School
Days are undoubtedly the best days in Life. There are lots of things everyone
remembers & often recalls like…
The
Group of Good old friends,
The
Favorite bicycle,
The
First pair of sports shoes,
The
Favorite Tiffin box,
The
Favorite Bench,
The
Favorite Trip,
The
First Wrist Watch,
The
Favorite class teacher,
And
the list goes on….
School
days are always the most honest & purest part of any individual’s life as
he is unaware of the other part of life which is eagerly waiting on the other
side of school. There isn’t any fishy politics & dirty mind games involved;
it’s just pure emotions & real friendships which roots from this tender
stage of life.
I
consider myself a very lucky person to be still in touch with by school mates.
We often meet & re-cherish the cozy moments we spent together in our school
life. I have some special people in my life; those are the first school mates
(Kinder Garten KG friends) whom I knew other than my Family. Life is fun to be
with the people you love & more importantly to be equally loved by them.
It’s a long journey from Playschool to Engineering from sharing your Tiffin’s
to sharing yours joys & sorrows.
I
wasn’t a studious child but I used to make myself noticed by teachers. I was
amongst the top 10 ranks. I never ever got a chance to become a class monitor
in my entire education journey. But I never complained about it as none of my
friends got a chance as well, not really back-benchers but were not Toppers
(Actually when there was a Educational visit of any committee to my school, we
were in the defaulter list of students to be seated in first row, to disguise
them as studies ones as no front-seaters are questioned (J).
It
was a long happy journey from 1st to 10th Standard.
Being in a home where you have Studios elders puts heavy pressure on the
younger one (One of the dis-advantages of being youngest one in family). Every
known person has lot of expectations & above all your parents are in the
front seat of the same line.
I
unexpectedly dint score much in my SSC exam (66% wasn’t a
satisfactory figure though). A School student is totally unaware the @ vast
competition outside school, as their life is limited to school, friends &
family. My Exam performance was a concern to my family. I applied at all
possible science colleges. But reality check; no one entertained me. Then there
was a serious round of talks with family that if I don’t get admission for any
Science college I shall try diploma. I never liked diploma, no reasons just
that had a feeling it will again be a school like environment. But after couple
of rounds I got admission in Rajaram College.
Rajaram
College:
 |
| Rajaram College |
The
best college at my time in terms of Infra-structure. Students used to call
themselves as Rajaramian. So I was a new proud member of Rajaramian dynasty.
Another reason of joy was to accompany friends who were already a part of
college & remaining were along with me for a re-union. I never knew at any
time of life what I will be in future. The popular choice was either Doctor or
Engineer. So I chose both the groups Biology & Mathematics.
If
I score in PCB group (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) I will be a Doctor & I
score in PCM (Physics, chemistry & Mathematics) I will be a Engineering for
Sure. Other reason I was happy as my father told me he studied in the same
college for his bachelors. I was very happy knowing this.
Finally
the day came and it was finally college days round the corner.
I
was happy I was happy & I was happy.
This
was a very important stage & phase of life. The transformation from School
to college life. The best things about college are:
No
compulsion of typical uniform:
Wearing
jeans, t-shirt was almost having a feeling of celebrating you birthday (as
that’s the only day in entire year where I was allowed to wear casual uniform
in school).
No
compulsion on attendance. So to Bunk the class was on the top of things to
do-list.
College:
initially it was very embarrassing to enter the class with so many unknown
faces in there. It’s habitual for every schoolboy to seat with your same friend
at same bench but college something different scenario.
Rajaram
college is a very old college (Angrez ke jamaneka college he). It
has huge buildings, separate building for every department & that too at a
long distance from each other. It had the biggest Library in entire University
3 stories high with unending list of books.
Initially
I struggled to find the way to my lecture rooms as there were so many of them.
One of the identities of RCK was the Class rooms. The Class rooms were
simply larger then life. The school I came from a small one, with limited
number of students & limited infrastructure. So this was something new to
me.
 |
| Class Rooms |
Remember
Sanjay Dutts’ Class room Entry in Munna Bhai MBBS, exactly the similar class
room.
