reality in this dreamscape. Why does the sky change its colour so bright?
The sight of her presence creates awe in my heartbeat. Does the rainbow share its colours with something in sight?

Secret Love Why does the world create horror movies, I ask?
Maarc Oberoi, VII B Can't they be edited to make us laugh instead?
Look at the stars, how they shine. Why do monks travel barefoot on dusty grounds?
You are the world, and wonder is mine. Do they not own shoes or slippers to wear around?
The fire is wild, and you always shine.
Bright is the sky, and your wonder flies over my mind. How do flowers bloom in different hues so fine,
Despite receiving the same sunlight, air, and water divine?
When I close my eyes, I see myself with you. How much will the world change over eternity's span?
But when I open my eyes, I am back in my room. Will we have more chapters in history to be written and planned?
It rains in the woods, and I hear your voice from the woods.
I am a spark who wants to be in your hearts. How can we hear our echo in an empty room so still?
Does our voice bounce back or simply bloom and fill?
The tree is very tall, like our bond.
The bond is strong, and our love is beyond.
The gratitude is high, the heartbeats fly.
When I see you, I always die. Let’s Learn: How to Write Odes?
A Soulful Sight
Krishraj Singh Sethi, VII C
The sky seems to be a world of fantasy at night,
Where the chill breeze of the ocean feels like the best sight.
The celestial stars crackling in the sky give a spark of light,
But this dream isn’t eternal.

The twilight enters the sky and makes a soulful connection with our bodies,
The soulful horizon sets, spreading stillness and calmness in the sky.
The whispers of the green trees bond with our inner souls,
After this sight, there is only one thought: What a dreamscape!

I Wonder What If
Granth Diwan, VII D

I wonder, what if there were no sun,

No moon, no trees, no ocean, no flowers? An ode is a formal,
What would I do? Would you wonder like I do? reflective poem
Mayo: A Chapter
Under the sky with no horizon, that praises or Arjun Baheti, VIII
Surrounded by the illusion of darkness, celebrates a Every chapter will be special this year,
Give love to nature, Just 365 days?! Then there's no need to fear.
For your heartbeat is gratitude from the world to you. person, place,
thing, or idea. Whether the resolutions of January,
Adore the beauty around you Or the realities December brings.
And wonder with great thoughts, what to do?
I wonder, what would you do? Don't forget to wake up before your alarm rings,
I wonder, what would you do? Please try writing poetry and share And seize each day with joy that clings.
I wonder, what would you do? your pieces with us:
[email protected] A new season arises this year at Mayo,
Celebrating 150 years of the echoes of "Go Mayo!"
Target waits ahead,
HAIKU SELECTION FROM LAST ISSUE: A breath, a pull, the shot rings,
Samar Raj Singh, IX E Designed by: Sambhava Gupta & Mihir Beswal, VII
Time slows, then it’s gone
 PROSE: THE REJECTED WRITER ABHYUDAYA SINGH, IX D

