The legacy of sarkar parents

My father served as a sepoy in the British Indian Army during World War II. After the war, he was demobbed due to retrenchment and subsequently became a postman. In the 1960s and early 1970s, Kerala faced dire poverty and rampant unemployment. Students frequently went on strike. Reflecting on my childhood and youth, I recall the struggle to find enough food to eat. Despite the hardships, my father remained resolute in his commitment to educate his seven children. His ambition was for all of us to pursue higher education, a noble aspiration indeed.

In those days, educational institutions were scarce, compelling one to journey to the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram, 25 km away from our humble abode. In 1968, I believed my scholarly pursuits had culminated with the completion of tenth grade; however, to my astonishment, that very year saw the establishment of a junior college just 3 km from our home, courtesy of a benevolent landowner. My father, struggling financially, relinquished all of my mother’s gold to secure my enrolment, his eldest son, in this institution. Pursuing my undergraduate studies diligently within those same walls, I succeeded in securing a place in the MA programme at Hindu College in Changanassery, thanks to the guidance of my mentor, Prof Gomathi Amma.

My journey was fraught with adversity, including multiple expulsions for unpaid hostel dues. Yet, with steadfast resolve, I persevered and triumphed, achieving the highest distinction in the PG History examination from Hindu College. This milestone marked a pivotal juncture in my life, as I became the first postgraduate with a BEd degree in my village, inspiring my siblings to follow suit, albeit to the limits of their undergraduate endeavours.

After what seemed an interminable wait, a government position finally materialised for our family – no frivolous feat for many families residing in the village during that era. Herein lies the remarkable significance of a mother’s unwavering resolve and a father’s diligent labour, which cannot be overstated.

For the first time, a mother from our modest village saw all her children ascend to esteemed roles as government officials. Thus, our mother, who had only completed a sixth-grade education, earned the endearing title of Sarkar Amma (mother of government employees) among the villagers, while our father, with his tenth-grade education, was affectionately dubbed Sarkar Appa (father of government employees).

I take pride in being the first government college professor from my village, having retired from a distinguished position. My siblings have likewise retired from esteemed roles, while my youngest brother continues to serve as personal staff to the governor of Kerala.

We became a beacon of inspiration, motivating many fellow villagers to aspire for higher education and governmental roles, a credit that solely belongs to our parents. We, their children, owe an everlasting debt of gratitude to our dearly departed mother and father for everything they bestowed upon us.