Showing posts with label School (KVJ). Show all posts
Showing posts with label School (KVJ). Show all posts
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Arun
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Now this is a post only people who know about KVJ and KG Halli in Bangalore would be able to relate to. Nevertheless, it might make a good reading. So I’ll continue scribbling…
So not long back I wrote this post on how Kapil Sibbal’s decisions are going to leave the class X teachers jobless ( ”KG Halli Culture” - en Route to Transition???). And in the words of one of my school teachers, “allow them to spend more time at the canteen and outside, rather than correcting answer scripts and taking remedial classes”. And she did say that the Café Coffee Day guys would hear of it and it would result in the inauguration of one of their outlets in KG Halli! “There’ll be a Coffee Day in place of the Swati bakery.” (I really have no idea where this Swati bakery is – perhaps the residents of KG Halli would be generous enough to enlighten me about it)
That time, it sounded too far-fetched to me. Coz I never believed (or rather didn’t want to believe) that the X board exams would be scrapped. But now the decision has been taken – and X class teachers are en route to being relieved from majority of their workload. Though I’m not sure many are happy with this. As Sherin ma’am (she was my English teacher in school) said when I asked her whether I should congratulate her on this, “You have to wait for a year before the congrats coz it’s only from 2011. Think of the stuff we are going to have in XI minus the class X screening.”
However, if this results in a Café Coffee Day outlet being opened in KG Halli, I’m all game for it (incidentally, I don’t drink coffee – I only go there to eat donuts). I can at least say, “Look at the brighter side of this debacle…”
And congratulations to the class X teachers in advance… perhaps we can have a longer chat the next time I drop in at school.
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Finally it's 8th july again. Coming again as a reminder of the day I joined KVJ in 2002. Seven long years - even though I studied there only for 5 years, I keep visiting whenever I get the chance...
VIII-C : Couldn't have Wished For Better!!!
So I ended up in VIII-C. I guess it went like a cycle. 'A' section in Hindon, 'B' in Jodhpur - and now 'C'. (Incidentally, I went back to 'A' in XI.) So I got admitted on July 6, 2002 (Saturday) and joined school on July 8 (Monday). Then began the roller coaster ride which eventually ended in 2005 with us getting out of X-C and entering senior secondary. But those three years - would never come back....
When I joined KVJ, I didn't wish for any particular section. But now I feel that if I had been in any other section, I would've missed some of the very best days school life can offer....
The Class Which Was....
So this was the class which had the old stalwarts (should I call them so) - Hannah, Shreyasi, Tarun, Chitra and Vindhya among others, none of whom lasted till the climax class of X-C. Some left school, and others were thrown into other sections by force. And they were the ones who made VIII-C what it was - though the newcomers were quite a revelation. Mainak and Arun - studs in their own right, and climbing to the top in the academic ranks. Shreyasi was another notable "rookie" minting gold in the academic mine. I still remember our social teacher Mrs.Kamalakshi Agarwal scolding the class after the half yearly exams - I had got 98 and Mainak 95, the rest were way below us. I can still imagine her screaming,"You dead moronic children!" (That was her favourite dialogue). And she refused to take our class in IX, preferring the 'D' section. (But I guess she might've repented it later on - after all we were the ones notching two 480+ scores in the board exams.)
And incidentally, I was the quite guy in class - a reputation which lasted no longer than a year. For in IX and X, I was known as the chatterbox - I wonder what brought about this drastic change!
The Shock of the Year!!!
So the academic year passed by without much happening (or maybe my memory fails me). Then the final exams - and the results. And I hear my name being announced on stage for topping in VIII class with a "100 in Hindi". I was like "100 in Hindi???" (Mind, I had a really stingy hindi teacher in Jodhpur who gave me 64 in VI and 72 in VII - and I was the topper in both cases). So getting 90+ itself seemed quite impossible to me. But 100? No one could believe it - not me nor my teachers. And I had many people requesting my hindi "scribbles" - I don't think they were good enough to be called notes. And in the end, I didn't give them to anyone - what if they ask,"You got 100 by studying these?"
Frankly, I have no idea how I got 100. Later when was in IX, I went and saw my answer script solely to see it for my own eyes. And I find 99.5 on my script - .5 marks deducted for an essay, full marks everywhere else. Mainak had got 98. A stroke of luck maybe....
VIII-C was never that special to me - but it was the first step towards X-C. The first step to fun'n'frolic!!!
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Try however I may (I never tried – I suppose it wouldn’t make a difference even if I did), I can’t forget KVJ – its premises and of course, its teachers (the students have changed and I know only a few of the present students).
Another Excuse to be There!!!
So I had to go to Peenya to collect my industrial training certificate – and I was done with that work by 11:30. My dad advised me to return by bus – but I always had one thing or the other to do in Bangalore and I told him I’ll return by the 4 o’clock train.
Then I rush off to my old school – and I call my buddy Samuel (or Sam, in short) for company. So we start roaming around in school – no one questioned us (after all, I still know half of the teachers there). We kept running into one teacher or the other. And everyone had the same thing to say to me,”You’re back here, eh?” or “Roaming in holidays?” I can’t help it – I have three months of summer vacation and I’m more or less jobless during this tenure!
“You’re Retiring???”
So I got the news that Nair sir, who taught me maths in classes XI and XII, was taking voluntary retirement next week. I was pretty much surprised – when I was there last week, he said he was retiring in December this year. Well, what made him take this decision, I don’t know and I don’t care!
But I always felt he’s among those teachers who never seem like retiring. So finally he’s bidding adieu (many will be sad to see him go and some might be happy - I wonder). Here’s wishing him a happy retired life, free from freaks like us!
“You’ve Gone Down!!!”
Latha ma’am, as always, is concerned about the health of her students and on seeing me,”You’ve gone down. If you wear your old school uniform, you’ll look just like a school student!” (I’d have gladly accepted the offer, provided I get the same classmates, same teachers and the same classroom) And she had said the same thing when I’d been to see her last week!
And I had to say that after the bout of chicken pox in February, I never really recovered – not that I lack stamina, just that I never put on weight. So she said,”You’ve two weeks before you leave right? Eat well and put on weight.” And I was like,”If I din’t put on weight during the last two and a half months at home, would it really happen in the coming fortnight?”
Well, let’s wait and watch….
Another Excuse to be There!!!