A sad story about the struggle of a writer pouring his heart into a debut novel, only to get rejected and criticized, shattering their confidence.
"This is bloody awful," said Mr Sterling in a very thick British accent. So, how did I ever end up in a position equivalent to your crush rejecting you
during prom? We are famous for our agriculture and stereotypical southern hospitality in Texas. My family wanted me to continue their farming
business, but I had other plans. Since childhood, I have been very interested in storybooks. I carried that craze for books throughout high school
and even in college. I spent almost all my allowance on storybooks and novels. Many dear ones advised me to take writing as a career.
So, one day I sat down, took out a pen and a sheet of paper. I had written a lot of stories in the past; I thought this would be a cakewalk. Let us
just say I couldn't be more wrong. The other day, I was walking to my part-time job when I saw a huge billboard reflecting the words, "Want to
become an author?" This caught my eye, and I called the number.
"Hello," an author answered. The girl behind the voice said she would set up a meeting with a world-renowned author, but I had to show him at
least a draft of any project I had been working on when I met him. She gave me two weeks to finish the draft. So, as soon as my shift got over, I
headed straight to my room. As I picked up my pen, my phone rang. It was my dad. He hit me with news that I could not comprehend: my mother,
who had been running the house after my dad got paralyzed and died due to cardiac arrest, had passed away. I was heartbroken. I felt empty.
But after I finally got my senses back, reality suddenly hit me. I had to handle everything and take care of my dad and little sister. I was not from
a well-to-do family, and we were not financially stable. All the money I had was from my mom or from the job. With no money and a home to run, I
could not keep up with my part-time job anymore. With options running out, I had no choice but to pursue writing as a career. So, I sat down once
again and started writing. I decided to write a horror/thriller story. I used all my creativity to write that story, and it finally completed after 12
days, to be precise.
My dad and younger sister had moved in with me since we couldn't afford living in that house. My dad prayed for me and for the meeting, since if
that didn't work out, we would be homeless, as I hadn't paid the rent for almost two months. I hadn't paid the rent because I was planning to buy
a car as a gift for my mom, as her birthday was coming up. I split those savings for my sister's tuition fees. The day of the meeting arrived.
Before leaving, my dad sat with me and told me a story. He told me that when he was in his teenage years, he and his friends used to play a game
in which one of the boys would hold five sticks in his hand, always holding them from the middle so nobody would guess which stick was longer.
Then, they had to choose one stick, and the one who had the longest stick won.

He told me life is like that game. If you judge too quickly, you're bound to fail. So, after that, I went to the meeting. The famous British author,
R.M. Sterling, sat right in front of me. He read it for like ten minutes and then threw it in the dustbin. My heart sank inside my body as I listened
to him criticising the book page by page. At least, he said I could never become an author. As I closed my eyes, I saw my dad, my sister, and I by the
side of the road, homeless. "I guess, I got the short end of the stick," I said to myself as tears fell down my eyes.

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
A spectacular book authored by James Clear provides insightful
thoughts on how to manage your daily life accounting for various
approaches to habits by breaking bad ones and building good ones. I
found this book quite useful and interesting and highly recommended
for readers who want to change the way they want to live.

Super Sleuth is a suspenseful and exciting book about a girl on

a ship with a murderer on the loose. The tone of the book is
friendly and is a must-read for budding readers. A gripping plot
captivates and the mysterious cliffhanger will hook up
readers of all ages.

Thrilling and a captivating book written with finesse!

This book is the bestselling book in New York. It
showcases a young girl in hope to find magic which
eventually succeeds but encounters an unexpected
plot twist that nearly crushes her dreams.

Please share book reviews and stories

for publication in the next issue to
[email protected]
 Checkmate: Through the Checkered Boxes!
Curated by: Arnav Agrawal, VIII & Viraaj Jain, VII
As a curious new boy and a keen chess
player, I ventured into a paradise for
chess lovers - Room 21 - on my first
“Play the The longest chess game
Sunday at Mayo College. This was my theoretically possible is
inaugural encounter with Mayo's
opening 5,949 moves.
spirited, skilled and sagacious chess like a
team; comprising players from all
grades who played with the same magician,
passion, conspiring their moves to
bring down the opponent's king with and the
the stealth of a jellyfish. That's when
my journey began too! endgame
There are numerous opening moves like a
which can kickstart your game
smoothly. My signature opening is the machine.”
King's Open, starting with E4 and E5,
combined with my own moves and the “Chess is a battlefield where two
Sicilian Defense as Black, followed by
the Sicilian Dragon, a classic
kings enter but only one leaves. The
employed by Garry Kasparov. As Mayo common misconception is that chess is
was new to me, my love for chess and played on a board, but in reality it is
Sir DK Soni's inspirational guidance
helped me navigate my lows.
played in the minds of the players.
Every move and decision is precisely
The art of being skeptical and vigilant calculated and executed! That’s why
is a rare trait, and this realization
struck me profoundly. After the the ‘C’ in the Chess stands for
bustling chess season concluded, a ‘Critical Thinking’.”
thrilling and thoughtful time awaited - Aaryan Rathi, Chess Captain
the chess players as the battle of
insiders began.

