Lunch breaks on the terrace

From the albums

Class eight was an important milestone for me and this photograph was taken at that time. Unlike today, it was a big deal for a girl to reach high school 52 years ago.

In June 1965, I entered class eight at the Bharatiya Samksriti Vidya Pith in Chamarajpet. The school was in a rented building on fifth main, Chamarajpet, and had two sections – one for Kannada and one for English. We were 15 girls and eight boys in the English medium class even though all students had studied in the Kannada medium in primary school. We continued in this manner till class 10.

The school had only one classroom on the first floor which was occupied by us and the rest of the floor was the terrace that became our lunch break haunt. The school was also located next to a rose garden and the sight of the blooming flowers was a sight for sore eyes.

We were taught by some excellent teachers. Ethel Furtado, our class teacher, was an exceptional English and Science teacher. Our Math teacher, also our head master, was Nanjangood while our Hindi teacher was L P Gopal.

‘Vidhwan’ Dheerendra Achar taught us Sanskrit and K B N Murthy taught us Social Studies. I cannot ignore the contributions of our SUPW teacher Iqbal Unnissa, who trained us in arts and crafts.

I distinctly remember participating in the Ganesha festivities – taking part in the procession and immersing the idol in Kempambudhi Kere. I even remember acting in a play – ‘Ajji Aasthi’ - and also crooning the Mughal-e-Azam song– ‘Teri Mehfil Mein Qismat’.

When I was in the ninth standard, ‘Kannada Rajyotsava’ was celebrated together by many schools. Each school had created its own tableau. From my school, I was dressed as ‘Kanadambe’ and travelled as a part of the tableau with other friends who had taken part as priests and worshippers.
Few of my classmates like S G Sharadha, S K Janaki, P R Leela were with me from primary school. We had a good rapport and understanding with the
newcomers.

I became friendly with Jayashree, Padmaja, Nistharani, Lakshmi as we were together in Hindi and Sanskrit classes as well as for cultural activities.

Many of my friends have gone outside Karnataka for studies and jobs. Those who are working might have retired. I could contact a few of them.

When I think of my school days, I remember my teachers, seniors and classmates who gave me such lovely memories to cherish forever.

Dr K N Pushpalatha
(The author can be contacted at [e-mail])