Cyclone and exam

High School - Cyclone and Exams

In those days (60s) the rain was regular and heavy at most times. Reaching school was difficult but never was late.

The umbrella was a rare commodity and difficult to handle in heavy rains, along with book bag.

So there was a thick plastic cover worn over fully. It was similar to a rain coat without arms and buttons. The hood protected the head and we have to pull the sheet properly for body protection.On reaching the school, it was another issue to protect this from other class mates.

During our exams (9th std. second term) there were heavy rains. It was so heavy , people were not coming out of their houses. Since I had exam on that day, I started for the school with my plastic shield. The rain was heavy with cross winds. Walking in the wind was becoming unsafe as I was afraid that at anytime I may be flown off. But I continued, and at the next village I tried to see some boys to get a company for the next leg of walk. One or two available were not interested in exam. and I continued further. All I could see was I was alone all the way.

Another half way through one of the teacher was coming in a cycle and he was surprised to see me going to school. 'It is heavily raining , school and exam. may not be there today' was his suggestion. But I was not in a mood to accept that and I continued and reached the school. The school gate keeper alone was there with gate locked. He also was surprised to see me and told "thambi there is a cyclone. you better go home early. don't wait here". There was no other go, I returned home.

Next day everybody was talking of the cyclone and Pamban-Dhanushkodi area bearing major damages.