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One evening, my father returned from Kadayiruppu junction . He told that one of my Teachers advised him to get financial help from some Dalit organisations/associations which were functioning for the backward people especially SC/ST/OEC students in Kerala. He angrily said that the Teacher was compelling him to beg before them to get money for my higher studies. However, such an institution having its headquarters in Kottayam district, invited applications and we also applied for it.
The journey to Kottayam is an unforgettable incident in my life. I & my father started from Kadayiruppu, then Kolenchery and reached Muvattupuzha. From there, we travelled in a Super Fast Bus. It was for the first time that I was travelling in a Super Fast Bus. As usual, my father went forward, leaving me alone at the back portion of the bus where the seats were reserved for ladies. I sat there, then two more ladies came and the seats were filled. After that, an unexpected incident happened. In our front seat, three gents were sitting. The person who sat exactly in front of me, turned his head and looked at me. He looked like a drunkard. His appearance revealed that he belonged to a rich family. He was a middle aged man. I wondered why he looked at me. Two other ladies were sitting beside me. But he didn't look at them. The ladies also became cautious. "I am a fifteen years old girl. Then why does he look at me? ", I was perplexed. I was looking at my father's seat. Suddenly, the person who was sitting beside him, arose from there. I ran towards that seat and sat beside my father. I didn't tell him anything and he didn't ask me anything. Perhaps, he might have understood that I had a bad experience from any traveller in the bus. My paternal aunt's daughter Ms Sherly & her husband Mr Bennett were living in Kottayam. Therefore, they were informed about our arrival and Mr Bennett came to receive us in the Hall in which the function was being conducted. I think the function started after lunchtime. I am not sure because I am writing this from my memory. In that function, the students who achieved distinction were honoured, I think. The students who were seated near me were from Kollam district. I remember the moments we discussed about the "Peruman Train Accident". I remember that once our English Teacher gave this subject to us for writing a composition. However, the function ended till it was dark. We went to my cousin's house with Mr Bennett. When we reached there, it was very dark. Ms Sherly pointed towards the toilet which stood outside the house to take a bath. When I entered it, there was no light. The reason was power cut or lack of a bulb ? I don't know. However, Ms Sherly gave me a candle and I took my bath hastily.
I was being acquainted with Mr Bennett's parents & younger brothers. I could just answer their questions but couldn't speak anything more. Ms Sherly explained that I was a shy person and so I couldn't speak to others. However, I don't remember what prize was given to me. But, it must be some money, I am sure. On the return journey, I sat beside my father because I was greatly affected by the previous experience. "Why did that person behave so ?", I thought. " If I tell this incident to others, they would ask why I looked at him". That was the reaction of the people of Kerala at that time. Always the blame is upon the woman or the girl. Yes. Our society was malechauvinistic. It continues like it. But my aim is to elevate the Indian women to the equality which is ensured in the Constitution of India.
The journey to Kottayam is an unforgettable incident in my life. I & my father started from Kadayiruppu, then Kolenchery and reached Muvattupuzha. From there, we travelled in a Super Fast Bus. It was for the first time that I was travelling in a Super Fast Bus. As usual, my father went forward, leaving me alone at the back portion of the bus where the seats were reserved for ladies. I sat there, then two more ladies came and the seats were filled. After that, an unexpected incident happened. In our front seat, three gents were sitting. The person who sat exactly in front of me, turned his head and looked at me. He looked like a drunkard. His appearance revealed that he belonged to a rich family. He was a middle aged man. I wondered why he looked at me. Two other ladies were sitting beside me. But he didn't look at them. The ladies also became cautious. "I am a fifteen years old girl. Then why does he look at me? ", I was perplexed. I was looking at my father's seat. Suddenly, the person who was sitting beside him, arose from there. I ran towards that seat and sat beside my father. I didn't tell him anything and he didn't ask me anything. Perhaps, he might have understood that I had a bad experience from any traveller in the bus. My paternal aunt's daughter Ms Sherly & her husband Mr Bennett were living in Kottayam. Therefore, they were informed about our arrival and Mr Bennett came to receive us in the Hall in which the function was being conducted. I think the function started after lunchtime. I am not sure because I am writing this from my memory. In that function, the students who achieved distinction were honoured, I think. The students who were seated near me were from Kollam district. I remember the moments we discussed about the "Peruman Train Accident". I remember that once our English Teacher gave this subject to us for writing a composition. However, the function ended till it was dark. We went to my cousin's house with Mr Bennett. When we reached there, it was very dark. Ms Sherly pointed towards the toilet which stood outside the house to take a bath. When I entered it, there was no light. The reason was power cut or lack of a bulb ? I don't know. However, Ms Sherly gave me a candle and I took my bath hastily.
I was being acquainted with Mr Bennett's parents & younger brothers. I could just answer their questions but couldn't speak anything more. Ms Sherly explained that I was a shy person and so I couldn't speak to others. However, I don't remember what prize was given to me. But, it must be some money, I am sure. On the return journey, I sat beside my father because I was greatly affected by the previous experience. "Why did that person behave so ?", I thought. " If I tell this incident to others, they would ask why I looked at him". That was the reaction of the people of Kerala at that time. Always the blame is upon the woman or the girl. Yes. Our society was malechauvinistic. It continues like it. But my aim is to elevate the Indian women to the equality which is ensured in the Constitution of India.
Here, let me explain one more thing and complete this chapter. After the publication of the results of Std X, the first one who came to my house was my cousin Benny, with some toffees, I think. Then, after one or two days, aunt Molly along with maternal grandmother came to our house, with a new dress for me. In these two circumstances, I didn't speak too much. But my mother was speaking about my victory and all the incidents very smartly and attracting everyone's attention towards her. But I was not at all excited because in the presence of my mother & father, I couldn't speak to others. Was it impassiveness or Spirituality ? I can say that it was because of 95% impassiveness & 5% Spirituality. However, as a schooltopper, I received only this much prizes. Did I expect more ? To be honest, I needed a toilet. But noone enquired about it and I was unable to ask anyone's help. Now I wonder why did they send me to school from a house in which there is no toilet. .
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