Final Year

As we entered the Final year some of our friends had started to think what next. Job opportunities were limited and there were more scopes in PWD (Public Works Department). As we were in Semester system, some thought it is okay to carry arrears and get out of the College, their main aim is to clear the oldest arrears (arrears can be kept for 3 years).

During second semester [of Final year] I was looking for job advertisements in newspapers. It was from ISRO's Sriharikota Range (SHAR). It had requested application from 'those appearing for final year examination also'. But we had our own doubts.

So I approached one of our lecturer who immediately said 'apply. what for you are waiting'. So application was sent and forgotten. Examinations were over and the unknown wait began.

It was not long - and the call for interview from SHAR has come. Since I had no idea about SHAR and its location (the interview letter contained details of how to reach etc.), I contacted some relatives who were in ISRO and got details of the accommodation, etc.

So my first job search expedition (and the only one also) began.

The stay was in Sullurpeta, the nearest railway station for SHAR. I stayed in the better hotel in Sullurpeta - in a hall with other few interview candidates, slept in a mat, shared the bathroom. The travel to SHAR was by the departmental bus. There was quite a good amount of aspirants.

The wait never disturbed me, and no tensions, though the interview was around evening only. It was a barren land with only two or three buildings. The interview went well for over 45 minutes and I had to wait again for results.  At around 6 pm some 10 of us were asked to go for medical examination (with a clause, that it does not assure you are offered the job, but only that you are shortlisted). After completing all, and dinner I was walking in the congested street aimlessly. New place, not so big a place to explore. 

At some location, one senior person called me and enquired about my visit. After hearing it was interview, he requested that we go to a temple and came with me. It was a little long walk but he was briefing the details of the deity Chengaalamman 

( my mind was not fully on this) who is more powerful. [** We used to come to this temple almost during every of our launch I am a part, after our task is completed]. It was a very small temple under a big tree We did a simple praying and returned back. He assured that I will come here again and we will meet again.

I left in the morning , reached Chennai and visited my friend Muthiah who was staying in a mansion in Triplicane. That day night I left for Madurai. And all are forgotten.

High School..2

Every year end, last day, the caution deposit paid (2 rupees) will be refunded to the students. there used to be long queue of the students. But I will be taken inside by the teacher and paid first as I had to return home before darkness sets in.

Around 8th Standard beginning, there was a shuffling of the students between sections. My class teacher was on leave and another teacher came and took me to his (boys only) class. Few days went and my previous class teacher returned. Since he could not locate me in his section, came to me and asked why I am here. I told the things happened. He straight away took my bag and had taken me to his class. the other teacher could not do anything.

But after that all things changed. After eighth standard, there was a new class teacher - Mr Sethuramalingam cannot continue based on qualifications. A separate girls high school (Sithalakshmi Girls High School) had come all the girls were shifted there.

Whatsoever I missed the competitions. There were two girls  - Parimala and Fatima, both daughters of some government officers, against whom I was fielded by the class teacher to get good marks. And there was one Devaki who wanted me to score high marks since she did not like them. And there were two more - Rajathi and Mangayarkarasi - both from Bala Bhavan , a hostel for the poor.

I had a competitor Krishnaswamy who was the son of some officer, proficient in English.  He used to mimic the cricket commentary in English [the game itself we were not knowing]. Once when I was correcting the essay test papers [ usually I was given the task], I circled a new word in his essay and returned as error. His father came the next day and made a big issue on this and complained to HM also. My class teacher was very cool and said let him do what I teach and anything extra can be outside the class. Somehow it got cooled down.

Further years we had tough studies. I was prepared by another teacher for school elocution (within the school) and drama acting. Teachers changed, class mates changed, subjects became tougher and more concentration was demanded.

So, to avoid the travel time , and to have better surrounding for studying (there was no electricity in our village), I thought of staying in the Government Hostel of the school. I told the teacher who was co-ordinating in preparing the list..

After few days, one gentle man visited our house. I was entering the house from outside and he just wished me and enquired about my studies. Confused, I just answered in one word 'okay'. My father told he is the MLA, Chinnakkaruppa Thevar and also the Correspondence of the school. After some pausing my father told about my application for hostel. Then the Correspondence explained many things and requested to say no to the teacher for hostel accommodation. Also anything else I feel as shortcoming can be set right. I just mentioned two items to him. Surprisingly, they were cleared in a month - one construction of a rest room for lady staff and second better toilet arrangements.

And I continued to go to school from home daily till the last year.