<p>This photograph was taken around 1954 during a cycle excursion from my hostel while I was studying in Bengaluru. After the completion of the intermediate course in Mysuru, I had to move to Bengaluru as there was no Bachelor of Commerce degree course in Mysuru. <br /><br /></p>.<p>I joined the Ramnarayan Chellaram College of Commerce, more popularly known as R C College of Commerce, which came under the control of Mysore University (there was no separate Bangalore University then). The college was housed at Poorna Prasad building on Race Course Road. This was previously the office building of Dewan Poorniah of Mysore. Now the college is in a building near Vidhana Soudha. Our hostel was on Seshadri Road, a walkable distance from the college. <br /><br />The cycle excursion was to Thippagondanahalli water reservoir in the city, which was the main source of drinking water in those days, before the supply of Cauvery water started. Modern-day necessities like bikes and scooters were luxuries and were unaffordable for students. On the way back, one of the cycle tyres got punctured and we had a really tough time getting it fixed, given the limited number of shops and other facilities available. It was a memorable trip which remains fresh in my mind even to this day.<br /><br />During the first year (1952-53), I was studying in Junior BCom. At that time, there was a system of rationing food and we were provided only limited meals twice a day. There were no breakfasts or coffees; only occasionally, we went to the cafeteria for a cup of coffee. In the subsequent year, the system of rationing food was abolished and we could have delicious food in the hostel. A plate of ‘dosa’ and a cup of coffee would cost 25 paise. Buying a shirt piece and getting it stitched was a 5 rupee job. The monthly hostel expenses were under Rs 30 and one could lead a comfortable hostel life in Rs 60 to 70 per month. <br /><br />TVs were not around, radios were once-in- a-while affair and most of our time was spent in sports, gossip and reading magazines and papers. We used to go for movies in theatres concentrated around Kempegowda Road like Himalaya Talkies, Majestic, Prabhat and Sagar. ‘Hirannaiah Mitra Mandali’ continued to attract people. Roads were generally empty and sighting two buses at the same time was rare. Cars were hardly around, indeed, a family friend’s car in N R Colony was probably the only one in that area and was frequently requested for taking expectant mothers to maternity homes. South Bengaluru ended with Jayanagar; Ragigudda Temple on the hilltop was like the outskirts. The Banashankari Temple was considered outside city limits!<br /><br />I remember an incident in the Netkallappa Circle area. The place used to have a horse cart stand, the only mode of personal transport for people in those days. The then municipal corporation decided to vacate the same. The owners of those carriages voiced their grievance to Dr D V G, the highly respected poet, thinker and writer. He wrote a letter to the corporation, explaining that these carriages were not only the sole source of income for these cart owners, but also the only emergency mode of transport available for commoners. The corporation decided to stop the evacuation drive. Such was the respect that thinkers in those days held! Convocations at colleges were a major affair. H H Mysore Maharaja used to grace the occasion. Post the ceremony, it was customary for us to visit the studio for a picture. The studio had the convocation set ready — the robe, the ‘peta’ (head gear) and the degree certificate like a roll! <br /><br /> From the photograph here, Gopala Krishna retired as a medical officer while H S Gundu Rao retired as the accounts officer from Mysore State Accounts Department. I am still in touch with N P Manjunath, former CMD at BEML. I also met V Devender a few years back, who was the principal at DAV college in Shivamogga. I am 82-years-old and retired from the accounts office in the railways. The memories of yesteryears, especially the excursion, continue to hold a special place in my heart.<br /><em><br />S J Satyanarayana<br />(The author can be contacted on 9535009365) </em><br /><br /></p>
<p>This photograph was taken around 1954 during a cycle excursion from my hostel while I was studying in Bengaluru. After the completion of the intermediate course in Mysuru, I had to move to Bengaluru as there was no Bachelor of Commerce degree course in Mysuru. <br /><br /></p>.<p>I joined the Ramnarayan Chellaram College of Commerce, more popularly known as R C College of Commerce, which came under the control of Mysore University (there was no separate Bangalore University then). The college was housed at Poorna Prasad building on Race Course Road. This was previously the office building of Dewan Poorniah of Mysore. Now the college is in a building near Vidhana Soudha. Our hostel was on Seshadri Road, a walkable distance from the college. <br /><br />The cycle excursion was to Thippagondanahalli water reservoir in the city, which was the main source of drinking water in those days, before the supply of Cauvery water started. Modern-day necessities like bikes and scooters were luxuries and were unaffordable for students. On the way back, one of the cycle tyres got punctured and we had a really tough time getting it fixed, given the limited number of shops and other facilities available. It was a memorable trip which remains fresh in my mind even to this day.<br /><br />During the first year (1952-53), I was studying in Junior BCom. At that time, there was a system of rationing food and we were provided only limited meals twice a day. There were no breakfasts or coffees; only occasionally, we went to the cafeteria for a cup of coffee. In the subsequent year, the system of rationing food was abolished and we could have delicious food in the hostel. A plate of ‘dosa’ and a cup of coffee would cost 25 paise. Buying a shirt piece and getting it stitched was a 5 rupee job. The monthly hostel expenses were under Rs 30 and one could lead a comfortable hostel life in Rs 60 to 70 per month. <br /><br />TVs were not around, radios were once-in- a-while affair and most of our time was spent in sports, gossip and reading magazines and papers. We used to go for movies in theatres concentrated around Kempegowda Road like Himalaya Talkies, Majestic, Prabhat and Sagar. ‘Hirannaiah Mitra Mandali’ continued to attract people. Roads were generally empty and sighting two buses at the same time was rare. Cars were hardly around, indeed, a family friend’s car in N R Colony was probably the only one in that area and was frequently requested for taking expectant mothers to maternity homes. South Bengaluru ended with Jayanagar; Ragigudda Temple on the hilltop was like the outskirts. The Banashankari Temple was considered outside city limits!<br /><br />I remember an incident in the Netkallappa Circle area. The place used to have a horse cart stand, the only mode of personal transport for people in those days. The then municipal corporation decided to vacate the same. The owners of those carriages voiced their grievance to Dr D V G, the highly respected poet, thinker and writer. He wrote a letter to the corporation, explaining that these carriages were not only the sole source of income for these cart owners, but also the only emergency mode of transport available for commoners. The corporation decided to stop the evacuation drive. Such was the respect that thinkers in those days held! Convocations at colleges were a major affair. H H Mysore Maharaja used to grace the occasion. Post the ceremony, it was customary for us to visit the studio for a picture. The studio had the convocation set ready — the robe, the ‘peta’ (head gear) and the degree certificate like a roll! <br /><br /> From the photograph here, Gopala Krishna retired as a medical officer while H S Gundu Rao retired as the accounts officer from Mysore State Accounts Department. I am still in touch with N P Manjunath, former CMD at BEML. I also met V Devender a few years back, who was the principal at DAV college in Shivamogga. I am 82-years-old and retired from the accounts office in the railways. The memories of yesteryears, especially the excursion, continue to hold a special place in my heart.<br /><em><br />S J Satyanarayana<br />(The author can be contacted on 9535009365) </em><br /><br /></p>
