The Head Mistress

This is for you, old wicker lady.

When I saw you standing thereI about fell off my chair
When you moved your mouth to speak
I felt the blood go to my feet

Now it took time for me to know
What you tried so not to show
Something in my soul just died
I see the burning rage in your blue eyes

Well, at the risk of him turning in his grave, yeah, they are the changed lyrics of one of Lobo’s songs. And, that was what was going on in my head - when I met Dr. Ms. S Anand for the first time (obviously, I am lying). Being a student in “RDN”, I had heard of the new principal, but never had seen her. I got my fair chance one day.

It was a lazy summer afternoon. I had gotten up late and the consequence was that I was late for one my English Prelim paper, I rushed to college in my pajamas (those being red checkered boxers) and my white tee. I was allowed to sit for the exam with the consequence being I would be starting the paper at the least an hour late. I gave in my paper, totally incomplete. My next paper was the one I loathed most - Hindi. I was waiting for my friend return my Hindi digest, outside his class. The professor in charge was collecting the papers. Out of the corner of my eye I saw, an old lady dressed in a whitish yellow sari, walking towards me. She stopped, and glared with all the wrath she had within her, it felt like she had stored it especially, for a day like this. I wasn’t concentrating on what she was saying, being tamed to the noise, I simply used to stand and sing a song in my head. For moments, I assumed that she was yelling because I was standing outside the class, during the examinations, but when I actually did listen, I came to know that she was actually yelling and shouting because of my pajamas. I waved my hand at her face, in a kind of “mind your own business” gesture. Yes…. I was arrogant to the heights of arrogance. I walked away very coolly, and there was crowd gathering around her, after seeing what I had done, she was taking out the angst on other students around her, telling them to dare not wear clothes like mine, while attending college. Well, in my own defense I was plain and simply - lazy, arrogant and bull-headed and besides, I really really was late for my prelims.

Seven years seems to be a very long time. And believe me they are, especially for some one studying in the same educational institution. I joined R D National college in the academic year 1999-2000. At first when I joined I was extremely skeptical of the institution. Being that age, fresh out in the last rims of the cocooned world, I expected a lot from it and not having any regrets I’ll say the college didn’t offer me much. I did not take engineering although I very well could have, simply because there was too much to study, now that I look back I laugh at myself. I have been studying for the last seven years and I am, for one, proud of it. And I always wondered what made me love knowledge and information so much. And there’s always has been one answer “R.D.National College of Arts and Commerce, and W.A.College of Science.”

When I first joined RDN as a student, Mr. Taggarse was the Head of the Institution at that time. For most of the year, I didn’t know him by face, only by his name. This was odd, since I always had a problem with the authorities. I used to care a tuppence for people who commanded me to get my homework done. So much so that when demanded their well due respect I used to walk out of the class. I don’t regret it. At the end of the same year, I was asked not give my terminal exams, thanks to technicalities called “rules” which didn’t apply to me at that age(they don’t at this age too), for my commanders in chief, required me to fall in every day and I simply would not. They asked me to “go talk to the principal”. And having one whole year on the line, I simply had to oblige. This was the first time I had met Mr. Taggarse and he being and authoritive figure I took an instant dislike towards him. I instantly put on my charming hat, which still isn’t much, and tried to coax him to let me sit for the exams. Which were starting on the same day itself. He knowing me by my reputation, didn’t warm up to the idea. But he understood that I could loose a year and finally had to cave in.

After that little episode my problems with authority increased, albeit I never had to report to the principal again, the commanders in chief always used to keep me in control. In the midst of it, I heard the news of Mr. Taggerse retiring as the principal. For once, I don’t know why but I was a little happy. I never really liked the old chap. And I really don’t know why?!!!!!!

Anyways, Coming back to Dr. Ms. S. Anand, As an outsider, still connected to the college as a student, I have seen this institution go from a gang producer to a talent pool, during her reign. The college has a face because of her and for that I will always be proud to say that I am a seagull from R D NATIONAL College. During this course of change, the college has seen many changes, to take notice of some, one is the “BlowFest” which is an annual festival, tests the college’s talent pool to its fullest, builds a camaraderie and a sense of healthy competition. It also has given a rising stage to talented artist, a start in their full of talent careers if you may. Other changes are the infrastructure, for example the auditorium, the New labs, new equipments, the conference room all a gift from her.

A salute to a Principal, who willed change and made it happen not only for the college but for us too.