Group picture from 10th standard (1999). I am in the second row from top (7th from left).
Educational institutions are increasing in number every year and only the best survive over decades. Not many are a century old and I am indeed proud that all the educational institutions I was and am affiliated to are nearly 100 years or older. Suburban Higher Secondary School (Located in Coimbatore, a city in the state of Tamil Nadu, India), where I did my junior and senior high school education is about to hold an alumni meet and celebrate 100 years of Suburban Higher Secondary School this week and I feel it is the apt time to register my memories from my school days here.
I had no tough time until my 5th grade, thanks to a small school near my home. I had to move to a new school after that and got admission in a private matriculation school in the city (Avoiding mentioning the school's name here, as what I am registering here is from my experience and personal views and I have no intention to provide a negative view about the school). The first year was tough, for I studied until then in a school with very few students and the teachers could provide all their attention when I needed. This new school had around 40 students in my class and I felt rather difficult to fit in. It is indeed normal to feel that way, but things indeed got worse towards the second year. The school had very strict rules and regulations and tough punishments when I scored less in exams or failed to complete assignments on time. I felt lost in a way and couldn't get the support and attention from teachers, as I did in my primary school. I started scoring less and eventually lost interest in going to school and pretty much continued the routine mechanically.
I somehow managed to pass the school year and was stubborn to change to a new school. My parents felt the same I believe and decided to put me in Suburban Higher Secondary School. My dad was working in the Suburban primary school then, but still it wasn't an easy task to get a seat for me. Although I passed the 6th grade, my scores were very low (failed in few subjects in mid-term, quarterly and half-yearly exams) during that academic year. But, thanks to Mr. Prithvi, the correspondent of Suburban school and Mr. Ramachandran, Head Master of the school at that time, I joined in the 7th grade. I still remember the words from the head master, "You are now given admission because of your dad and the recommendation from the correspondent and I would like to see you work hard and prove yourself".
Suburban school indeed had more students in each class compared to the previous school I studied (between 70 to even 90 sometimes), but there was one thing different here. FREEDOM. I wasn't constantly pushed or punished and that suit my personality. I don't mean that the teachers didn't give us assignments or didn't care what we do, but the atmosphere was more relaxed. I was able to participate in Science exhibitions and take part in boy scouts and National Cadet Corps, join drawing competitions etc. Fast forward a bit, I finished my 10th grade board exams, the first barrier to cross if one needs to study further. I scored a decent 87% and was able to prove that I am capable to do well in studies. The head master was very happy for me and ordered (in a friendly manner) that I should now pay the returns by continuing my senior high in the same school. I happily continued and scored 85% in my 12th grade. I went ahead to do a bachelor degree in Applied Science and a Masters in Materials Science in PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore (Also an institution from my home town) and did a PhD in Nanoscience and Technology in Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan. I then worked as a post-doctoral research fellow in the same institution and currently working as a visiting research fellow in Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden.
Although my education in PSG College paved way for my interest in higher education, I will say that the initial seed of inspiration was already sowed during my high school days, thanks to the nice teachers I had. There is a wrong notion among many (in Tamil Nadu) that education standard in government run schools are poor whereas private institutions offer good education. I don't want to write anything here further on that subject, but I strongly believe that many government run institutions have great teachers with experience and provide us the best environment for studies. More initiatives from the governments to improve the quality and infrastructure of government educational institutions and belief from people on the system will do more good.
Students come and go, teachers retire at some point, but the institution stays for a very long time. I haven't had a chance to go back to the school after I left. Many teachers who taught classes to me might have retired (heard through my dad that Mrs. Chitra who took Maths in 11th and 12th is now the head master of the school), but when I come to India next time, I will try to visit the school.
I have just started my research career and still have a long way to go, but I will strive hard to achieve greater heights. If I can inspire and motivate a student to aim high and do well in their studies, I will feel happy that I have accomplished something.
Have a good day!!!
