K. Ramakrishnan College of Engineering
Hangout: Small parapet wall near front entrance of the college
Rush hour: “Whenever we feel like taking a break,” students echo.
Where it's at: Located near the main building, the famed wall is a stone's throw away from where the buses are parked. Students, after a hectic day in the lab, find this as the right place to rest their weary feet.
What’s to love: Though there is not much greenery around the wall, there is a lot to love in this hangout. With building materials dumped near the parapet, each stone proves to be a ‘royal' seat for the small group of gossip mongers that are forever seen hanging around here.
“It is easier for girls to get on them as it is just the right height,” says Nandini Devi. “The wall is a vantage point to see the college come alive before your eyes, be it a game of basketball or students strolling in groups,” chirps Madhu.
The wall makes it convenient for them to get into escape mode, especially when roving eyes of ‘wrong persons' search for them. “We just jump down the other side whenever somebody discovers us,” beams Dhinesh.
While the wall-benchers may attract the attention of many a teacher, it is also a perfect cover for them to relax. “And it is also the perfect tea stand,” says a smiling Manoj. With their piping hot canteen tea and spicy vadas topping the snack list, these youngsters couldn't be happier.
“For group studies, this is our regular meeting point,” they all agree. The breeze, however is enviable. With the sky as their roof, do these youngsters need a better place to get inspired? On one side of the wall, a path leads to the girls' hostel, while the other leads to the back entrance of class rooms. “Our alternative hideout is also nearby! What more do we need,” say this contented lot.
What’s not to: Sometimes the troubles posed by our resident dog is too much to bear, they rue. And the fine sand in the debris makes the hideout unfriendly during rainy season. “The wall becomes too hot to sit on when the sun beats down mercilessly,” says Kevin.
Alternatives: The wide verandah that is airy and cool; the old fashioned open space in the centre of the building that provides a perfect window to the students to the outside world