So I had to go to Peenya to collect my industrial training certificate – and I was done with that work by 11:30. My dad advised me to return by bus – but I always had one thing or the other to do in Bangalore and I told him I’ll return by the 4 o’clock train.
Then I rush off to my old school – and I call my buddy Samuel (or Sam, in short) for company. So we start roaming around in school – no one questioned us (after all, I still know half of the teachers there). We kept running into one teacher or the other. And everyone had the same thing to say to me,”You’re back here, eh?” or “Roaming in holidays?” I can’t help it – I have three months of summer vacation and I’m more or less jobless during this tenure!
“You’re Retiring???”
So I got the news that Nair sir, who taught me maths in classes XI and XII, was taking voluntary retirement next week. I was pretty much surprised – when I was there last week, he said he was retiring in December this year. Well, what made him take this decision, I don’t know and I don’t care!
But I always felt he’s among those teachers who never seem like retiring. So finally he’s bidding adieu (many will be sad to see him go and some might be happy - I wonder). Here’s wishing him a happy retired life, free from freaks like us!
“You’ve Gone Down!!!”
Latha ma’am, as always, is concerned about the health of her students and on seeing me,”You’ve gone down. If you wear your old school uniform, you’ll look just like a school student!” (I’d have gladly accepted the offer, provided I get the same classmates, same teachers and the same classroom) And she had said the same thing when I’d been to see her last week!
And I had to say that after the bout of chicken pox in February, I never really recovered – not that I lack stamina, just that I never put on weight. So she said,”You’ve two weeks before you leave right? Eat well and put on weight.” And I was like,”If I din’t put on weight during the last two and a half months at home, would it really happen in the coming fortnight?”
Well, let’s wait and watch….
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Everyone, who has, in one way or the other, been attached to KV-1 Jalahalli, would know about KG Halli. Many students are from KG Halli – and they are usually the ones who have no interest in studies and flunk in exams. So the “KG Halli Culture” is something despised by many….
Will They Ever Change???
So other day, when I was at school, I found myself with Mrs.Sherin John and Mrs.Meena Thomas (both English TGTs, with whom I’ve had very good student-teacher relationships over the years) in the staff room. And somehow, we ended up discussing KG Halli.
So, as expected, it was all about old students sitting on KG Halli roads, smoking and doing all sorts of indecorous activities - conduct unbecoming of a student of KVJ. Sherin ma’am had a personal experience to share – about one such guy, who after seeing her staring at him, ran for his life. Meena ma’am quips in,”At least he had that much shame left in him!” So all in all, in Sherin ma’am’s words,”It’s an insult to us teachers to find our students sitting on the roads!”
A Blessing in Disguise???
Then we ended up on the topic of the proposed abolishment of class X board exams by the Indian government. I, personally, have no wish to write on this topic about which hundreds might’ve have already written about. But Meena ma’am made a comment, which really caught me unawares. When Sherin ma’am that all the class X teachers would be free most of the time and they will be at the school canteen sipping tea or coffee, Meena ma’am said,”Then in place of the Swati bakery, there would be a Coffee Day or an Expresso in KG Halli!”
I was like,”Would it really turn out that way?” Either Meena ma’am has a futuristic vision, or maybe she is a bit too optimistic.
Keeping My Fingers Crossed!!!
But it was an “exquisite” vision – a Coffee Day in KG Halli! I believe it would do a hell lot of good to the crowd there – perhaps a first step of the long walk to innovation? As more and more teachers become regular visitors to KG Halli (and I mean teachers like Sherin ma’am – with a stern stare and a sharp tongue), perhaps the alumni of KVJ would be back on track en route to finding success in life.
I’ll be keeping my fingers and legs crossed so that even if the class X board exams are abolished (which I really hope doesn’t happen), we’ll have a vicissitude to look forward to.
Looking at the brighter side of everything…..
Will They Ever Change???
So other day, when I was at school, I found myself with Mrs.Sherin John and Mrs.Meena Thomas (both English TGTs, with whom I’ve had very good student-teacher relationships over the years) in the staff room. And somehow, we ended up discussing KG Halli.
So, as expected, it was all about old students sitting on KG Halli roads, smoking and doing all sorts of indecorous activities - conduct unbecoming of a student of KVJ. Sherin ma’am had a personal experience to share – about one such guy, who after seeing her staring at him, ran for his life. Meena ma’am quips in,”At least he had that much shame left in him!” So all in all, in Sherin ma’am’s words,”It’s an insult to us teachers to find our students sitting on the roads!”
A Blessing in Disguise???
Then we ended up on the topic of the proposed abolishment of class X board exams by the Indian government. I, personally, have no wish to write on this topic about which hundreds might’ve have already written about. But Meena ma’am made a comment, which really caught me unawares. When Sherin ma’am that all the class X teachers would be free most of the time and they will be at the school canteen sipping tea or coffee, Meena ma’am said,”Then in place of the Swati bakery, there would be a Coffee Day or an Expresso in KG Halli!”
I was like,”Would it really turn out that way?” Either Meena ma’am has a futuristic vision, or maybe she is a bit too optimistic.
Keeping My Fingers Crossed!!!
But it was an “exquisite” vision – a Coffee Day in KG Halli! I believe it would do a hell lot of good to the crowd there – perhaps a first step of the long walk to innovation? As more and more teachers become regular visitors to KG Halli (and I mean teachers like Sherin ma’am – with a stern stare and a sharp tongue), perhaps the alumni of KVJ would be back on track en route to finding success in life.
I’ll be keeping my fingers and legs crossed so that even if the class X board exams are abolished (which I really hope doesn’t happen), we’ll have a vicissitude to look forward to.
Looking at the brighter side of everything…..
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Arun
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I always make it a point to go to my old school during every semester break to meet my old teachers. After all, school teachers rock – unlike their college counterparts. So I enter the premises of KV-1 Jalahalli, primarily with the intentions of meeting two of my favourite teachers – Mrs.Sherin John, my English teacher from class VIII to X and Mrs. K Latha, my biology teacher from class XI to XII. And every time I meet them, I add new memories to cherish. (But as a matter of fact, I hardly come back without meeting at least 20 teachers – I’m glad they still remember me!)
“Me!? At the School Canteen???”
You won’t believe – I’ve been at that school for five long years and the only time I’ve been at the school canteen was to buy the school belt. I’ve never been there with the intention of filling my stomach – today was the first. And that too coz Latha ma’am invited me there. And of course, she happens to one of the few teachers I really respect and as they say, her wish/request is my command. So I accompany her and she says,”Take anything and everything you want.”
