Correspondence between OC Vijay Khurana and Mr. Ronald Goss for your reading pleasure:
From: vk@devats.com
To: rygoss@hotmail.com;
Subject: I am a Cottonian – class of 1963
Date: Fri, 23 Mar 2012 18:36:43 +0530
Dear Mr Goss,
I am taking the liberty of introducing myself as former student of yours from BCS. I was a boarder and finished with the class of 1963. I owe your e-mail address to Mr Sasim Das Gupta, who has my profuse thanks.
You taught us English in Shell and then educated us in the less complicated Mathematics for those that opted for the Arts or the humanity subjects. Your readings during class periods of Sherlock Holmes is an event I recall because it eventually encouraged me to buy the entire volumes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s books. The Sherlock series was offered in two volumes by an Indian publisher.
What I also recall is the devastatingly frugal marks that you dished out for our English tests. Govinder, who was a good student of the subject, on that occasion obtained for the form order a decent 46 when most of us barely hovered just above the pass mark of 40 and more particularly in the region of 41-43. I was awarded a low 38, the only time I ever failed in the language. It caused me much anguish and I thankfully obtained a 43 at the end of year final examination, sufficient enough to proceed to the next class!! I recall collecting that detail before heading to the railway station. I then knew that the impending holidays would be more cheerful!
I also recall your disarming honesty. While preparing for our final board examinations we tested ourselves against the previous years exam papers. One winter evening you were passing by when you popped in to where Rishi and I were attempting to solve an old paper. Rishi asked you the meaning of the word “bottleneck” and while you answered all the others you were candid to say, “I do not know the meaning of that one!!” That word has stuck with me and I made it a point to discover its meaning even though it was a long while before I eventually made the discovery !! Traffic bottlenecks is now a feature we live with !!
I am sending, as an attachment to this mail, a few photographs to refresh your memory. I do hope you will enjoy seeing them since they will inevitably revive a host of memories.
My kind regards to your family and you.
Sincerely
V K Khurana
(Vijay Khurana, Lefroy 1954-63)
P.S. I am taking the liberty of sending this mail to members of my class and those for the preceding years of 1961, and 1962. With the aid of modern technology, it has been convenient to remain in touch and we exchange notes fairly often. We also meet as often as is possible but that becomes distinctly difficult for a bunch of 60 year olds who still seem rather busy !!
Warmly
Vijay
