My First Day in Primary School

My First Day in Primary School

14 June 1965, Monday. My father was smoking hukka and mother was working inside the house. I was playing alone in the small courtyard in front of our house. I digged two small pits and then making a drain between them and pour water to see it goes to the other side.

Suddenly, I saw my friend Raman in new cloths, tika on forehead and wearing a black cap holding finger of his father Pashabhai going towards his house. Hey Raman, where are you coming from? From School, his father replied. He has been enrolled in a primary school.

I looked at my father and demanded my enrolment in the school. But the response was cool. I started crying and forcing him for my enrolment. Finally he called Naranbhai, a distant relative living 3rd house away from us to go with me for enrolment.

Thursday being considered good for education, Naranbhai and I went to Rajpur School No.2. I reached to my dreamland. We were discussing, how should my name to be registered. Generally, it is to be written Punambhai Khemabhai. But I had a special feeling for myself. I said it should be different and sound well. Finally, we concluded with name Punamchand Khemchand.

But admission denied day as my 5 years age yet to be completed on 30 July. We again went next day and requested the principal that I am very eager to study. Finally, I was allowed to sit in a class of Teacher Menaben without registration.

I was happy entering into the class. A picture of monkey holding balance and two cats sitting besides was painted above the blackboard. I was sitting in the first row. Menaben started taking attendance. She was calling names and pupils one after another saying 'Jai Hind' to mark attendance. I was eagerly waiting for my name, and getting ready to say Jai Hind. But I couldn't as my name was not there in the register. Every day I used to wait for calling of my name but ending up in unhappy mood. At last on 28 July 1965, I heard Punamchand Khemchand. It was a call of my favourite teacher Menaben. The whole of my existence cheered. I replied 'Jai Hind' loudly. The spirit of Nationalism given by my parents started singing.

From that day onward, the light of God growing for its destined path.

Punamchand

21.08.2014