But I had no real urge to eat – I wonder why! So I take a masala vada and say I’ll be fine with this, but she insists I take one more – and I comply! So my first visit to the school canteen comes two after I pass out of that school! Life never ceases to surprise…..
“What Am I Doing in the Staff Room!??”
One place we students sort of revered, even feared, when we were in school. But now, finding myself sitting with my old teachers discussing and chit-chatting – I wonder if this really is happening (actually, it has been happening every semester break since I left school – but I’ve not yet been able to digest this fact). Sherin ma’am wasn’t really surprised to see me – she knows I’m jobless for more than 5 months a year. And she meets me with a stare which seemed to say,”You are always free, aren’t you?” And how could I deny the truth!
So it was the X-C show – about how we had our reunion on the previous Sunday, about what the others are doing and stuff. And then a teacher unknown to me comes and says someone has hit the blackboard in X-C with a duster and it has broken to pieces. Now we never did anything of that sort – so maybe our X-C was better!?
Anyways, it was another great experience “sitting” on a chair in the staff room – we were used to standing in that room. (I seek an excuse from the other teachers who were present – I can’t mention all of your names).
Another great day at school – hoping to have many more…..
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I loved my school life like anything – and the teachers there were great, unlike those at college. As was tradition, when we were in XII we had to become teachers for a day. How this tradition came about I know not, but I knew one thing – I, for one, can never be a school teacher!!!
5/9 to 14/11!!!
It’s a common practice in Indian schools for the XII class students to “act” as teachers on Teacher’s Day, September 5. But in ours, it used to be on Children’s Day, November 14. The reason – the students supposedly only loaf around pointlessly on the day they become teachers, forgetting their duties and exercising only their rights. So it’s unbecoming a tribute to teachers.
I personally never wanted to do all this on Children’s Day (if it was on Teacher’s Day, I might’ve gone). But no choice, we were given our “roles” for the “one-day play”.
All the school’s a stage and all the XII students mere players…..
“Me!? Physics Teacher???”
Now that I had no choice but to do all this, I would’ve loved to be a primary teacher – at least there would be nothing to do. The kiddos would be excited but controlling them won’t be that much of a trouble. Not to be – I had to “enact” the role of Mr. S.M Pandian – our physics teacher!!!
I idealized him – one of the best teachers I ever had. But that made the job even more difficult – how on earth was I supposed to teach physics if he asked me to!? Fortunately, he didn’t give any instructions and we were given a free rein. Just maintain the discipline and we are done…..but even that became an uphill task….
The “Autograph” Brigade!!!
Another custom, I can say. Everyone wants autographs from the “one-day teachers”. Even I used to do this till I was in V or VI. Later, I lost interest in all this. But you can always find kids vying for the crown of “The One with Most Autographs”. And as most of us had half of the periods free, all we did was roam around in the campus. But the moment we went near the primary block, we were surrounded by these autograph-hunters. Then it was the Headmistress (one of the students who really took the teacher thing seriously) chasing the kids and “ordering” us to go back to our secondary block. Nevertheless, one sari-clad girl isn’t much of a match for a battalion of kids!
All of us kept scribbling our names on the diaries and notebooks much to joy of the tiny tots – after all, we did the same things when we were kids. But alas! The “Lady Hitler” (I don’t want to mention her name, but my school mates would know who she is) of our school got another reason to fire a cannon ball at us….
The Crappy Side of School Life - Ignominy Inflicted!!!
Well somehow, the day was over and we were charge sheeted the next day. Offence – inability to maintain discipline in the school and giving autographs resulting in loss of order. And we were made to kneel down in the basketball court for an hour, while the above-mentioned oaf of a teacher kept screaming on the mic. That was humiliating – it was as if we begged them to make us teachers! They seemed to have sky-high baseless expectations. Most of the teachers had no problem with a little indiscipline on one day. But not her. And the autograph thing – I would’ve loved to ask her what she did when she was a student. I have always wished that my college teachers turn out to be like my school teachers. But when it comes to the ones like these, I’ll take my college teachers!!!
I wish I would forget this…..school life is full of happy memories, and I don’t want the ones like these to tarnish ‘em! But try as I may, memories keep popping!!!
5/9 to 14/11!!!
It’s a common practice in Indian schools for the XII class students to “act” as teachers on Teacher’s Day, September 5. But in ours, it used to be on Children’s Day, November 14. The reason – the students supposedly only loaf around pointlessly on the day they become teachers, forgetting their duties and exercising only their rights. So it’s unbecoming a tribute to teachers.
I personally never wanted to do all this on Children’s Day (if it was on Teacher’s Day, I might’ve gone). But no choice, we were given our “roles” for the “one-day play”.
All the school’s a stage and all the XII students mere players…..
“Me!? Physics Teacher???”
Now that I had no choice but to do all this, I would’ve loved to be a primary teacher – at least there would be nothing to do. The kiddos would be excited but controlling them won’t be that much of a trouble. Not to be – I had to “enact” the role of Mr. S.M Pandian – our physics teacher!!!
I idealized him – one of the best teachers I ever had. But that made the job even more difficult – how on earth was I supposed to teach physics if he asked me to!? Fortunately, he didn’t give any instructions and we were given a free rein. Just maintain the discipline and we are done…..but even that became an uphill task….
The “Autograph” Brigade!!!
Another custom, I can say. Everyone wants autographs from the “one-day teachers”. Even I used to do this till I was in V or VI. Later, I lost interest in all this. But you can always find kids vying for the crown of “The One with Most Autographs”. And as most of us had half of the periods free, all we did was roam around in the campus. But the moment we went near the primary block, we were surrounded by these autograph-hunters. Then it was the Headmistress (one of the students who really took the teacher thing seriously) chasing the kids and “ordering” us to go back to our secondary block. Nevertheless, one sari-clad girl isn’t much of a match for a battalion of kids!
All of us kept scribbling our names on the diaries and notebooks much to joy of the tiny tots – after all, we did the same things when we were kids. But alas! The “Lady Hitler” (I don’t want to mention her name, but my school mates would know who she is) of our school got another reason to fire a cannon ball at us….
The Crappy Side of School Life - Ignominy Inflicted!!!
