( 29 ) Completing the B. Ed.course

 ( 29 )   Completing the B. Ed. course

     For our Teaching Practice in B Ed,  I and my roommates were given a school in Kallara, to where we had to travel by bus.   I remember the sleepless nights we were engaged in preparing Lesson Plans and Teaching Aids.   After the Teaching Practice, we had our final examinations.   On the final day of examination, everyone vacated the hostel, as per the orders from the authorities.   On that day, my father, mother and sister  ( 13 years ) came to hostel.   All my friends were happy but I was sad.   I thought the condition in my home might become better.   But it was worsened by that time.   My brother had already started doing diploma course in Govt Polytechnic, Chelad, Kothamangalam.   It was due to my continuous plea that he went to different polytechnic institutions in Ernakulam district, filled the applications and finally got admission there.   As he had no reservation and thereby no lumpsum grant, my father had to remit the fee and other expenses, from the money that remained when our land was purchased.

     After returning home completing my B Ed course, I went to mother's house.   My mind was completely broken but an outsider couldn't find any problem in my family.   One day, I and my brother discussed about acquiring a job in a parallel college in Pothanicad. Both of us went together and enquired whether there was any vacancy.   The Principal told us about the behaviour of the students.   Most of them were naughty boys who had failed in the SSLC examination.   There were no lady teachers.  So, I lost all my hopes and continued in mother's house.   At the initial period, there was no problem.   I didn't have any idea about what to do.   But I was determined in one thing.   The next year, we had an opportunity to apply for 'improvement ' examination of M A Course.   Earlier when I was in Sithara hostel, one of my roommates had told me that if one acquires 50 % and above in M A course, there is a chance to apply for 'Guest Teacher ' in Vocational Higher Secondary Schools.   As I had scored only 45 % in M A, I decided to appear for M A examination, next year.   But from where would I get the money  ?  Of course, I had kept some amount from my lumpsum grant but wouldn't spend.
     When I stayed in mother's house,  gradually I realised that I was becoming a burden in that house.   The rice, coconuts, coconut oil etc. came from  Rini's house.   I remember another thing also - aunt Molly also came there and gave money - I don't know how much money.   It wouldn't be a large sum - because I think her husband wouldn't allow her to give money to grandmother though he was present in the house when grandfather died.
      One day, I decided to go to father's house in Kadayiruppu.   Grandfather lived there with his youngest son, uncle Yohannan, aunt Sicily and their daughter, a three years old child.   I forgot to mention one incident.   Cousin Benny was married when I was doing B Ed course.   Even on the day of his marriage, I was attending one examination, I remember.   So, in uncle Yacob's house, aunt Leela, their son Benny and their  daughter - in - law were present.  A surprising factor was this - my paternal grandfather often went for his job, even at that age.   

( 28 ) B.Ed Course

 ( 28 )  B.Ed. Course

     I went to my mother's house with all my necessary things, to stay there.   At that time, I had applied for B.Ed  ( Bachelor of Education ) Degree, in some colleges under M.G.University.   I didn't know whether I would get admission for that course because the selection was on the basis of the marks I have scored in Degree course.   One day, my sister, on the way to school, brought to me a letter - an interview card from St Joseph's Training College,  Mannanam.   Let me remember another thing also.   My sister went to school in a bicycle - there was a reason behind it - a girl from one of our neighbouring families went to school in a cycle.   Moreover,  she had to walk a little more distance than she did in Kadayiruppu.  As a result, I had one advantage - I received the letters addressed to me, the next day itself - she carried the letters to me, on the way to school in the bicycle.
     When I received the interview card,  I realised that I should reach the college on that same day.   I went home quickly and I don't know how did I present it before my father. In such circumstances, I would acquire great courage - it was a turning point in my life.   I am sure that I got admission there on reservation basis.   It was compulsory to wear saree because the teachers in Kerala always appeared in a saree.  But, when I wear a saree, everyone would ask about a golden chain.   There I played a trick.   I told my father that if he was not ready to build a toilet, he must give me a golden chain.   The next day, my father went to Kadayiruppu to withdraw money from his account to buy a chain and brought it home.   Then, I wondered and said to myself, "there was money to build a toilet - but he didn't do.   What is the reason  ?"  However, I went to college, stayed in Pope John hostel, where students from K E College, Mannanam were also staying.   Our Principal was a Sister and she also stayed in that hostel.   Our class' - Physical Science - Head was a priest - he was a Father  ( Jacobite or Orthodox, I don't remember ) but the college was a Catholic institution.   Another speciality was that our college stood in the second position under the B.Ed.  colleges in M.G.University.
     As the B. Ed. Course was intended to make a person suitable for teaching, the college was well - disciplined as a school.   I still remember the cultural programmes, sports meet and arts competitions.   Our Head had asked us to inform him the results of the Postgraduation when it is published.   Almost everyone had done M Sc Physics or Chemistry.   So, after one or two weeks from the publication of results, I went slowly to the staffroom and told him, "I have passed M A with 45 % of marks".  Yes - I didn't fail - that gave me great relief.  Let me also announce that the marks of Postgraduation was also  considered when the internal marks were provided.

