I am just toying the idea of coaxing my uncle (LM) to start writing his biography. It may not be much but may be of value in the family in generations to come.
He started reminiscing his old times, as he always does, when his sister (my mother) gave him a courtesy call recently. And for the umpteenth time, (as if I, the little child in his eyes, have not been told before) he retold a part of his childhood stories. This time he started talking about his famous chicken pox episode!
There he was, after changing from school to school more often than they do 'dress change' in Tamil cinema, on the eve of his Lower Certificate of Education (LCE)....
A bit of background...
His mother had succumbed to the dreaded malignancy of the mammary gland a year earlier. His father, the man who lived for the moment, was busy looking for a new bride. He called in a family meeting (basically the 2 sons and himself, as 2 daughters had been married off in haste and Amma had to fend off for herself at the mercy and handouts of others) on the future of the sons as he had found a suitable young victim as a bride.
The boys (15year olds) were asked to work to supplement the income of the family. The younger one obliged. LM told his intention of continuing his studies. His father warned him, "Don't you ever come to me for money! You'll get a sound walloping, that's what you'll get." Back to the eve of LCE....
So, this young 15 year old boy with his vision nicely mapped in his mind, managed to get a place to stay from the kindness of a kind soul and ironed clothes to pay for his school fees. And life rolled on...
It was the eve of the LCE. LM was down fever and papular rash over his body. His heart dropped when he self diagnosed himself to have small pox (it was not eradicated yet). He rushed to his school master's house in desperation as he knew he would be barred from the exams. On hearing the mention of the word 'small pox', he shooed him away and promised to apply for a refund of his fees. He was told, "Nobody can help you!"
Feeling miserable, he walked home. Somebody suggested he called the Director of Schools, a Mr. Shortland. Armed with courage in his heart and the disappointing thought of having to do a whole years' ironing again to finance his schooling for another year, he pleaded his case with Mr Shortland. "It is not within my jurisdiction" - the first time he heard that word in his life - I guess LM must have used it many times in his adult life later as a barrister. Feeling pity on the young chap's desperation and pure zest in this young man, Mr Shortland must have told, "Think carefully young boy! We can refund the money before the exam. If you sit for the exam and are not able to complete it at any time, you will forfeit the fees." Mama answered assertively to the affirmative.
Mr Shortland then told him, "Well, it looks like chicken pox. You get admitted and I will make sure that sit for the exams!"
Sure enough, early next morning, a convoy led by the State Medical and Health Officer followed by officers from the State Education Department marched into his quarantined ward. And the first hurdle was crossed...
The next day, the National Echo was screaming with a picture of young boy sitting for the LCE in the confines of the General Hospital. The master who had earlier asked LM to go back home and sit for the exam the following year was seen smiling ear to ear posing in the same picture. In the text, he was relating how he arranged with the State Department for the exams!
On the third day, LM actually collapsed during the test. It was not due to the advancement of the disease but rather due to hypoglycemia after missing breakfast! Everything was okay after a short break of bread and milk! Before he knew it, this trying time was over.
When the examination results were out, much to astonishment, he passed with flying colours (Grade 1 and 2 distinctions). He was jubilant, only saddened by the fact that he could not share his joy with pillar of strength - his deceased mother.
He rushed to Mr Shortland's house to thank him. Mr Shortland smilingly told him, "Son, I knew you could do it. Congratulations!"
 |
| 1955 |
 |
| 55yrs later |
A bit of background...
His mother had succumbed to the dreaded malignancy of the mammary gland a year earlier. His father, the man who lived for the moment, was busy looking for a new bride. He called in a family meeting (basically the 2 sons and himself, as 2 daughters had been married off in haste and Amma had to fend off for herself at the mercy and handouts of others) on the future of the sons as he had found a suitable young victim as a bride.
The boys (15year olds) were asked to work to supplement the income of the family. The younger one obliged. LM told his intention of continuing his studies. His father warned him, "Don't you ever come to me for money! You'll get a sound walloping, that's what you'll get." Back to the eve of LCE....
So, this young 15 year old boy with his vision nicely mapped in his mind, managed to get a place to stay from the kindness of a kind soul and ironed clothes to pay for his school fees. And life rolled on...
It was the eve of the LCE. LM was down fever and papular rash over his body. His heart dropped when he self diagnosed himself to have small pox (it was not eradicated yet). He rushed to his school master's house in desperation as he knew he would be barred from the exams. On hearing the mention of the word 'small pox', he shooed him away and promised to apply for a refund of his fees. He was told, "Nobody can help you!"
Feeling miserable, he walked home. Somebody suggested he called the Director of Schools, a Mr. Shortland. Armed with courage in his heart and the disappointing thought of having to do a whole years' ironing again to finance his schooling for another year, he pleaded his case with Mr Shortland. "It is not within my jurisdiction" - the first time he heard that word in his life - I guess LM must have used it many times in his adult life later as a barrister. Feeling pity on the young chap's desperation and pure zest in this young man, Mr Shortland must have told, "Think carefully young boy! We can refund the money before the exam. If you sit for the exam and are not able to complete it at any time, you will forfeit the fees." Mama answered assertively to the affirmative.
Mr Shortland then told him, "Well, it looks like chicken pox. You get admitted and I will make sure that sit for the exams!"
Sure enough, early next morning, a convoy led by the State Medical and Health Officer followed by officers from the State Education Department marched into his quarantined ward. And the first hurdle was crossed...
The next day, the National Echo was screaming with a picture of young boy sitting for the LCE in the confines of the General Hospital. The master who had earlier asked LM to go back home and sit for the exam the following year was seen smiling ear to ear posing in the same picture. In the text, he was relating how he arranged with the State Department for the exams!
On the third day, LM actually collapsed during the test. It was not due to the advancement of the disease but rather due to hypoglycemia after missing breakfast! Everything was okay after a short break of bread and milk! Before he knew it, this trying time was over.
When the examination results were out, much to astonishment, he passed with flying colours (Grade 1 and 2 distinctions). He was jubilant, only saddened by the fact that he could not share his joy with pillar of strength - his deceased mother.
He rushed to Mr Shortland's house to thank him. Mr Shortland smilingly told him, "Son, I knew you could do it. Congratulations!"
LM our role model.
ReplyDelete