Well somehow, the day was over and we were charge sheeted the next day. Offence – inability to maintain discipline in the school and giving autographs resulting in loss of order. And we were made to kneel down in the basketball court for an hour, while the above-mentioned oaf of a teacher kept screaming on the mic. That was humiliating – it was as if we begged them to make us teachers! They seemed to have sky-high baseless expectations. Most of the teachers had no problem with a little indiscipline on one day. But not her. And the autograph thing – I would’ve loved to ask her what she did when she was a student. I have always wished that my college teachers turn out to be like my school teachers. But when it comes to the ones like these, I’ll take my college teachers!!!
I wish I would forget this…..school life is full of happy memories, and I don’t want the ones like these to tarnish ‘em! But try as I may, memories keep popping!!!
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I have always been a ”jack of all, king of few” – at least I believe I am. I am used to doing petty chores at home – ranging from that of a plumber and a cobbler to a carpenter. And incidentally - by luck or by fluke – I’ve had such classes at school too. The IX class extravaganza (should I call it so) can never be forgotten – dance classes, music classes, glass painting and so on – nothing lasting more than a few weeks at most....
“Dance – Are You Insane???”
I got dumped into the batch going for dance classes – how I have no idea. But it seemed to consist of both guys and girls. So I thought – let’s go for one class and then we will see…..
The dance teacher tried her best to “tame” the guys – but none of us were willing to go the “classical dance” way. She hardly started dancing when we started muttering, chattering, hooting…..and stuff. Nevertheless, it seemed a scene out of a comedy movie. I wouldn’t have minded staying there without having to dance seriously, but the teacher wouldn’t agree to that. She was hell bent on teaching her students classical dance. At least western would’ve kept us there for a few days I guess. But classical – we didn’t even last a day. Or rather, the teacher drove us away. A one-day escapade!!!
“Tabla – Dha Dha Tirakita Ta!!!”
Next I went on to tabla classes. It lasted longer than the dance classes – that’s all I can say. The teacher was another sample – he was happy to see many people attending his classes, but he just didn’t have the time or the equipment to teach all of them. So we hardly learnt anything there.
The only thing I remember about those classes is weird suggestion to avoid the functioning of sweat glands in the palms, “Boil a mixture of ‘kaalshum’ and water and apply it on your palms.” And everyone started wondering, “What the hell is ‘kaalshum’?” Then he says, “It’s the one which is present in chuna (lime).” So it was calcium. And he says we can use chalk powder as a source of calcium. Of course, I had no intentions of following his weird Calcium-therapy. Moreover, calcium carbonate isn’t actually harmless to human skin. But we had a weirdo in our class too – Madan. He decides to try it. And the result – he ends up with blisters on his hands. That taught us not to trust that guy.
But before any more such weird suggestions could come from his repertoire, it was time to bid adieu….
“Keyboard – Losing Steam After Kick-Off!!!”
Then we got news that keyboard classes are going on as well. And few of us decide to jump there – keyboard sounds a lot more “modern” than the primitive tabla!
So we go there – and it was a disaster to say the least. We had no idea of chords and bass and stuff. It was pretty humiliating actually when you are asked to play a tune and it goes awfully disastrously wrong. Then the teacher says he’s taking private classes as well. And for some reason, I decide to go (mind, that was a wrong decision, still repent it). So I go and learn a few things – I won’t say he was a bad teacher, but he wasn’t such a good one either. And I hardly went for two months when I entered class X – full time studies as they say – and I left the classes. So it was pretty much a waste – and I bought a casio on top of that (haven’t played it in ages). Maybe someday I’ll take it out of the trunk and strike a few chords…..
I’ve had time to re-start all these years, but I’ve never been able to generate enthusiasm for any of them. Starting everything and leaving it without learning it fully – that’s all I am about I guess. The Universal Novice!!!
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Today’s the day many have been eagerly waiting for – and many would’ve wished this day never came. The day of the results of CBSE class XII!!! This reminds me of my own results two years back…..
Expectations Soaring High!!!
I always thought I’d get used to carrying everyone’s expectations and hopes on my back in school – but I never did. Yet I never buckled under them. Maybe it was luck, maybe it was fate – but I always made it to the top in school (now, of course, is a totally different story!).
So there I was, school topper in X with 96.4%. And I decided to take biology instead of informatics practices in XI. That was a change from the scenario as usually the toppers end up taking the alternative. Hence my biology teacher Latha mam had pinned all her hopes on me. She was a great teacher, so I felt I had to do it – at least for her, if not for me!
The Pre-board Nightmares!!!
The pre-board exams of XII were the opposite of that in X. I was always below par in maths, chemistry and biology. I still managed to top but neither my teachers nor my parents were satisfied. English is a standard debacle so I never worried about it. But the other subjects – yuk!!!I still remember never getting more than 62 on 70 in my biology papers. “Hell! If I end up getting 62 in the boards, I couldn’t face my teacher….”
And my chemistry mam - no need to ask. She told me she’d make me drop a year just coz I got 39 on 50 in a class test (mind, it was the highest!). And the way she said it, yeeks! But I couldn’t help giggling – no way she can do that! And then her scream rouses me from my thoughts,”Are you listening boy?” Of course, she was good at heart no matter how atrocious she might seem.
But keeping your cool with all these thought clogging your mind – it wasn’t easy!
The Examination Hall!!!
The vision that comes into one’s mind is one of students surrounded by their parents, looking so nervous as though they are the ones writing the exam. Never in my case – my parents never came with me. Of course, dad had to go to office and he would leave with a “Do your best” in the morning. Mom would’ve liked coming with me, but I was used to cycling my way around and she never came in my way.
Then the exams, each paper a different story. And I’ve no intentions of blabbering on and on and on about them. But I guess except a little disastrous question in physics, I did decently well. Expectations? I never had any in English, but I was sure of at least 95+ in the others. So overall, I felt I should cross 95% somehow and said so to my parents. I kept thinking, “Ain’t I overestimating myself???”
Finally…….. It’s Time!!!
Mom kept waiting for the results. I was too pre-occupied with my entrance exams to really care much about it. Well, the day came as it had to.
Mom kept wringing her hands right from the morning. And the confidence which I had right after finishing the exams had slowly melted away over the months. “What if I go below 95???” As a practice, I never wait for the time the results are scheduled for. I’ll be online an hour early, waiting for them (What if they somehow decide to release them a little earlier?) And that one hour – a nervous mom and I, trying to pretend to be uninterested (I’ll get 95 anyways, mom!) – the world used to be at a standstill for the two of us. Only the clock kept ticking…….
