(From left) Himanshi Singh, Tanvi Shreya and Ragini Rita at Patna Women’s College on Friday. Picture by Ranjeet Kumar Dey

A blend of happiness and nostalgia marked the atmosphere at Patna Women’s College on Friday as juniors bade farewell to the final-year students.

Students from all the departments came dressed in finery, as the rule of less make-up and a dress code was relaxed for the day. The show stealers were without a doubt the third-year students who looked stunning in their saris with matching accessories.

Principal Doris D’Souza remained active throughout the farewell programme. “Oh, you look so pretty and grown-up today. Welcome and God bless you,” she greeted every student of the outgoing batch.

At the start of the three-hour event, all the final-year students had a dazzling smile on their faces. By the end, though, all eyes turned wet.

Nikita Amar Jha, a student of the English department, said: “It was a very different day. For the first time in my life, I wore a sari and heavy make-up. I am not used to such things, but it was worth it. Compliments from our principal were quite unexpected.”

She added: “For the past three years, we had to follow a strict dress code. Wearing jeans or heavy make-up was a complete no-no. But today (Friday), all of us (students of the outgoing batch) came in saris and heavy make-up.”

Soumya Chakraborty, one of Jha’s classmates, had an early morning.

“I woke up at 6am to get ready. I don’t know how to wear a sari and had to take my mother’s help. My friends helped touch up my make-up. My last day in college was extremely special,” she said.

The first- and second-year students organised a short cultural programme at the farewell. The final-year students also walked the ramp, and Tanvi Shreya of the geography department was adjudged Miss Patna Women’s College.

Himanshi Singh (mass communication) and Ragini Rita (mathematics) were declared first and second runners-up, respectively.

The final-year students were not the only ones with surprises in the bag, though. The teachers also showed their light-hearted side.

Meena Kishore, head of department, psychology, said: “You must be getting nostalgic and worried about the future. Some of you must be happy knowing you would get married soon after examination. But all of you should never allow arrogance overshadow your personality.”

She also exhorted the girls to come back to their alma mater and contribute to the institution in any way they can.

Sharan Saheli, another faculty member, read out lines from the Bhagvad Gita and explained the meanings too.

While principal D’Souza wished the students luck for their future, Sofia, the commerce department’s head, urged them not to compromise on dignity.