     It was when I was doing B Ed that my paternal grandmother died.   A phone call was received in my hostel and I started from there and reached in time.   As grandmother was in Pentacostal Church, her body was buried in their cemetery.  No further traditional practices or rites were there.

( 27 ) My Performance in M A Final Year Examination

 ( 27 )   My Performance in M  A  Final  Year  Examination

     In the new hostel,  I could prepare for the examination in a better way because when the new M.Phil  batch arrived,  one of them helped me to correct my problems in learning.   But there were two persons  - they were friends of Sandhya, who was doing Ph.D.   When they came to our room,  one of them always repeated like this  - "this girl is always studying. Why doesn't she talk to others always  ?  Don't learn continuously.  We were not like this. "  Hearing such types of words made me irritated.  I haven't listened to those people later.   It is because of their envy that they talked like that.   They might have feared that sometimes others would score higher marks compared to them.

     It is interesting to share the fact that in the new hostel, Aneesh visited me once.   He came to know why I changed hostel and also to know whether I could learn better in the new atmosphere.   Gowtham and another friend also visited me in hostel.   Their visit to my hostel remains as a wonder to me even now because we interacted very little in our college though we were doing Postgraduation.  We were not 'friends', I'm sure.  However, that examination was over and there remained the 'viva - voce '.  In the mock viva, my performance was bad,  I think so.   The actual examination date of the viva voce was one or two weeks after the main examination, if my memory is correct.  After the final examination,  I felt that I would pass the examination.  So, I left the hostel with satisfaction.
     My father came with my sister who was only twelve years old,  to vacate the hostel,  in an autorickshaw from Pothanicad.   We travelled from Kothamangalam to our house,  in that vehicle.   The auto driver had become his friend and I am trying to emphasise the fact that everything was clear and smooth in my home,  when watched from outside. After reaching home,  I asked my father why he was not building a toilet in the house. There were many places in our land to build a toilet.   It could be attached to one of the rooms, there was space outside the house, in the backyard or on one side of the house.  How many times I have dreamt about a completed toilet in that compound !  But, his reply was like this :-  "why are you talking about toilet always  ?  Is it because you are an M A Degree holder  ?  Don't dare to repeat this anymore.   I will make a toilet when I build a new house only.   If you can't live here, you can go anywhere you like.   I won't be affected whatever may happen to you". It was  like a roar  - I couldn't give a reply.   He asked my brother, "do you want a toilet  ?", to which he replied shivering, "no ".  Next he turned to my sister who is ten years younger to me, "do you need a toilet ?".  A cry  - that was her reply.   Being a child,  she could not even give a reply.   But,  it is a fact that when I was eleven years old,  I could speak about the importance of a toilet !  He turned to me and shouted,  "my two younger children don't need a toilet.  Then why do you dare to say this to me,  you get out, I say you get out of my house ", he came towards me to beat me.   I stood there without moving.   My mother intervened and asked him to stop.   When she was in tears,  he became calm.   