Well, the time did come at last……And I didn’t fare that badly – except English that is (86!? That was sickening). But I managed a 98 in biology and a 97 in chemistry. “Phew, now I can face my teachers!” I rather believe I studied, not for myself, but for my parents and teacher and of course, my reputation! 96 in physics was disappointing, but never mind. I clocked 95.2% - All’s well that ends well….
And the 5 grands cash prize – icing on the cake!!!
Expectations Soaring High!!!
I always thought I’d get used to carrying everyone’s expectations and hopes on my back in school – but I never did. Yet I never buckled under them. Maybe it was luck, maybe it was fate – but I always made it to the top in school (now, of course, is a totally different story!).
So there I was, school topper in X with 96.4%. And I decided to take biology instead of informatics practices in XI. That was a change from the scenario as usually the toppers end up taking the alternative. Hence my biology teacher Latha mam had pinned all her hopes on me. She was a great teacher, so I felt I had to do it – at least for her, if not for me!
The Pre-board Nightmares!!!
The pre-board exams of XII were the opposite of that in X. I was always below par in maths, chemistry and biology. I still managed to top but neither my teachers nor my parents were satisfied. English is a standard debacle so I never worried about it. But the other subjects – yuk!!!I still remember never getting more than 62 on 70 in my biology papers. “Hell! If I end up getting 62 in the boards, I couldn’t face my teacher….”
And my chemistry mam - no need to ask. She told me she’d make me drop a year just coz I got 39 on 50 in a class test (mind, it was the highest!). And the way she said it, yeeks! But I couldn’t help giggling – no way she can do that! And then her scream rouses me from my thoughts,”Are you listening boy?” Of course, she was good at heart no matter how atrocious she might seem.
But keeping your cool with all these thought clogging your mind – it wasn’t easy!
The Examination Hall!!!
The vision that comes into one’s mind is one of students surrounded by their parents, looking so nervous as though they are the ones writing the exam. Never in my case – my parents never came with me. Of course, dad had to go to office and he would leave with a “Do your best” in the morning. Mom would’ve liked coming with me, but I was used to cycling my way around and she never came in my way.
Then the exams, each paper a different story. And I’ve no intentions of blabbering on and on and on about them. But I guess except a little disastrous question in physics, I did decently well. Expectations? I never had any in English, but I was sure of at least 95+ in the others. So overall, I felt I should cross 95% somehow and said so to my parents. I kept thinking, “Ain’t I overestimating myself???”
Finally…….. It’s Time!!!
Mom kept waiting for the results. I was too pre-occupied with my entrance exams to really care much about it. Well, the day came as it had to.
Mom kept wringing her hands right from the morning. And the confidence which I had right after finishing the exams had slowly melted away over the months. “What if I go below 95???” As a practice, I never wait for the time the results are scheduled for. I’ll be online an hour early, waiting for them (What if they somehow decide to release them a little earlier?) And that one hour – a nervous mom and I, trying to pretend to be uninterested (I’ll get 95 anyways, mom!) – the world used to be at a standstill for the two of us. Only the clock kept ticking…….
Well, the time did come at last……And I didn’t fare that badly – except English that is (86!? That was sickening). But I managed a 98 in biology and a 97 in chemistry. “Phew, now I can face my teachers!” I rather believe I studied, not for myself, but for my parents and teacher and of course, my reputation! 96 in physics was disappointing, but never mind. I clocked 95.2% - All’s well that ends well….
And the 5 grands cash prize – icing on the cake!!!
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Arun
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X-C….the class I miss most. The class I’d give anything to go back to. A fun-filled odyssey lasting a whole year!
“X-C? That Class is…….!?”
If there was one word which described our credentials, it was – notorious. We were well known throughout half the school as the most undisciplined class, always getting in trouble. We couldn’t help it. It was inevitable – our class boasted of some of the most exuberant students the school had, who had difficulty staying put in the class and keeping a low profile. So it was pandemonium! Loafing around in the corridors whenever the teacher isn’t in class, chalk fights with girls getting caught in the cross-fire, screaming at the top of your voice were trademark activities of our class.
The Mis-placed Classroom!!!
And adding another twist to the existing scenario was the place where our class room was located. First floor, in one of the wings – closest to the Examination Department (well, XII standard was closer than us, but it seemed they were a bunch of disciplined studs). So our class became one of the favourite haunts for the teachers in that dept. At least Ms. Sherin and Mrs. Sobhana were always there, taking us to task. Of course we never changed, but that doesn’t mean we weren’t forced to!
Still looking back, even that used to be memorable – at least we came to be known in the whole school. Maybe it would’ve been better if our classroom was above the principal’s office. One shot to stardom!!!
“Me!? Getting 99!?”
We were one of the unfortunate batches, having written 3 pre-boards and 3 practice sets. The first pre-board….brings back memories!
The first set of papers as preparation for the boards – it wasn’t fun. But I do remember my social science paper – with pride! As it happened, teachers teaching different sections exchanged papers within themselves for correction. And our paper went to Mrs. Kamalakshi – the same teacher who had taught us in VIII but didn’t continue in IX. The reason, “VIII C is really undisciplined, so I’ll continue with VIII D.” we couldn’t have wished for worst! In fact, her correction was strict – even Mainak got only 81. But then, I ended up with 99!!! That was shocking – even for me! Then she says she cut that 1 mark just like that. I wonder – was I really that good at social!? Maybe that’s why I’m going with history in the civil services. Now this shook the social science dept. Every teacher wanted to see my paper. Guess another teacher even re-corrected it. But my marks didn’t go down.
X-C remains in the school headlines!!!
The Most Disciplined in Class! “How Come it’s Not Me!?”
I never really deserved to be called a disciplined student – the word ‘punctual’ would have suited me more. I was up-to-date with everything, but one thing I couldn’t help – I was never quite in class. I had this uncanny knack of following what the teacher was teaching even while chit-chatting. So I was ready for surprise questions, I had marks on my papers – nothing to complain! Yet teachers complained to my dad.
Maths teacher : He gets really good marks, but he won’t keep quiet in class. I think he studies at home.
Social teacher : He got 49/50 in the previous test. Only 47 this time. That’s coz he’s always talking.
