In a Tamil movie in a song sequence, MGR is asked by the heroine, "Up to what level have you studied?" The answer would be, "Truth is the only book I have read; equality is the philosophy I know." Not a transliteration, but a loose translation.

And if somebody asks me, "What college did you go to?" I would say, "The only College - Training College." Many times, too. Not being a graduate, whenever this question came up, I was frank to admit it. Why hide behind a non-existent pride?

During an interview for the next level in the officer’s grade, the senior official interviewing me asked, "Why haven’t you qualified yourself?" What do I say? I narrated the circumstances under which this had happened, not failing to mention that I had come on top in the Institute of Bankers’ examinations. And that had made me not look further. And yet, at the same time, though I had stopped qualifying, I had not stopped learning. Very intelligent answer, I thought at that time. Now it looks silly. But it seemed to satisfy the interviewers.

Doesn’t a formal education have value? Is it enough to read and self-learn? Even in fine arts like music or dance, even if one is endowed with inborn natural talent and interests, a guide and a mentor are required to groom you properly on the techniques, forms, expressions, theory, presentation, and many other aspects. So too with professionals. Can a self-taught person become a doctor? Engineer?

I had escaped with that answer that had come out of me in a defensive posture, but was I right? At this point in life, I doubt it. I strongly feel I should have done whatever it takes to be at least a graduate. It wasn’t that difficult. Many options had opened up for obtaining degrees.

The fact that I had been promoted to the officer’s cadre had perhaps put a full stop on my desire for a degree without thinking about what the future may demand.

Continued in 266. The Only College - Part 2