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A few tears, a few smiles, some tight hugs, some photographs, some sad goodbyes and promises to stay friends forever… these are the essential ingredients of the perfect college Farewell. The college Farewell is an event of tremendous significance in the lives of all youngsters as it marks the end of their carefree and bindaas college life and the beginning of their first stint in the competitive professional world out there. As this academic year approaches its conclusion, most colleges in the city are busy preparing to bid adieu to the seniors in style. It is the same in St. Francis College, Begumpet, which was buzzing with activity as it geared up for the Farewell, which was held on 13th March.

The Farewell frenzy has spread like wildfire among the students, especially the seniors, most of whom can’t stop gushing about how they are going to look in saris.  “I’m really excited for the Farewell. Everywhere in college, it is the only topic of discussion. Everyone is asking the same question to each other, ‘Which color sari will you be wearing?’. I’m really looking forward to it.” said Harika Jain, a final year B.A. student. Malise Paul, another senior said,   “I’m really excited about wearing a sari. However, I’m also a little sad that college is over. I’ll miss all my friends and lecturers.” Some students have also made plans to party after the programme. Neha Singh, a 3rd year Mass Communication student said,  “My friends and me have pooled in money and we are going to go to 10D after the programme. We’ll dance and have lots of fun!” She further added,  “We are really excited about dressing up in saris. Yesterday we went shopping and bought heavy and expensive saris exclusively for the Farewell. Later, we’ll be going to buy matching accessories.”

The juniors have come up with a short programme for their beloved seniors which includes 2 group dances, one by B.Sc students and the other by B.Com students. The former has a fusion theme whereas the latter’s theme is a girl’s journey from school to college. Dona Ghosh, a 2nd year B.Sc student and one of the dancers in the first dance said,  “We started practicing on 3rd march and are really excited to perform. We will be dancing on a medley of Desi girl, Twist, Taal, Uff teri ada and Zoobi doobi. We are trying to create a fusion between Indian and Western.” Surabhi Bhandari, a B.Com student and one of the dancers of the other group said,  “We are going to depict the various stages of a girl’s life from childhood till the college farewell. The songs that we have chosen are ABCD….., Chak dhoom dhoom, Paathshaala, Aaj main upar, Khud ko kya samajhti hai, 10 on 10, Remix, Main tera dhadkan teri, Hai junoon and Jaane nahi denge tujhe. We are really looking forward to performing for our seniors.”

Apni toh Paathshaala, Masti ki paathshaala! Credit:Mystical Vigilante

Members of the Miss Francis organizing committee at work. Credit:Mystical Vigilante

Taal se Taal mila! Credit:Mystical Vigilante

The programme also includes the prestigious ‘Miss Francis’ contest, which is like a beauty pageant for the outgoing students, but with a francisian twist. Over the years, this contest has gained immense popularity and the number of girls vying for the coveted crown have greatly increased. Aditi Rao, a 2nd year B.Sc student and one of the members of the Miss Francis organizing committee said,  “We are working really hard to ensure that this year the contest sets the bar at a great height for the ensuing year. There were many entries this time, so we conducted a preliminary round which was a written test with personality based questions and picked out the final 15 who will compete on the day of the event. The upcoming rounds are Introduction and Talent, a quiz to test their know how about St. Francis & finally, judges’ question.” She further added,  “We arranged for sashes and crowns for the winners. The crowns are really pretty. I’m going to compere the event for the 1st time. I’m really excited about it.”

The Miss Francis contest has become a thing of  tremendous importance and honor to the participants. Sheetal Iyer, one of the finalists this year said,  “The whole idea of Miss Francis creates excitement. It is a privilege to bear that title. Even being a part of the contest is an honor. Being one of the finalists shows that we have carved a niche for ourselves in college over the years.” Disha Pancholi, another finalist said,  “I won the Miss Fresher 1st runner up title in my 1st year, it was then that I decided that I want to be Miss Francis. I am very attached to St. Francis. So, when I saw my name on the list of finalists it was like a dream come true. If I win, I will be deeply touched.”

However, not everyone is going gaga over the Farewell. Sunaina Bhagwandas, a B.A. final year student said,  “After 3 years of being in the same place, I’m so tired that I can’t wait to get out of here. I’m not really looking forward to the Farewell. Mostly I won’t come on that day.”

Love it or Hate it, but the Farewell at St. Francis has surely got all of its students talking about it and they definitely had one hell of a time preparing for it!