Science teacher : He’s really studious, but he should learn to keep quite in class.
The other two classes I was relatively silent, so no complaints as such! So the title of most disciplined went to G (G Suraj – we called him G as there were two Surajs). As my science teacher once said in class, “Suraj is silent in class. Even Mainak talks a little. And Arun is always talking!”
And I daresay I’m living up to my old standards – but one change, I feel like sleeping now rather than talking!
Board Results Out! Two Shots to Stardom!!!
Finally our class became popular for the right reasons. Good results – perhaps the best among all the sections. Top two in the school. Of course, we never knew amongst ourselves which one among the two of us –me & Mainak – would pip the other. In the end, lady luck shone on me, though narrowly. 2 marks – that was all that separated us! Guess that showed everyone that being a goody-goody class doesn’t matter as long as you crack the nut called examination. And that we did!
But I was full of melancholy – and I guess others were too. The roller-coaster ride had ended – and it was time to part ways! Many left our school – and even those who remained were left divided in 3 sections. Embarking on our different routes – will we ever be together under one roof again???
“X-C? That Class is…….!?”
If there was one word which described our credentials, it was – notorious. We were well known throughout half the school as the most undisciplined class, always getting in trouble. We couldn’t help it. It was inevitable – our class boasted of some of the most exuberant students the school had, who had difficulty staying put in the class and keeping a low profile. So it was pandemonium! Loafing around in the corridors whenever the teacher isn’t in class, chalk fights with girls getting caught in the cross-fire, screaming at the top of your voice were trademark activities of our class.
The Mis-placed Classroom!!!
And adding another twist to the existing scenario was the place where our class room was located. First floor, in one of the wings – closest to the Examination Department (well, XII standard was closer than us, but it seemed they were a bunch of disciplined studs). So our class became one of the favourite haunts for the teachers in that dept. At least Ms. Sherin and Mrs. Sobhana were always there, taking us to task. Of course we never changed, but that doesn’t mean we weren’t forced to!
Still looking back, even that used to be memorable – at least we came to be known in the whole school. Maybe it would’ve been better if our classroom was above the principal’s office. One shot to stardom!!!
“Me!? Getting 99!?”
We were one of the unfortunate batches, having written 3 pre-boards and 3 practice sets. The first pre-board….brings back memories!
The first set of papers as preparation for the boards – it wasn’t fun. But I do remember my social science paper – with pride! As it happened, teachers teaching different sections exchanged papers within themselves for correction. And our paper went to Mrs. Kamalakshi – the same teacher who had taught us in VIII but didn’t continue in IX. The reason, “VIII C is really undisciplined, so I’ll continue with VIII D.” we couldn’t have wished for worst! In fact, her correction was strict – even Mainak got only 81. But then, I ended up with 99!!! That was shocking – even for me! Then she says she cut that 1 mark just like that. I wonder – was I really that good at social!? Maybe that’s why I’m going with history in the civil services. Now this shook the social science dept. Every teacher wanted to see my paper. Guess another teacher even re-corrected it. But my marks didn’t go down.
X-C remains in the school headlines!!!
The Most Disciplined in Class! “How Come it’s Not Me!?”
I never really deserved to be called a disciplined student – the word ‘punctual’ would have suited me more. I was up-to-date with everything, but one thing I couldn’t help – I was never quite in class. I had this uncanny knack of following what the teacher was teaching even while chit-chatting. So I was ready for surprise questions, I had marks on my papers – nothing to complain! Yet teachers complained to my dad.
Maths teacher : He gets really good marks, but he won’t keep quiet in class. I think he studies at home.
Social teacher : He got 49/50 in the previous test. Only 47 this time. That’s coz he’s always talking.
Science teacher : He’s really studious, but he should learn to keep quite in class.
The other two classes I was relatively silent, so no complaints as such! So the title of most disciplined went to G (G Suraj – we called him G as there were two Surajs). As my science teacher once said in class, “Suraj is silent in class. Even Mainak talks a little. And Arun is always talking!”
And I daresay I’m living up to my old standards – but one change, I feel like sleeping now rather than talking!
Board Results Out! Two Shots to Stardom!!!
Finally our class became popular for the right reasons. Good results – perhaps the best among all the sections. Top two in the school. Of course, we never knew amongst ourselves which one among the two of us –me & Mainak – would pip the other. In the end, lady luck shone on me, though narrowly. 2 marks – that was all that separated us! Guess that showed everyone that being a goody-goody class doesn’t matter as long as you crack the nut called examination. And that we did!
But I was full of melancholy – and I guess others were too. The roller-coaster ride had ended – and it was time to part ways! Many left our school – and even those who remained were left divided in 3 sections. Embarking on our different routes – will we ever be together under one roof again???
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Arun
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Rolling back time to class XI…..getting ready to bid adieu to our seniors in school, who would be embarking on the journey of “collegehood”. Everyone busy with one thing or the other. But I ended in the most lucrative department – the Refreshment Committee! Bless my luck! A toast to free food!!!
Partners in Crime!!!
I don’t remember the names of everyone who was in the committee, but I do remember these – Amit, Sunil, Madan, Anuradha and Nithya. Others might please forgive my slip-of-mind. Well, we just ended up there – maybe it was fate! It was Sunil who started the act of munching. And the first dish was (I wonder if it’s right calling it a dish) samosa. That got everyone in the mood. Amit started one but then, the teacher-in-charge Mr. S.M.Pandian came in, well known for his strict nature. So what does he do – he stuffs the half-eaten samosa back into the box, hoping against hope he doesn’t get caught! Lady luck was shining for him – and perhaps for all of us!
The girls had kept their hands clean till now. Even I hadn’t touched anything yet. But I ain’t so honest to let such an opportunity pass by. So even I joined the party. That was the cue for the girls. “If Arun Raj, the punctual, disciplined Arun Raj is eating, why can’t we?” This rang an alarm bell somewhere in my head – Would I have to take the blame for all of them!?
Our Unlucky Peers!
But the ones caught in the midst of nowhere were our peers who were not fortunate enough to be a part of the eat-all-party. We served the teachers followed by our seniors (of course the girls did most of the serving, but we had to help here and there). Once the seniors were done, we were supposed to serve our batch mates. But this bits and pieces of this instruction got lost somewhere during communication and no one actually followed it.
