Engineering College ..Year 1

Stepping into a Professional College - Year 1

I still do not remember who initiated or how I applied for Engineering. Application was sent.

Called for interview, at the same Tamilnadu Polytechnic building, which attracted me for the Polytechnic Course (Diploma). Interview was in ten rooms, and we have to move one after each to all the rooms. the expert will ask questions on his expertise field, and a mark will be given.

I got selected, and got the admission in 'Thiagarajar College of Engineering', another contribution by Chettiars' family.

We were the first batch of the 'Semester System' in the five year course. First two years will be a common system and Branch will be allotted in the third year, based on the two years performance.

On the first day, the parents were asked to be present, and the Principal, Prof. Rajaraman, was to address the new comers at 9.30 AM. His strictness was known on day one itself. Entry was stopped at 9.30 sharp, and the late comers had to stand in the doorway and listen to him. Later he told the late comers, he wants punctuality, and people should show the respect to the College as they show while going for cinema, by going early.

Main worrying factor for professional colleges was 'ragging' and it was going on here also. Being a day scholar did not fully relieve us from this nuisance, but some of us [one is Jeyaprakash Narayanan, who became a close friend due to like minded approach of problems] were 'straight forward' enough to complain to the Principal and it kept some groups away from us but some other groups wanted to trouble us more.

The classes started at 8.00 AM on some days, and reaching the college by walk, with increased distance forced me to 'learn' cycling. Another technology acquired ( cycling), a cycle was bought and the persons on the road had the problem for some time.(Later I became an expert like a circus man)

During this first year, I was awarded an 'overall proficiency award' by the previous institution 'Saraswathy Narayanan College'. They were so prompt, sent a letter in advance and sent a person to my house to ensure my participation.

The award (some books) were handed over by the Chief Guest Dr. Belliappa, a notable Collector, of Madurai. He held three professional degrees - Bachelor of Engineering - Mechanical, Civil and Electrical (only these three were available at that time!)

First year passed off quietly but for ragging. I got another friend - Jayaprakash Narayanan. He used to come by train from Thirumangalam. The train station was on my route. So we go together upto station and we will be talking many things till his train comes and he will go by train and me by the cycle.