( 26 ) M A Final Year Examination

 ( 26 )   M  A  Final  Year  Examination

     While I was doing M A IInd Year Course,  the First and IInd Terminal examinations might have taken place,  but I don't remember anything about it.  I don't remember whether there was a tour.   But,  there was a 'farewell party', just before our 'study leave ' period.   I didn't go to college because I was not interested in such things.   Not only that the money they collected seemed a huge amount,  to me.   Because of this,  now,  I don't recommend the present system of education to the students from backward communities.   What they need is a vocational training  to lead a life which suit to  their surroundings.   Otherwise,  their lives will be shattered when they confront with the so - called 'civilized ' persons from the upper class society.   I am writing this from my own experience.   Now, I realise that the 'basic education ' upto Xth Std was enough for me.   After Xth Std,  I could have gone through a vocational training and before I completed  eighteen  years,  might have able to earn money without another's help.   In my opinion,  the education system must be changed and a person must have the ability to lead a life of one's own, at the age of eighteen  itself.   At the sametime,  the talented ones should get a chance to continue their studies upto which level they need.
     However, I think I gave the money but didn't go to college, to participate in it.   On that day, I was in hostel and after having lunch,  I could see my friends  ( they were three in numbers, I imagine ) at the courtyard of the hostel.   They spoke to me crying and with tears - to come and participate in the function.   But I was very stubborn and severe. I didn't go with them.   Now,  when I assess that incident,  I have no feeling of guilt.

     Before our Final examination, there was a period of two months as 'study leave '.  At that time,  a family problem aroused among the individuals of the owners of our hostel.   I can't describe it here because it is a long story.   Most of the students went home during that period but I and Vanaja didn't.   This problem greatly affected our studies, which led to me to think about a new idea  - to change hostel.   Vanaja wouldn't change because she had to remit the previous month's fee also.   I and Vanaja first went to a convent of Catholic Sisters near St George's Cathedral, Kothamangalam.   Attached to it, there was a boarding school.   The warden, a nun, told that as it was the month of March,  they couldn't give admission to a person from outside.  Yes, it must be the last week of February, 1996.   The SSLC examination in Kerala is conducted on March, every year.  So, I had to wait upto the first week of April, to change to that hostel.   But, I couldn't wait - our examination was in the month of May.  Then, we went to another hostel which was almost near to ours.   Sithara hostel - it was like a house.   Besides the warden, there were her husband, her daughter  ( 18 years ) and son  ( 12 years ).  There was a woman to help the warden in preparing food.   To be frank, some students were staying in another house which stood a little far away from the main building - annexe - it can be called so.   There stayed Sandhya, who was doing Ph.D and her two friends doing M.Phil.

     The date to change the hostel was fixed but there was a problem.   I had to go there with my guardian.  One day, I went home and bravely explained everything.  However,  on that day, not only my father but my mother also came.   The hostellers were astonished to see my mother who was talkative and smart in appearance. Here,  I want to mention one thing.   Among the working women in that hostel,  there was a Headmistress of a school nearby.   She said, "those who want to learn,  will study and acquire high score,  whatever may be their circumstances ".  Here, I want to point out that I strongly disagree with this statement. 

( 25 ) M A IInd Year - memories continue

 ( 25 )  M  A  IInd Year - memories continue

     Our classmate Aneesh was a member of a youth organisation of Christian Church.   There were prayer meetings once in a week in a hall behind a book house.  Under his inspiration,  I used to participate in those meetings.   I think two other girls from my class also took part in it.   An annual camp was held at Aluva,  for three days.   There were classes on different topics related to Christianity.   I remember that there were students from Mar Athanasius College of Engineering also in the meetings and camp. But,  I discontinued attending those meetings because I felt that the teachings were different from that of Jacobite Church.

     One thing I remember.   One of my roommates  ( there were four girls including me ) Vanaja,  who was doing her Degree Course,  was a  hardworking & studious person.   She came from Idukki district.   Her mother was working in one of the estates,  in their village.   Here I want to point out the fact that I am writing this from my memory.   Her father was a playwright as well as an actor.   He came home once in a week or twice in a month.   He earned a little,  so it was difficult for her to remit even the hostel fee.
     She revealed me the difficulties she suffered while she was doing Pre - degree.   As it was a remote area,  she had to start her journey to the college at about 06.30 a.m in the morning and return at about 07.30 p.m.   Her mother or uncle would be there to accompany her to home. After reaching home,  she would take bath,  then dinner,  after that sleep at least two hours.   Then  her mother would make her rise up and she would study about two or three hours.   Again, she would sleep for sometime, in the morning, her mother would prepare the breakfast.   After having breakfast,  she would walk to the bus stop with the bag which contained her textbooks and lunchbox.

