Those days of innocence

By: Manju S Chandran Date: 2010-06-16 Place: Mumbai


It's the start of yet another academic year. Little buds, gurgling with anticipation, welcome the sunshine that will transform them into discerning adults. Smart and self- important in their crisp new uniform, they are ready to embark on a new journey that will traverse the many vicissitudes of life. I still remember my first day in school. Fed on stories of termagant teachers, of ears turned sour owing to constant pinching, and of raps on knuckles at perceivable signs of naughtiness, it was not without some trepidation that ” palms tightly clasped in my father's ” I entered the school precincts.

But my anxieties were soon laid to rest as the genial teacher, led me gingerly into the class and settled me on a comfortable chair. Looking around, I was struck by the sea of faces that seemed ready to break into tears at any moment. Many were already bawling and it was matter of seconds before I joined them, as I beheld my teacher shutting the door on my father's face. Amidst blobs of tears, I tried hard to catch a glimpse of his face in the melting crowd of parents. This image still vividly flashes in my mind, when I see the same events recurring every year with yet another child.

After that, the start of each of the 12 years in school was a like a journey into the unknown. It would stir myriads of questions. Who would be my class teacher? Will I be in the same class as my best friend? Who would sit next to me? How many new students would be there in my class? Besides, an entire day would be devoted to motivating (read boring) the students with speeches, anecdotes, slide shows, which no doubt would be lost on drooping eyes, wandering minds and restlessly shifting bodies. But singularly each one would prick their ears as soon as "scholastic" year was mentioned. Nobody ever ruminated on what was it about the word that was supposedly so funny. Probably it sounded too pretentious or may be we were expecting it to pop up any moment. Nevertheless, it would set our laughter muscles rolling.

Now, looking back I realise those "scholastic" years in school were well spent. It was here that the rudiments of lifelong edification are planted. The seeds of personality sown and watered here are etched for life. Then again, they were days of innocent indulgence. Days, when you could afford to be stupid without worrying about the enormity of your actions. It was here that you made friends without being too judgmental. Where you were too young to have any political affiliations. Where hard work always paid and was appreciated, and where once you spoke to God every day!