2 Aug
A literature competition called
MaRRS - Maze of Words that my kids have been participating in the previous levels, and have honored me by qualifying at the National Level. Rashida has been consistently topping her category whilst her bro, Mohsin is following suit, not far behind.
1 PM: Ready to board the Karnavati Express to Ahmedabad for the MaRRS competition. A pretty long journey that would land us at the destination at 10PM.
10 PM: After a tiring train travel, we checked in at Moti Mahal, at a stone's throw from the Railway Station. Predominantly famous for its Mughlai restaurant, the Hotel facilities were nothing to sing praises about. Anyways, our purpose was solved and we didn't have to spend much time in this match-box room.
3 Aug
7 AM: Amidst torrential rains, we managed to get out of our Hotel and board our pre booked Indica that took us to our examination venue.
The Ahmedabad roads do merit a mention here. Despite the downpour, the cabbie was driving at breathtaking speed on the highway. It seemed he was confident that he wouldn't have to negotiate the infamous Mumbai potholes.
8 AM: 
The Swaminarayan Gurukul Vishwavidya Prathishthanam (SGVP) school was the centre. Built over a sprawling campus, it followed the 3 pillars of education - Study, Sports, Spirituality.
"The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows".
The educational level was International and they had students from various countries pursuing their studies here. A Cricket stadium, football, basketball, and volleyball courts were all there for the sports lovers. A tiny tot splash pool plus an amusement park and an adult swimming pool to top it all. But the sport that impressed us all was Horse riding.
The divine teachings were based on Hinduism, though they celebrated all festivals.
They also had a school that functioned completely on the Gurukul system of Vidya. This was provided entirely free of cost.
" It was an only boys school though".
10 AM: The exam lasted for over an hour. The kids seemed to have faired well. The results would be declared in next few hours and the efforts put in by all students and parents alike were about to be rewarded.
We had time at our disposal to move around the campus and explore the vicinity.
1 PM: Finally, it was time for the presentation ceremony. The stage was set, trophies laid out and the dais ready.
Category 1- The numbers were rolling from the 10th rank upwards. Rashida was excited but didn't seem perturbed even though the 3rd position went by. She was highly confident of securing a prize today. "The second place", started the presenter, "goes to JB"..and before he could complete the name, she knew she had won it. A trace disappointed was I on having to settle for less than the First place, but my girl was already on stage accepting her biggest trophy till date. A proud moment for us. 
Category 4: Mohsin was a little less confident. As the positions moved up from the 10th place, his chances were fading. He had to settle for a National Level participation certificate, a no mean feat at all. 
2 PM: A complete non veg lunch at Dominos and back to the Hotel.
5 PM: A short Ziyarat tour to our Roza would justify my eternal principle
'एक पंथ दो काज'.
The peacocks freely roaming around here are unparalleled by their sheer numbers. 
8 PM: A sumptuous typically Mughlai dinner at the Moti Mahal restaurant would end our sweet memories at this city.
4 Aug
4 AM: Departing by the Karnavati back to our hometown.