The most awaited chess tournament

in Mayo, The Wazir Chand Bali Open
Chess Tournament, showcased the
Eton of East's swanky chess talent
and facilities. Tournaments like this
unlock Mayoites' true and treasured
talents, while nurturing their skills.

Working beyond my limits and setting

higher goals, I stepped into the Wazir
Chand Bali trophy tournament,
“The ability to play chess is the
thoroughly analyzing my mistakes.
Although it was Yajur who ultimately sign of a strategic gentleman.”
emerged victorious, the experience
- Mr D K Soni, HoD Mathematics &
greatly increased my knowledge and
understanding of my gameplay. Chess Supervisor
 FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS
A delegation of students from Schloss Gaienhofen,
Germany embarked on a journey of discovery as part of a
cultural exchange program. This enriching experience
immersed them in the vibrant tapestry of Indian culture,
allowing them to forge unforgettable memories. During
their stay, the German students delved into the rich
heritage of India, attending classes with their Indian
counterparts, exploring historic sites, and indulging in the
local cuisine. As they navigated the complexities of a new
culture, they formed lasting bonds with their Indian
friends, creating a testament to the power of cultural
exchange.

1st Vasant Utsav

1st Maharaja Sumer Singh Memorial

Football Tournament
1st-5th Winner: Mayo College Junior School
Best Player: Sanidhya Sharma, VI
Top Goal Scorer: Aarav Duggad, VI

IH Cricket
2nd Winner: Bharatpur (Middles & Seniors)

3rd-6th IPSC Equestrian Championship

7th Graduation Ceremony Batch of 2025

Bridging generations with joy and gratitude:

8th IH Gymnastics
Ambay Ashram Visit

10th Individual Boxing Championship

Mr Mayo & Strongman Contest

Winner (Mr Mayo): Arjun Vashisht, XII
11th Winner (Mr Strongman): Divyraj Singh
Rathore, XII

IH English Debates
11th-12th Winner: Jodhpur (Middles)
Winner: Colvin (Seniors)

La Fête De La Francophonie organized by

Gems Modern Academy, Dubai
Winners: Janmejay Singh, IX (Senior) & Sanskar Agrawal, VII (Junior) 13th-15th Triangular Tournament, Daly College

14th Investiture Ceremony

18th-19th Dining Etiquette Workshop for Staff

"If everyone is moving forward together, Students of Junior School Inter Section Hindi Play VII-VIII
23rd
then success takes care of itself". attended the Round Square
Global Conference 2025, held
at Regent's International
School, Bangkok, Thailand held German Exchange Inbound-
17th Feb-2nd Mar
from 16-20 February. The Scholss Gaienhofen
conference themed
'Embracing Change: Shaping Visit of Gresham’s School,
the Future’, brought together 18th-26th UK Delegation
students from 19 schools
Spellbinders
across 11 countries. 28th
 WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN MARCH? lv e
So s!

Curated by: Pragun Singh Bagga & Agastya Agarwal, VII

t ’ s
le It gets
L e id d
1st 5th 7th-20th 19th-20th 21st-28th 30th-31st R wetter when
it dries.
What is it?