“Serve the XI class after XII” was the instruction. And we followed it – after all, we are also XI standard students! Well, they envied us. But none of us were actually inclined towards helping them out. After all, it’s an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
The Teacher Who Gave Us a Free Rein!
I guess everyone has a softer side to them. The teacher-in-charge never really bothered about what we were doing. Maybe he gave away his strictness to the festive atmosphere! So it was eating, eating….and eating!!! We lost count of how much we had eaten – all that mattered was to continue till we could eat no more. The girls, of course, were in control. But we! It wouldn’t have been a miracle if our stomachs had burst out.
The After-Effects!!!
Junk food seems good only while you’re eating it. The real hard part starts once it’s over and we have to face what’s in store for us – moving around with a stomach that full. I myself know how I managed to cycle 4km to reach home. Lunch skipped, evening snacks skipped, dinner cut down to half! The whole time slouching in bed….. At least, groceries were saved!!!
Somehow, I felt good enough to go to school the next day. When I reached there, I realized everyone else didn’t feel the same way. Many didn’t come to school including Amit and few others. Guess the reason was conspicuous – stomach trouble! Thank my lucky stars……my perfect attendance at school continued!!!
Just another unforgettable memory of school life – the life which has been left behind to move on, but which always pops up in mind every time it gets a chance! Can I really re-live those golden moments!?
Partners in Crime!!!
I don’t remember the names of everyone who was in the committee, but I do remember these – Amit, Sunil, Madan, Anuradha and Nithya. Others might please forgive my slip-of-mind. Well, we just ended up there – maybe it was fate! It was Sunil who started the act of munching. And the first dish was (I wonder if it’s right calling it a dish) samosa. That got everyone in the mood. Amit started one but then, the teacher-in-charge Mr. S.M.Pandian came in, well known for his strict nature. So what does he do – he stuffs the half-eaten samosa back into the box, hoping against hope he doesn’t get caught! Lady luck was shining for him – and perhaps for all of us!
The girls had kept their hands clean till now. Even I hadn’t touched anything yet. But I ain’t so honest to let such an opportunity pass by. So even I joined the party. That was the cue for the girls. “If Arun Raj, the punctual, disciplined Arun Raj is eating, why can’t we?” This rang an alarm bell somewhere in my head – Would I have to take the blame for all of them!?
Our Unlucky Peers!
But the ones caught in the midst of nowhere were our peers who were not fortunate enough to be a part of the eat-all-party. We served the teachers followed by our seniors (of course the girls did most of the serving, but we had to help here and there). Once the seniors were done, we were supposed to serve our batch mates. But this bits and pieces of this instruction got lost somewhere during communication and no one actually followed it.
“Serve the XI class after XII” was the instruction. And we followed it – after all, we are also XI standard students! Well, they envied us. But none of us were actually inclined towards helping them out. After all, it’s an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
The Teacher Who Gave Us a Free Rein!
I guess everyone has a softer side to them. The teacher-in-charge never really bothered about what we were doing. Maybe he gave away his strictness to the festive atmosphere! So it was eating, eating….and eating!!! We lost count of how much we had eaten – all that mattered was to continue till we could eat no more. The girls, of course, were in control. But we! It wouldn’t have been a miracle if our stomachs had burst out.
The After-Effects!!!
Junk food seems good only while you’re eating it. The real hard part starts once it’s over and we have to face what’s in store for us – moving around with a stomach that full. I myself know how I managed to cycle 4km to reach home. Lunch skipped, evening snacks skipped, dinner cut down to half! The whole time slouching in bed….. At least, groceries were saved!!!
Somehow, I felt good enough to go to school the next day. When I reached there, I realized everyone else didn’t feel the same way. Many didn’t come to school including Amit and few others. Guess the reason was conspicuous – stomach trouble! Thank my lucky stars……my perfect attendance at school continued!!!
Just another unforgettable memory of school life – the life which has been left behind to move on, but which always pops up in mind every time it gets a chance! Can I really re-live those golden moments!?
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Arun
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English…..my lowest scoring subject in school. Always hoped for less effort, optimum output. Alas! Always ended up with less-than-expected marks. Not that I didn’t like the subject, but I just couldn’t score. Maybe I overestimated myself at that time. And here I am, again taking the same subject for what might as well be the most important exam in my life. Is it a risk (should I call it so) worth taking???
I’ve had numerous English teachers in school and college. But none more influential than Ms. Sherin John, who taught me during classes VIII-X. Maybe it was chance that I ended up in VIII C, the class in which she taught, or maybe it was fate. Whatever it was, I didn’t mind. I felt she was a cut above the rest, so nothing to complain about. Maybe it’s coz of her that I’m taking English now……!
“KV Cuckoos”
A phrase of her own creation, I may say. At least I had never heard it until then. The phrase that I perhaps remember her by.
I have done my complete schooling in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and the school in the present context happens to be KV 1, Jalahalli West, Bangalore. We hardly used English in our daily life, or in her words we were “KV Cuckoos”. Mugging up answers to the literature questions and forgetting them once the exams were over. Very few had the natural flair for writing. I wasn’t one among them, but I could write well, if I wanted to. But I hardly ever did.
Whether we asked for it or not, hindi became our language of communication in school even though we were supposedly in an English-medium school. English was the language of “aristocracy”, used by few. Even though the teachers used English in class, its importance ended the moment he/she stepped out of class. Maybe the phrase was befitting, after all.
Mirabai – Did We Do Justice to the Play???
An indispensable (or should I say inevitable?!) part of her routine was to divide the class into groups and make them enact a play from the prescribed text. And the one which we got was Mirabai. As expected, I had to don one of the title roles, that of Rana Sangha! It’s been years so I can’t really remember the casting, but Badri, as the director, did a good job. He even brought props (crowns, swords, etc). Well, our play went pretty well. I never had any problems with memorizing the unending string of dialogues, having been blessed with quite a reliable memory. Yet, I forgot one and she had me! I wonder how one can be as sharp as her. But her next question had me tongue-tied, “Why was the Rana smiling?” Ah! I couldn’t help it. The moment I looked at the audience, I felt like giggling and I had to strive real hard to suppress it to a smile. Guess theatre isn’t my place, after all!
Of course, the other groups did a good job too. I guess Mainak as the Rana did a better job – at least he could act serious on stage!
