Primary to Secondary

Little did one notice the change when we went through it but looking back Primary to Secondary school was big change.

For starters, the boys had to opt out of school bus and make their own travel arrangements. So for 3 years from 3^rd to 5^th I could take one of the 2 buses the old bus or new bus. The new bus was smarter, had tinted glasses, a musical horn and a Schumacher driver. But all that changed overnight in 6^th std when one had to take the town bus (as the public bus service was popularly called). Coimbatore had a mix of state owned buses (then called Cheran) and private bus operators. Public town bus meant no assurance of a seat, unpredictable crowds and timings and to go as a groups of friends needed prior coordination. Also knowing where people hop off was important so that one can stand next to get a seat – some comfort for a 45 min journey and freedom from getting squeezed thin – early lessons on tactics and anticipation.

Once in school thanks to my ability to sing, one had the duty and privilege to be part of the school choir. Duty meant absence was promptly noticed. Privilege was one could straight hit the assembly and not go to class and walk down for the assembly which gave a few extra minutes at not being counted late. The other was one skipped the mandatory uniform checks of polished shoes, belt, badge etc., thanks to a back door entry and exit so even if anything was forgotten missed getting caught – which meant standing out for the first period if caught.

Academically the importance of rank became important. The class rooms at GRG had 2 large blackboards – one in front the teachers use to teach (with date, roll strength, no. present written in a small box at top right hand corner). The board at the back had the roll of honour (where the names of the rank holders used to be written) , then some messaging, important articles or topics, thought for the day/ week etc used to be written here. We had two sections and over the secondary years the competition set in.  Mostly the clamour for top honours was between Prabhat, Surya, Narayanan, Sundaram, Suguna, Sudharani & self. Tests and exams meant hectic activity and first scoring point was how many additional sheets were used for the answering in the exams. We had a host of teachers Vijayalakshmi, Suganthi, Vimala Victoria, Singari, Margaret are the names I remember. Looking back I think the teachers relished making us compete and fight for marks. Some would break down if the ranking got missed by a whisker especially the 1^st rank. From 6^th onwards there was also the award of a Star Student or General Proficiency given based on academic and co-curricular performance and every step mattered for the glory of going on stage to receive the award (mostly a book) on school day every Jan/ Feb.   

typical sports day look at GRG

Secondary school also meant the induction into the houses cutting across classes from 6 to 11^th that had to compete in sports and games. The houses for some reason had names of various stars in Tamil astrology like Revathi, Rohini,  Bharani, Chitra etc. The sports day preparations were elaborate and called for the march past rehersals and then the sporting events. Haldurai was the physical director and was a jovial person overall and his mannerisms were unique and often imitated. A Shamiana used to be put (and I see it still is the practice) for guests and students had to be with their respective houses. This  made me take great interest in athletics – sprint, hurdles , long jump, relay races were my favourites. I did not know that this combo is what some of the top athletes adopt regularly in national, international or Olympic sports but the physical instructors available post school for coaching were instrumental in guiding me here. it was a great experience at physically stretching oneself and winning points for the house. While most of us got into sports for fun and winning little did I realize then that it helps shape reflexes, team work, self control, concentration and above all striving towards a goal.

This was also the period where collecting certificates and awards gathered importance and momentum. For some reason there was this belief that a portfolio mattered and even participation certificates were fought for at times and happily filed, all thinking these will help in getting admissions, scholarships, sports or arts quota etc. What started here continued till college end.

1975-76 made me see probably the most elaborate celebrations in the city. I think it was DMK’s mega conference they called Manaadu. All major streets were lined up with decorative, illuminated arches. Coimbatore got its new floodlit football stadium, a flyover complex in the center of the city (thanks to the conference). It opened our eyes to the political spectrum and its power. It was rumoured that the dictat was every shop had to put up an arch and bear all the costs and compete and out-do each other. It was so grand that as a family we decided to go around in the car. The Amby car got caught in the sea of crowds on the streets literally inching for hours before it collapsed due to overheating and had to be pushed for some distance, left behind and I think we walked back home.

For the last few decades life has often been about driving primary & secondary sales. The drive that secondary school ushered in was everlasting and greatly added to the Primary momentum...