New Academic Flower Show Final Examination Scout Camp VII End Term Excursions Book Distribution
Session for IV-VIII VII-XI
Class X & XII
It increases
Editorial Note Word of the Month but never
decreases.
Mayoor isn’t just a newsletter; it’s Mayo’s very own
What is it?
time capsule—preserving stories, events, and, let ‘Aibohphobia’-
us be honest, some last-minute creative miracles.
What are two things
For 75 years, it has been more than just ink on
paper; it has been the voice of Mayoites, a
the irrational that you cannot eat
in breakfast?
reflection of our experiences, achievements and
even the small everyday moments that make life
fear of
Mary didn’t sleep for
here so special. It has connected us across grades,
houses and interests, ensuring that every Mayoite Palindromes! 25 days. How did she
survive?
has a story to tell and a place to tell it.
(a word, phrase, or sequence that
As the newly inducted President, I feel incredibly reads the same backward as well
honoured to lead Mayoor Society and carry forward
as forward) I have cities but no
this legacy. Along with my fantastic and dedicated
Aibohphobia is a palindrome. houses. I have
team, I am committed to making Mayoor more
forests but no trees.
engaging, inclusive and a true representation of
I have water but no
the vibrant Mayo spirit. We want every student to UNSCRAMBLE THE WORD! fishes. What am I?
see a part of themselves in our issues—whether it
is through articles, art, poetry or the fun baucoyrvla (all the words in a language)
challenges that keep us thinking. ----------
Our mission is simple: to ensure that Mayoor is not
just a publication you flip through but something Guess the Faculty?
you connect with, something that excites you and An award-winning
something that brings us all together.
faculty with a
JANUARY EDITION ANSWERS
While we honour tradition, we are also here to palindromic name, has 1. Opening Page: Riddle on the top: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
embrace change, introduce fresh ideas and make a favourite number 13
2. Opening Page: Riddle at the bottom: The word is "starting".
Remove the middle "T" and you have "staring". Remove the "A" and
Mayoor a platform where every Mayoite’s voice is you get "string", remove the "R" then you have "sting", remove
and populary the "T" and you get "sing". Remove the "G", and you get "sin",
heard. Legacies aren’t just maintained—they are remove the "S" and you're left with "in", and finally, remove the
addresses many "N" and you're left with "I".
reimagined, redefined and carried forward by each 3. Pg 4: He wrote: ‘The time will pass soon.’ If you read this line in
students as ‘bhau’.
generation. And we’re just getting started! happy times, you will be sad because you would want the happy
time to last forever. If you read it in sad times, you will feel happy,
as you will feel optimistic about the future.
4. Pg 5: ‘Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening’ by Robert Frost
Aditya Jain 5. Pg 8: Acquiesce - to agree without protesting & Guarantee - a

President, Mayoor Society EDITORIAL BOARD promise that something will be done or will happen
6. Pg 8: Mr Ajay Sharma

PATRON EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ANMOL KRISHNA BANSAL, IX
MR SAURAV SINHA
MS TANYA JAIN JAIVIR SINGH NAGRA, IX
PRINCIPAL, MAYO COLLEGE
ARJUN BAHETI, VIII
PRESIDENT, MAYOOR SOCIETY ANHAD SINGH MAGO, VIII
CREATIVE HEAD ADITYA JAIN, XI
DESIGN
DR ACHAL DEEP DUBEY SECRETARY, MAYOOR SOCIETY ADVIT JAIN, XI
DOCA & HOD (ENGLISH) DHRUV AGARWAL, IX
SIDDHANT SINGH PARMAR, X
PRANSHU KEDIA, IX
PRINTING & DISTRIBUTION TRANSCRIBERS AKSHAJ AGARWAL, IX
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT AKSHEET AGARWAL, VII SURYAPAL SINGH DEORA, VII DRISHAN PRITHANY, VIII
MS AKANKSHA BHANOT KUSH SINGH RANAWAT, VII ARHAAN NARANG, VII SARTHAK KEDIA, VIII
MS KEERTI KHADGAWAT AARAV DUGAR, VII AARUSHH AGARWAL, VII SAMBHAVA GUPTA,VII
MAARC OBEROI, VII AGASTYA AGARWAL, VII MIHIR BESWAL, VII
LABHESH KAUSHIK, VII ARSHVEER SINGH CHAWLA, VII

For any contribution, submission and feedback write to [email protected]