Posted on 2 August 2023
Institute
It was a cloudy summer morning with heavy cloud hanging over the entire sky. Last night it rained heavily. A northern breeze made the ambience more soothing. I was enjoying my morning tea and was absorbed in the mystique beauty of clouds making several geometrical patterns on the sky. Some time there would be a figure of vibrant horse, some time that of a sleeping lion; as if a canvas of Picasso’s cubism form. Suddenly my phone rang. I normally don’t expect phone at this early morning. I received the call. It was some Mr. Singh, from Delhi. He was some one from the corridor of power, working for one Central minister. He got to know about us from none other than Mr. Anand of Super Thirty. He said he would be coming to Jamshedpur and would meet us. From his voice I could sense that this man would be a disturbing element. I told him to give me a call before coming to our office. Read more
Posted on 4 July 2023
Institute
One of my friends, Mr. Keshri, used to take a keen interest in the achievements of Prerna Classes and proudly discussed it everywhere. Initially, I was his friend, but the success of Prerna Classes had dramatically altered our relationship. I could sense that I had become an object of fascination to him. The closeness of our friendship had been replaced by a wall of reverence. By that time, we had gained a strong reputation in the city. Many of my friends, like Mr. Keshri, would seize every opportunity to boast about us. We conducted classes at Loyola and LFS. However, we faced opposition from a certain section of students and their parents who were unhappy with our testing system, which involved eliminating students who performed poorly in our exams. Our intention was not to harm them, but rather to guide their efforts in the right direction. Vikas, known for his laconic style, would simply write "DISCONTINUE". He resided in a gated society, while I lived in a small quarter that reflected a typical middle-class life—rather somber, gloomy, and isolated. Anyone could enter without hindrance. I often faced confrontations from parents, with statements like, "We'll see. Do you know who I am? I know your departmental head." This would be followed by a long list of abuses and threats. I recall one individual who arrived at my house in a state of fury, wearing shorts and a half T-shirt. I abruptly asked him, "आप के बाकि कपड़े किस ने उतारे?" He was taken aback and hastily departed. Later, I discovered that he used to be Vikas' boss. Read more
