In the good old days following the orders given by elders was a given. Self had no place in the scheme of things. Today asserting yourself is more important. Before leaving for a friend’s house was compulsory. Your whereabouts had to be known by the elders at all times. You could not be late. A delay once was tolerated with a raised brow but repeating the same mistake again was not permissible.
Having friends from school or college was natural but standing & talking to boys in your class was also frowned upon. I remember at that time we were in senior college & standing talking to a couple of boys who were in our hiking group. Our lecturer passed us to go to the library. The look he gave us, It is difficult to forget. Did he think a group of studious, serious students talking to boys was not decent? When we met in class he never commented on it but the disapproval was evident.
Do students today think of it as we had then? Would they think as.. mind your own business? But this old school of thought is so ingrained in my mind, I cannot tolerate very close friends breaking the line or sitting next to each other. The rows for girls & boys are fixed in college & I firmly believe in keeping them as they are.
People walking in the corridors is ok. But once in the class, it is not a place of hanging out & discipline is a must. I have always prided over my being open minded but lately I fear that I am more traditional than most of my generation. Now nothing can be done about it. These are my views & my students have to abide by my rules in the class. Initially I would get upset if it was my student who is wrong. I now look after only this moment & the end of the class, then you are free.
Upholding of values doesn’t come naturally, some have to be taught for which fencing is a must. It applies to all & at all times. There are no exceptions. I find that people finding the loopholes & bending the laws are more appreciated. They are looked upon as the urban heros. Hence the title…sach, zamana badal gaya hai…!
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