Subhash Mathur is a resident of Jaipur after superannuation from Indian Revenue Service in 2007. Presently, Subhash is engaged in social and charitable work in rural areas. Subhash is also Editor of http://www.inourdays.org/, an online portal for preserving work related memories.
After finishing high school, in July 1965 I joined Rajasthan Arts College, Jaipur for my BA degree.
College days were expected to be exciting.
Freedom from school discipline is something to cherish.
No uniform.
No fixed timings.
No overbearing Principal lurking around the corners.
No homework.
Its joy personified.
But it's never roses all the way.
Within a month of starting College, a notice on the Board informed the Freshers that it was compulsory for them to collect the NCC application form.
Fill up the form. Get a token.
Go across to the NCC office.
Collect your uniform.
Turn up for Familiarisation on 1st Sunday of September at the Parade Ground, College campus. 7.30 a.m.
No exceptions.
Selecting one's uniform turned out to be an exercise involving scratching your head vigorously, tears rolling down the countenance and frustration welling up.
The uniform room was a huge rectangular room. Khaki uniforms were strewn around the room.
Pants, Shirts, Socks, Shoes, Belts.
Many freshers were frantically searching through the pile.
For that perfect fit.
