Though I passed IV standard at Kolagadal School, one year(1944) was wasted as there was no nearby school.
In the year 1945 I joined the higher primary school (Kottur), which was 8 KM away from my home. Those days V Standard final was was “center exam”. For the 4 surrounding H.E. Schools V standard exam was being held as center exam or public exam.
One fateful day the final result of the center was announced. The H.M. H.S. Venkappay read out the names of promoted students. My name was not on the list of promotes !!
A below average batchmate of mine was promoted. He was very happy and when I was crying, ran homewards telling everybody…”Appanna had failed”.
By the time I reached home, it had become a big news in my neighbourhood. My mother was crying as if someone had died. Not being able to tolerate the shock and insult, I decided to commit suicide by hanging in the cowshed. My elder sister who had come home for her first delivery noticed and rescued me.
Next day my mother sent me to the school under the supervision of our tenant. When we both reached the Kottur Post Office, three teachers surrounded me and started introducing me to others. They said; ” He is the 1st Rank Holder in the exam center.”
Even today, after 80 years, I am perplexed. Why did that Headmaster failed to announce my result.