It
was fun attending lectures in such big classes. Even though it was awkward
feeling to answer a simple question as there were so many eyes watching you,
but as time passed by & the more I knew my class mates, lectures were happy
times.
 |
| 12th Standard |
My
ride to standard 11th was my MTB 9000 bicycle. Bikes
were very rare; although few had without gear bike.
I
was forcefully asked by my family for Extra Tutions as my performance in 10th was
satisfactory (as per parents’ expectations).
So
daily it was early morning tuitions then college then a little hangout in
college & back home. That was the routine for the entire year.
11th Standard
went in no time. There were 1st semesters which are conducted
internally so no such stress. Then there was a 2nd semester
plus Practical exam. To my worst nightmare I scored life-time lowest marks in
Finals (% than I can’t even mention). As per college policy the student has to
take parents signature on the final mark sheet before getting admission in 12th standard.
Thank
God, one signature from either parent is acceptable in college. I silently
approached my father & got his signature with having a eye contact with
him. Till date only my father is the only person in my family who know @ my
grades in 11th standard. J. (So it’s like a Dad-Son secret).
Although I had some brain wash from him which was expected with the grades on
my mark sheet.
HSC (Standard
12th): Milestone in every student’s life:
Standard
12th this was it. I was in the first lap of college heat. New
class new approach & yet again new tuitions. Parents are very anxious when
there Son is in 12th Standard coz grades in 12th decide
future of any student. If grades are good Doctor / Engineer/ Architect is
always on cards, if average marks then BSc, Bcom & worst case scenario get
admission to diploma & re-begin the journey (which I was afraid
of).
Daily
schedule for me was :
- Early to raise (Which was difficult initially though but
Mothers early wakeup call helped a lot)
- Long ride from home to Private tuitions. What I like & miss
about college & School days is the pure friendship. I was the one to
stay at the longest distance, so I was the initiator of the morning
journey towards school/ college. I used to travel to my friend’s home,
pick him up & now it was 2 on the go, then the 3rd friend,
then 4th and so on. It was like a chain reaction. Everyone
used to wait until we used to arrive at there place (as there were only
landlines & no mobiles at that time. )
- Tuitions were of very long session. Physics followed by Maths then
Chemistry. Biology was only on weekends.
- Then College for the whole day, with 3-4 lectures & 1 or 2
Seminar/ Practical.
- Evenings were peaceful as we used to hangout at friends place or
at the college ground.
First BIKE:
Actually
it wasn’t the first Bike for me, it was my Sisters: LUNA.
 |
| My First Ride |
I
was happy that I was given Luna to ride for my 12th. It was common
bike to have those days accompanied by bikes like Sunny, Kinetic etc. but
everyone dint had it. So I was feeling excited to have a ride to College &
Tuition.
The
entire year went the same way & finally the Exams arrived. My mother was on
Fasting mode those days, not to worship any God but she was just stressed
because of my Exams. She used to wake me up daily very early in the morning. I
hardly studied in mornings though; I used to study just lie in my bed with
mother watching me from Kitchen. That was the story of morning glory.
It
had been my practice since School days to start Studies each Subject in reverse
time-table.
So
if there is 1 month for exams to proceed I shall Study last subject as per
timetable by distributing equivalent number of days for each Subject. So till I
start studying the last subject which is First as per time-table I get a better
grab of the Syllabus & I can revise the subject as well ( It might
sound strange but It always worked for me).
Exam
time Table was declared & I was ready with the reverse Study schedule. It’s
a total different scenario writing exams when you writing exam paper in other
College. But that was the practice, every college students had to go to other
college as per University list to write exam papers. It was a little different
story at that time. My initial few papers were in one college & remaining
in other, don’t know why that was the case. Paper by Paper passed, I was very
happy with myself as I was able to almost attempt the entire paper & that
too in stipulated time.
One
habit I have which many other don’t, I never ever see the paper after the exam
nor I calculate the marks I can score out of it. I mean what’s the point of
looking into it, just be happy that paper is over. I have seen friends later
despondent knowing that their answers were wrong & they have lost those
marks.
