Thirteen years ago, I was warned that Chennai was not an easy place for a North Indian. I have now lived here and disproved it.
In 2001, following my dad’s transfer, we moved to Chennai. I went to Asan Memorial Senior Secondary School on Anderson Road as a class VIII student. For me, the school was the gateway to the city and its culture. I don’t remember much of my first day at this school. I however vividly remember how I found my best friend. In my old school back in Jharkhand, we had only one lunch break, unlike here where there were three – two of smaller intervals and a one-hour lunch break. I brought only a sandwich for the entire day, which I finished during the first break.
So, when the rest of the class opened their elaborate lunch boxes during lunch, I remained seated in my seat and pretended to read a book.
Then someone patted me from behind and asked me what I had brought for lunch.
“Nothing,” I said.
She turned around and served me two chapattis with read tomato curry in a Tupperware tiffin box. It was yummy. I asked her for the recipe so that I could ask my mom to make it. She said she would not let me know. Instead, she said she would bring extra food for me whenever her mother cooked that curry. I felt at home.
I would not have loved the city if not for Asan. This school was established in 1966 in memory of the renowned Malayalam poet Mahakavi Kumaran Asan by Asan Memorial Association, which was formed in 1965 by like-minded Malayalees in the city. Founder-secretary of the Association A. K. Gopalan was the man behind it.
Invariably, Kerala culture and celebrations became a part of every student’s life. By the time I left school I owned two kasavu sarees (white sarees with golden border). I had performed Kaikottikali and was part of two teams that won pookalam contests.
Not just for the celebrations it brought, we looked forward to the festival also for the free hours it brought. We could bunk classes for ‘practice sessions’. Nothing has changed about the celebrations. As I took a walk around the auditorium, I saw different ‘Houses’ practise for the dance competition, scheduled for the following day. The uniform has changed, from grey to light blue. It looks smarter!
Primary section students wear bright yellow uniforms making the place look more colourful.
Right now the atmosphere seems extra cheerful because of the Association’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. The walls are covered with old photographs of the school. From classes run out of a hut to a spacious premises, the school has come a long way.
The Association now has an air-conditioned playschool, started in 2010. They have 70 smart classrooms, high-tech labs and a well-stocked canteen. During my time, it was tucked in a corner, near the men’s staff room. Cutlets and corn puffs were our staples and the day we felt rich, we bought 7 Up. Now, it has shifted to a space next to the auditorium. In the open space, parasols and chairs are placed. They sell puffs, pastries, ice-creams, cold coffee, shakes and juices. Unfair!
The school may have undergone a facelift, but its soul is intact. Some of the teachers who taught me are still there and look the same. Only a bit older.
Suma Padmanabhan, my English teacher, who also guided me through the responsibilities of the School Pupil Leader, when I became one, is now the principal. I met her in her fancy cabin. I call it fancy because the then Principal Ramachandran Sir had a rather messy workstation. We secretly prayed that our mark sheets would get misplaced in his cluttered desk. It never happened.
She also talked about the schemes the Association launched this year, including concessions provided to children of staff members and teachers. They also have a scheme for underprivileged Malayalee students.
Among the things that remain intact since I left the school is Genesis, the annual inter-school fest. We not only got to bunk classes and watch different schools compete, but also got to interact with celebrities who would attend the event.
As I was leaving, after my recent visit, I could not help thinking about the lovely memories of such events that I still carry with me. About the lovely friends, the love for Onam Sadhya and the admiration for Mohanlal that the school has given me.