     Vanaja shared some bad experiences she had to suffer when she was in High School.   One day, she was alone in her home.   She was in the kitchen.   A person who was one of her neighbours,  came inside her home with his child in his hands and tried to seize her.   I was shocked when I heard that a man tried to harass  a girl sexually,  carrying his own child in his arms !  Though I had read about some Cases in the Courts which included politicians and film actors in newspapers,  I  was deeply hurt when she described her story.   

( 24 ) Some Memories from M A IInd Year Course

 ( 24 )  Some Memories from M  A  IInd Year Course

     One day, I and Serin were walking through the verandah of our college.   She had to meet a relative of her who was doing Degree Course.   While we were walking,  we could see some boys who were in Degree Final Year classes hindering the way of some girls from 1st & IInd Year Degree classes.  After asking some questions,  they released the girls - it was something like ragging.   As I & Serin approached near,  one of the boys stopped us by stretching his hands.  We stopped there and I could see Serin seizing & removing his hands  and walking straight.  Serin was very tall,  I was very brave, so we didn't take the matter seriously.   We walked forward but we could hear some protesting sounds from among the boys.  But,  as we were seniors, we couldn't tolerate their behaviour.
     When we returned to our classroom,  we were discussing about the deteriorated conduct of the Degree students.   After sometime,  we noticed some Degree students walking through the verandah of the college near our classroom and also peeping through the windows outside.   We described the whole incidents to our class representative and I think the boys from our class went to Degree classes & I don't know whether any conflict had taken place.   In the evening,  Gowtham  ( class representative ) told Serin not to go home alone.   She did so but she was very courageous,  her two elder brothers had great political influence and nothing happened after that incidence.

     During that period,  I explained the incident to Gowtham like this, "their behaviour to the girls was like that of a prey.  Is it correct ? Girl students should get every freedom like boys ".  I could react to each situation like this. 

( 23 ) M A English IInd Year

 ( 23 )   M A  English IInd Year 

     "Grandfather died at this crucial moment - otherwise he would have helped me in building a toilet ", my thoughts were like this.   However,  my IInd Year M A Course had started and our classroom was in the ground floor.   The staffroom of our Lecturers and Professors situated almost near our classroom.   Next to the staffroom,  there was a hall in which those who were doing M.Phil & Ph.D were sitting,  immersed in their studies.   On the two sides of the hall,  various types of reference texts were placed in open almirahs.   From the hall,  through a door,  we could enter a small room in which our Professor Dr K Balagopalan was sitting and giving instructions to those who were doing  M.Phil & Ph.D.   He had given us permission to refer the textbooks in that hall.   So,  besides the books in the library,  we often went to that hall also.   Seeing those persons who did M.Phil & Ph.D,  I was really astonished. 

     When I was in IInd Year M A class,  though I had a fear about my performance in the examination,  I have obtained  a lot of good experiences also. One of my friends,  Priya told us that she & her mother would rise up early in the morning,  at 05. 00 a.m. and they together would complete the household works before 07. 30 a.m.  Then she would start her journey to a Typewriting Institute at a certain place and practise typewriting from 08.00 a.m to 09.00 a.m.  After that,  she would come to college.   Her father would also get up early morning,  go to his agricultural land, about two acres.   After breakfast,  her mother would also join with him in the farmwork. 

     Priya's story was amazing.   From her conversations,  I understood that her parents were working hard for their children,  that means  for her and her elder brother.   As her mother was a loving person,  Priya  was ready to help her in any circumstances.   When I heard such stories of my classmates,  I would remember my plight but wouldn't tell them anything.  At that time,  I didn't have the courage to reveal the situation in my house.   I was ready to help my parents in household works as well as in the process of making latex, thereby reducing our financial problems - but they were not ready to accept my opinions and I couldn't do anything. 

     When the result of the 1st Year M A course was published,  I failed  - I didn't get one Paper.   I don't know how to explain it.   However,  there was an option - 'improvement examination '.  We could appear for the 1st & IInd Year examination together.   Though hopeless,  I  was able to overcome from my despair, with the help of my friends.