Just
a simple concept whether it’s Exam or Life, confront exam/ situations/People,
give your best & simply forget it, U can’t change what already has happened
no point wasting your present on it. Like the very famous phrase “Yesterday is
history, tomorrow is mystery, today is Gift so called Present”
I
was overall happy that my 12th Exam, the so-called milestone
was finally over & here I was planning my vacations as I had 2 long months before
the results are displayed. You know every student likes to Bunk lectures &
hang-out with friends, but its worst feeling, just to seat in home idle when
there is no college. But I was lucky enough as I had friends & family to
spend my time. I did lot of Visits to my relatives, when to lot of 1 day Bike
rides & parents were OK as there was no exams, just my mother used was
stressed with my results in her mind.
Days
went by one after other & the judgment day arrived. There was news that the
results will be displayed in college in the afternoon. I was ready by morning
& all friends were gathered together at a friend’s home near our college.
We
all friends were just busy planning which college to join if we get good score
& were trying to sort out the college accordingly. Our parents were
stressed tough, especially my mother. All parents were on mute mode just
praying for good score for us. In the afternoon we got a call at friends that
result has been displayed. So here it was, we were ready on our bicycles ready
to see what’s in store for us. I had these goose bums as I entered the college
campus. There was rush all over the campus. There were Student, there were
parents, and there were professors. Every face had a unique expression. Some
happy faces, some sad, some worried, some angry, some facing sky, some jumping
with joy. Parents were consoling there children. That was a unique situation;
experience so much enthusiasm all over the place.
We
came to know that a list had been displayed somewhere outside college
administrative building. I never felt so nervous ever in my life. I can feel my
heartbeat as I approach the notice board. I still remember my Admission card
no. S-15111. My eyes were just searching it on the notice
board. After sometime I came to know that the results are displayed as per
grades i.e. Pass Class, First Class, Distinction & FAIL. I dint wanted to
but my friends started to look in FAIL sheet first just to have fun. But I was
so nervous that thought what if my name is displayed in that list. Thank God no
one was on that list. Then we went to Pass class. It was the longest list
though. Had to spend a lot of time searching number over there. Wow no one was
here as well. Then the most popular list 1st Class. Started
searching the number sequence wise……and I was there…..First Class 62.17%. I
was happy I cleared the exam but in the very next second I was bit nervous
First Class that’s it…… I started looking at the faces which I had seen few
minutes ago. I started searching myself in each face I was watching. Thanks to
my friends who were around were just happy as much as I was, to get me out of
1000 thoughts in my mind. Many of my friends were in First class & also in
Distinction. I was happy with what had happened. The very first thing I did was
called my family confirming my result as my mother had specially reminded me to
give a call as soon as I see the results because I had forgot to inform them
during 10th exam & there were very tensed. My parents
weren’t so happy but they were satisfied with 1st class. I came
to know that detail mark sheet will be given next day in college. The entire
day went in combined set of emotions. Happy-Not Happy-Confused.
I
went home & my mother greeted me with Sweets in her hand. I was happy
seeing the smile on my family.
Next
Day I went to college to collect mark sheet. As I came to know @ results from
other colleges I became more nervous as the % of Students was way more than
where I was. Distinction was an ordinary scene. Good thing @ Engineering that
only PCM i.e. Physics, Chemistry & Maths marks are counted
for Admission. So my Consolation price was getting 68 % in PCM group.
Also I had similar grades in PCB i.e Physics, Chemistry &
Biology. So Doctor or Engineer was open option again.
The
very same day there was a small Family meeting (Serious one) to decide whether
to go for Medical or Engineering. After consulting teaching faculty of college,
Private tuitions & friends I decided to go for Engineering.
ENGINEERING
ADMISSION:
 |
| Walchand College Sangli |
Those days Engineering
admissions were conducted at Walchand College of Engineering Sangli.
ROUND
1:
I
knew I had no chance in the first round. It was just for the top cream level
students. So I dint even bother going to the first round. Meanwhile I was
suggested by my friends to take admission in BSc in my college itself just to
be on the safer side just in case there is a twist in Engineering admission.
Even though I dint wanted to I took admission in BSc in my college.
ROUND
2:
I
would never ever forget round 2 my life nor will be friends & family. I was
ready in morning & was planning to go by ST (Government Bus) with few of my
friends from college to try my luck if I can get admission. But there was a
twist as I got a call from my father that even he is coming with me for admission
purpose. I dint knew how to respond to him I just said OK.
