Indelible Memories

This is the article contributed by me for the Golden Jubilee Souvenir.

When I wanted to write an article for our School’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations souvenir, I asked myself how I could sum up all those golden years in a few paragraphs. I think of Mary Hopkins’ popular song from the late ‘60s dripping with nostalgia about those days gone by.

Those were the days, my friend

We thought they’d never end

We’d sing and dance forever and a day

We’d live the life we choose

We’d fight and never lose

For we were young and sure to have our way…

As I write this, I am transported back in time to 1968. 10^th January 1968 to be precise. An obscure date for most of us, but one that is permanently etched in my mind. That was the day that changed my life and made me what I am today – a well-rounded personality (not quite literally though!) and a proud Saikorian. “Once a Saikorian, we are Saikorians for life” is not just a saying but a way of life for all of us.

I still remember how I entered the hallowed portals in a scene that is reminiscent of the little boy in the movie Tare Zameen Par – fearful, lonely and terribly home-sick. I missed my parents and my brothers. Today, even after all these years, I vividly remember the fright of the new surroundings on my first night in school, the ruffling mosquito nets, the howling of dogs, the screeching insects. Little did I know that I would find parents in my teachers and many brothers to form a lifelong brotherhood amongst the hallowed walls of our School? I remember the pain and the sorrow of parting as I left its portals eight years later.

Teachers and mentors, bullies and buddies, sports and NCC, the dreaded Extra parades, the tuck shop, the adventures and the mishaps, the rites of passage we underwent to lead and excel in whatever field – these are what our School means to all of us.

  

The teachers I loved or dreaded and received the strictest punishments from are those who’ve taught us the most valuable lessons. And to this day are looked upon with reverence. Once, when our house master (late) Mr Ranganathan was away with his family, a bunch of us descended on his house like a horde of monkeys and plucked all the ripe lemons from his yard. The first thing he did after he returned was to call us to his house and offer us sweet lemonade in huge jugs. And made us drink until we pleaded guilty! I can’t think of a better lesson of dealing with mischief with love and a sense of humour! On another occasion, we watched in glee as (late) Mr. Rama Rao, who was our next house master performing an African tribal dance with his family when we slipped in a dead snake into his verandah. This I had mentioned to him long after when we met. He simply laughed out and patted my back and asked, “Have you changed?” (At least now?)

The day I fought off a notorious bully, who was two years senior to me when I was in 6^th class is the day that taught me to stand up for myself. And of course, the bully and I remain the best of friends even today. The so-called senior bullies are the ones who I look upon for help and guidance to this very day. And those with whom I had the fiercest fights are my best of friends now.

The ward boys took care of us with tenderness and patience showing us the meaning of dedication and love. The sister, at the hospital, who with motherly love cared for us when we were sick, the hospital ward boy Mr. Thomas, who used to give us a particular coloured concoction of a liquid for any ailment with a slip to have bread-and-milk for meals.  I remember with gratitude our mess bearers who made everyone feel that he was the only one being served an extra piece of mutton. The barber, the mali, the scavengers, the ‘ice-fruit’ wala, the grass cutters have all together taught us lessons in their own unassuming ways. We are indebted to them all.

Sports and NCC have played a pivotal role in my life. I recollect the way we would compete with each other individually in athletics and then team up for inter-house competitions, and finally come together as one community of Saikorians when playing against another school or club. The planning, preparation and the eventual execution before a game against another house team and the ‘tactics’ used to go to an extent of stealing our main opponent’s spikes or football shoes just before the game or race still bring a smile to my lips. I think back in amusement of a particular senior of mine, who would say “excuse me” to all those he was overtaking in a cross country race.

I had my share of (mis)adventures like every other Saikorian. Going to Vizianagaram for a movie either on rented cycles or just run on the railway tracks to go unnoticed, plucking mangoes at midnight or stealing groundnut plants from fields outside the campus…

I once had a bet with a senior that I would go all alone to the basketball court in the dead of night. While returning, all my bravado melted into a little puddle at my feet as I soiled my shorts because I mistook a dog that was following me to be a hyena, which was on prowl in the campus.

As I grew up and eventually left school and moved on to other institutions of higher learning, the pride of being a Saikorian first has never left me. The idealism of youth, hard work, integrity, loyalty and a strong sense of righteousness – these are the lessons that have stayed with me. These ideals are the ones I have tried to impart to my children as well. Faced with a tough situation, I always ask myself, “What would a Saikorian do?” And the answer is clear. Never give up and never give in!

I am proud to belong to a family of Saikorians, some of who are Generals, Admirals, high ranking Civil administrators, Industrialists, Doctors and Engineers whose actions and decisions affect the society at large such as the RBI Governor on whom newspapers carry cartoons every other day when interest rates or inflation goes up. Our Saikorian family is spread all over the world, but bonded in a brotherhood that is very rare, which cannot be understood or felt by anyone other than us ‘Saikorians’.

I join all the Saikorians who have graduated from your portals in saluting you, my Alma Mater on your Golden Jubilee. You have stood the test of time and relevance for 50 long years. May you thrive and inspire the future generations to be citizens worthy of the ideals you impart.