11 years and counting! Manjula G’s inspiring journey of service and care for little Orchidians

“When the kids step inside the classroom, every desk and chair should be shining. It feels good to know they will sit and study in a clean space,” says Manjula G, as her face breaks into a soft smile. The Jalahalli branch is among Orchids’ first schools to open in Bengaluru, and Manjula has been a dedicated employee since its inception. An important support staff member, the 36-year-old completes 11 years with Orchids this year. Naturally, she knows the premises like the back of her hand. Among students, teachers, parents and other staffers, Manjula is a familiar face - the one often associated with trust, knowledge and worthiness. She not only takes care of the campus but also makes sure that the campus is ready to welcome the little ones every morning. Manjula starts at the crack dawn. The morning quiet motivates her, while she prepares for the classrooms and corridors to turn into a bustling hub. 

Home away from home

Orchids was not really a dream job for Manjula. Rather, it was the proximity to her house that informed her decision. She lives nearby and working at the Jalahalli campus meant she could avoid commuting a long distance everyday. That said, over time, this very campus became her second home. Coming to a place full of children everyday became more than just work for Manjula. “For me, it’s more like travelling between two homes everyday now,” she adds. The school’s lively atmosphere is now a familiar rhythm in her life. She knows which corner of the campus needs more attention, what time the teachers arrive and who among the students greet her with a cheerful ‘good morning’ as they run to the classroom. 

Memories that make Manjula proud

The sense of belonging is what makes Manjula look forward to coming to work everyday. Even though she’s almost on a mission every day to keep the campus spick and span, some of her fondest memories are not that of spotless floors but of being around children. “When I see the kids smiling at me every morning, it feels like my own family is here,” admits the mother of two. She is also quite popular among the alumni. “I feel very happy to see them return to the campus. I still remember them as kids - some were quiet, while the others were naughty. Seeing them all grown-up and doing well in life makes me proud. I feel like I was a small part of their journey.”

Also read: Tinkering Lab: Inside Orchids’ very own DIY hub that turns curiosity into creation

Finding strength amid challenges

It is this quiet pride and connection with the children that also give Manjula the strength to face the toughest challenges in her life, especially during the pandemic when classrooms went empty and the corridors silent. It was the thought of welcoming students back to school that motivated her to keep moving forward. “Those were difficult times, but we all supported each other,” she recalls, adding, “We wanted the school to be ready when the children returned. That kept us going.” 

These challenges also taught her patience, not just with her work but with herself. Manjula says how not being well-versed in the English language had once been a hurdle for her. However, over time, she learnt that grasping a language comes with time. “If I know the context, I can now understand what the conversation is about. And I am getting better at it. It’s a huge leap for someone like me whose medium of instruction has never been English.” 

Know more about Orchids International School's fee structure

Toward a greater purpose

For Manjula, school is not merely a workplace but a chapter of her life, in which she has invested over a decade nurturing relationships, finding joy in small victories and fostering a sense of belonging to a greater cause. “I don’t teach in the classroom, but I feel like I’m assisting them in learning by preparing the campus beforehand so they come ready,” she says. Her work does not end once the floors are well cleaned but is delegated to escorting the school bus so students can arrive at school and return home safely every day. As the morning bell strikes and the corridor springs to life, her task for the time being is done, leaving behind a sparkling space and the intangible feel of one who quietly sets about making the school a second home.