I
was ready in home & was just waiting for my father. It takes around 1 hour
from my place to reach Walchand College on Bike. After a while I heard sound of
a Tempo outside my home, it was ours. I thought it might have come to collect
some documents as we are having Transport business. But I jumped out of my seat
when I saw my father was also present along with Driver in the Tempo. I was
like where’s your bike…??? how will we go..??? Are you coming with me in ST….??
 |
| Special Ride for Admission |
My
father asked me are you ready to go, I shaked my head to say Yes. He said “Get
in the Tempo. I had some important work to finish in Sangli MIDC , I will drop
you at Walchand College & we will come back together OK.”
I
knew instantaneously he had no other work there, it was just my admission, he
was worried so he is accompanying me.
Tempo
was a different ride. Not at all comfortable. It was a long ride.
I
thought my father might drop me at the entrance of the College & proceed
further as he had said earlier. But something strange was about to happen with
me. My father said he will be with me the whole time for admission process.
Father took the tempo all the way inside to the admission hall. I still don’t
believe we did that. The whole bunch of students, their parents, the College
faculty, the security all were watching as if we were aliens. Our Tempo was
parked in the parking slot along with the other Cars.
I
asked my father to wait inside the admission hall & I made a DD of 10,000
Rupees. That was the requirement to make initial fees payment during admission
round. I went inside the hall, it was a pack house.
 |
| Similar Admission photograph |
Every
student was been accompanied by their parents. I was very happy to have my
father on my side. We were just watching the Large projector on which the
details were displayed. Options displayed were availability of Branch,
Availability of College etc. My number was not even close to what was being
displayed. I was just watching the number announcement, one student use to come
look at the options & happily get admission in at least on choice college.
I was not even in any position to ask or inform my father what was happening.
After a while we had some refreshment & again were back to the same seat for
next 1 hour. I was in many emotions Dejected-Unhappy-Unsatisfied-Guilty. My
father said after a while is there another round or this is the last one..!! I
replied that there will be 2 more rounds I guess I have to try next round. I
knew he wanted to say it’s time to go home Son.
We
were on return journey after the engineering round; we also went to one
industry where some material was unloaded & again reloaded in Tempo. It
dint took too much time. It was a long journey Total Silence till the end.
Father had called my mother already informing what happened at the admission
round.
Mother
eagerly inquired what happened, how come I dint get admission even in the 2nd round.
Her mind was filled with lot of questions…!!!
Father
consoled her sayings don’t worry next round he will be definitely getting in
next round.
BSc
had already started & I was in no mood to join their as I had made my mind
for Engineering. 3rd Round was after few weeks. The bad thing
for me Engineering colleges were about to start & I was yet to get
admission.
ROUND
3:
I
had to get admission in this round as college had already started. This time my
mother accompanied me to admission round. I insisted her not to come but she
refused & said she will come. We went by ST that day. It was similar feeling
again seeing the admission hall & student with their parents.
I
was just like “God what is happening”, it was a Déjà vu for me. Same story just
it was mother by my side instead of my father. My number was way out of site
from the current serial number. I knew I had no change of getting admission on
that day.
As
one of my friend got admission, my mother eagerly enquired his percent. My
friend had less percent but was able to get admission from Reservation Quota.
Open category unfortunately don’t have any Quota.
It
was again a long day, my mother was trying to explain me, Engineering is not
the end of life. There are other options. BSc also sound good or we can take
admission to Diploma so I can directly get admission to Engineering. She knew I
was feeling Low. We came home. I dint had a word with anyone just went to
sleep.
Next
day BSc was the only option for me or to take admission in Diploma. But how can
I take admission in Diploma, if I do I will be wasting 2 more years of my life.
So BSc was convincing by that manner. So same old college, same of Old staff
but very few same Friends. Many got admission in Engineer, Medical & few
went for other college.
My
friends who had got admission in Engineering College used to come to meet me on
their journey to college. I used to like the Drafter they used to carry, the
scientific calculator etc. I was missing every part of it. But I had made up my
mind. I had accepted Engineering was not in my fate, I have to be happy with
what m having now.
