Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, Dec 19: The 60th anniversary celebrations of Deepika High School turned into an emotional reunion as former students gathered to honour their alma mater and those who shaped their lives. Amid the vibrant festivities, one moment stood out—a heartfelt tribute to two humble ice candy sellers, Khadriyikka and Damodar, who had been an inseparable part of the school’s history decades ago.

Life for students three or four decades ago was starkly different from the present. Back then, pocket money was a luxury, and for most children, sparing 50 paise for an ice candy was a rare indulgence. As the school bell rang at the end of the day, Khadriyikka’s ice candy cart would roll into the schoolyard, its familiar bell drawing a crowd of eager students.

While some had the money to buy a treat, many others could only stand by and watch wistfully as their peers enjoyed the brightly coloured candies. But Khadriyikka, with her warm heart and generosity, never let a child leave empty-handed. She would break a candy into small pieces and share it with those who couldn’t afford one, leaving an indelible mark on their young hearts.

Today, those same children have grown into accomplished individuals—business leaders, professionals, and philanthropists spread across the globe. Many of them returned to Deepika High School to celebrate its diamond jubilee. As Khadriyikka was invited onto the stage to be honoured, memories of her small yet significant acts of kindness flooded the alumni's minds, bringing tears to their eyes.

For Khadriyikka, who had never anticipated such recognition, the moment was overwhelming. The love and gratitude from the former students left her speechless and deeply emotional. She couldn’t hold back her tears, nor could they. It was a poignant reminder that even the smallest acts of generosity can leave a lasting legacy.

In a world where success is often measured by achievements and wealth, the story of Khadriyikka stands as a testament to the enduring power of compassion and selflessness. For the alumni of Deepika High School, her ice candies were more than a childhood treat—they were a symbol of kindness that had shaped their lives in ways words could hardly express.