“Its Vacation! What are We Doing in School?” “Eating Rice Bath!“
April paves the way for May. And we are filled with thoughts of what we would do in the summer vacation. Of course, we had a few weeks before we left for our natives. Obviously, we would have desired nothing other than loafing around till then. Apparently the teachers had other ideas. We were called – Mainak and I – a royal summon by Sherin mam! Actually she asked us if we could help. And we were always ready, the studs of the class. Well, we ended up drawing charts on various topics of grammar. Guess we learnt a bit while we worked!
But the thing I would never forget. “Rice bath for lunch!?” ” Can’t I go home for lunch?” Such were our thoughts, but we ended up eating it. Perhaps our commitment to work outweighed our hatred for the food!
“My Handwriting Gave Me Away!?”
This didn’t happen in class. I was in XII then. And she no longer taught me. But she was an integral member of our schools’ Examination Department, which incidentally was headed by my erstwhile chemistry teacher, Mrs. Sobhana. So I kept bumping into Sherin mam in places like the chemistry labs and such. Enough of background info, lemme begin. So we had a Display Board Competition. Four groups – XII A Girls, XII A Boys, XII B Girls and XII B Boys (I was in XII A). We came joint first in the end. I wrote a few things on the display board – in the best handwriting I could muster. Then one day, a week later, Sobhana mam tells me to write my name and school on a piece of paper. I noticed another person had done the same thing before me. Anyways, I did as I was told. But I didn’t write, I scribbled. She looked at it disapprovingly and left. Then a few moments later, both of them come and look at the display board. I was graciously “summoned”.
Sherin mam (pointing towards the board): Who wrote this?
Me : I did.
Sherin mam : See Sobhana. I told you. I know his handwriting. I’ve taught him for 3 years. He can write well when he wants to.
Sobhana mam (to me): Then why did you write like that???
Me : ………………………………………………………………………!?
I had no answer. How was I supposed to know they wanted to see my handwriting!? Consequently, I ended up writing around 100 certificates. I was happy coz there were around four with my name on them. But I’ve to acknowledge her sharp sight and memory! I should be careful in future!
She’s still in touch. Perhaps it’s a fated student-teacher relationship! I might have left school, but my memories won’t leave me!
And I don’t know how she’ll react once she reads it!!!
I’ve had numerous English teachers in school and college. But none more influential than Ms. Sherin John, who taught me during classes VIII-X. Maybe it was chance that I ended up in VIII C, the class in which she taught, or maybe it was fate. Whatever it was, I didn’t mind. I felt she was a cut above the rest, so nothing to complain about. Maybe it’s coz of her that I’m taking English now……!
“KV Cuckoos”
A phrase of her own creation, I may say. At least I had never heard it until then. The phrase that I perhaps remember her by.
I have done my complete schooling in Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) and the school in the present context happens to be KV 1, Jalahalli West, Bangalore. We hardly used English in our daily life, or in her words we were “KV Cuckoos”. Mugging up answers to the literature questions and forgetting them once the exams were over. Very few had the natural flair for writing. I wasn’t one among them, but I could write well, if I wanted to. But I hardly ever did.
Whether we asked for it or not, hindi became our language of communication in school even though we were supposedly in an English-medium school. English was the language of “aristocracy”, used by few. Even though the teachers used English in class, its importance ended the moment he/she stepped out of class. Maybe the phrase was befitting, after all.
Mirabai – Did We Do Justice to the Play???
An indispensable (or should I say inevitable?!) part of her routine was to divide the class into groups and make them enact a play from the prescribed text. And the one which we got was Mirabai. As expected, I had to don one of the title roles, that of Rana Sangha! It’s been years so I can’t really remember the casting, but Badri, as the director, did a good job. He even brought props (crowns, swords, etc). Well, our play went pretty well. I never had any problems with memorizing the unending string of dialogues, having been blessed with quite a reliable memory. Yet, I forgot one and she had me! I wonder how one can be as sharp as her. But her next question had me tongue-tied, “Why was the Rana smiling?” Ah! I couldn’t help it. The moment I looked at the audience, I felt like giggling and I had to strive real hard to suppress it to a smile. Guess theatre isn’t my place, after all!
Of course, the other groups did a good job too. I guess Mainak as the Rana did a better job – at least he could act serious on stage!
“Its Vacation! What are We Doing in School?” “Eating Rice Bath!“
April paves the way for May. And we are filled with thoughts of what we would do in the summer vacation. Of course, we had a few weeks before we left for our natives. Obviously, we would have desired nothing other than loafing around till then. Apparently the teachers had other ideas. We were called – Mainak and I – a royal summon by Sherin mam! Actually she asked us if we could help. And we were always ready, the studs of the class. Well, we ended up drawing charts on various topics of grammar. Guess we learnt a bit while we worked!
But the thing I would never forget. “Rice bath for lunch!?” ” Can’t I go home for lunch?” Such were our thoughts, but we ended up eating it. Perhaps our commitment to work outweighed our hatred for the food!
“My Handwriting Gave Me Away!?”
This didn’t happen in class. I was in XII then. And she no longer taught me. But she was an integral member of our schools’ Examination Department, which incidentally was headed by my erstwhile chemistry teacher, Mrs. Sobhana. So I kept bumping into Sherin mam in places like the chemistry labs and such. Enough of background info, lemme begin. So we had a Display Board Competition. Four groups – XII A Girls, XII A Boys, XII B Girls and XII B Boys (I was in XII A). We came joint first in the end. I wrote a few things on the display board – in the best handwriting I could muster. Then one day, a week later, Sobhana mam tells me to write my name and school on a piece of paper. I noticed another person had done the same thing before me. Anyways, I did as I was told. But I didn’t write, I scribbled. She looked at it disapprovingly and left. Then a few moments later, both of them come and look at the display board. I was graciously “summoned”.
Sherin mam (pointing towards the board): Who wrote this?
Me : I did.
Sherin mam : See Sobhana. I told you. I know his handwriting. I’ve taught him for 3 years. He can write well when he wants to.
Sobhana mam (to me): Then why did you write like that???
Me : ………………………………………………………………………!?
I had no answer. How was I supposed to know they wanted to see my handwriting!? Consequently, I ended up writing around 100 certificates. I was happy coz there were around four with my name on them. But I’ve to acknowledge her sharp sight and memory! I should be careful in future!
She’s still in touch. Perhaps it’s a fated student-teacher relationship! I might have left school, but my memories won’t leave me!
And I don’t know how she’ll react once she reads it!!!