ROUND
4:
Time
went by & there was this so called counseling round i.e. round no.4. I was
not even interested to go as I knew if m not able to get admission till now I
won’t even get this time. My mother insisted I should got she said you never
know what’s next. I said I will go on one condition I will go with my friend on
his Bike, no one from family should come with me. Initially parents dint agree
but later when my friend said he will ride the bike they accepted it.
I
was praying GOD at least make something happen today please not the same thing
which happened twice earlier. We went on my friends’ bike. Walchand college
campus was almost becoming familiar with frequent visits. Surprisingly this
time the crowd wasn’t as expected. There were lots of empty seats. The admissions
were conducted in a stringent manner. I explained my friend (who was not from
Science field) what exactly is been flashed on the projector. As it was the
last counseling round, where even the reservation quota is available for open
category plenty of admission options were available in various colleges.
Numbers were skipping in a rush as majority students had got admission. For
example if the sequence displayed is 1001, the next number followed after it
was 1200, which meant that 200 students had already taken admission. I was just
watching the sequence number & the options available. If one student gets
admission available seats/options would reduce. I was just hoping at least 1
seat should remain when my number is displayed.
There
was a short lunch break. I hardly was in mood to have food. All my senses were
stuck on the Projector. I dint move from the admission hall. The countdown was
still on. My number was 500 numbers away & options available were only 10.
I was counting the available seats & students seating in front of me just
in case I can calculate even if each takes admission will I be able to get a
chance.
Surprisingly
numbers were running fast, I guess all had already booked their admission
seats. My heartbeats were running fast as my number was getting closer. Gap in
number was less than 300 now & option available 6-8. I could feel my ears
getting Hot, don’t know why I was so nervous. Gap in number was below 100 now
& options available 5. I thought I will just miss engineer by a seat or 2.
Gap in number was 50 & options available 2. My number was announced I dint
knew what to do, I almost missed by heartbeat ………
I
stood up & shouted loudly “I m here Sir”, I was center of attraction with
in a split second. I rushed to the admission counter. I was in so much rush
that I forgot to take the form & documents with me. My friend passed it on
to me. I Just was happy that my number was announced & I was at the
admission counter. The faculty checked my form & details as asked me “Which
Branch would you like to Join,,,,,???
You
have 2 branch options Civil & Environment & have 2 college option KIT
& DYP from Kolhapur…!!!”
All
I knew I wanted to be an engineer no matter what branch…….I asked “Sir,,
Admission confirm ahe na…???1 mahina BSc karun aloy O….!!!!
Faculty
replied “Je distay te ahe….ani tevdach ahe…!!!
I
looked at the projector (Which I was looking since couple of rounds), I made a
decision CIVIL IT IS…..!!!!! Loud & Clear…!!!
I
was very happy & blushing a lot. I again asked the faculty “O Sir, Admission
Fix na ata…..Merit seat madhech ahe na admission,,, ani ata Direct college la
gela tar chalal kai….!!!!
Faculty
wasn’t so pleased with my repetitive questions. He asked why are you so
Curious, we know what we are doing & your admission is Confirmed. Happy
Now…!!!
 |
| New Photo but Same Old Attitude |
I
waved hand to my friend with a Thumbs Up & called him. He approached &
gave me a tight Hug. I just forgot where I was & Shouted in a high pitch
& blew a LOUD WHISTLE……!!!.
Bang,,,,,All
the Staff stood up on their feet, each & every person present in the
admission hall was looking at the direction where the Whistle was blown in
short towards me. The professors near me almost rushed at me,,,,,,”Kai ahe
he,,, asa kon wagta ka….Shittya marala alay kai itha…..Evdha danga karayala kai
zala…..!!!
I
was on cloud 9 that time, all I said was “O Sir Engineer honar me
Engineer,,,,,,Lai divas waat bahitli ahe O,,,,,Aaj admission milala nasta tar
BSc karala lagli aste O,,,,mhanun Khush ahe……Sorry O Sir…..!!!
The
professor wasn’t so happy with my reply but I guess I justified my behavior. I
was asked to leave the premises, but I dint complain as I was happy I got
admission.
Next
thing was a call to family, Mummy-Pappa tumcha mulga Engineer
honar….!!!
Life:
Always has a lesson in every phase of Life.
I
was exceptionally glad & so was my Family, the journey of Engineering was
about to begin……!!!!!
Story
no. 2
Nicely gathered...
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