Yesterday my daughter posted photos in Picasso on the Graduation ceremony of Venkitesh.It was a proud moment. In States this is still a ceremony. This takes me to 1970s. Even in Trivandrum this was a great ceremony.
I think then there was only one University - Unversity of Kerala. Excited students from all over the State. Then you can see such a photo in almost all houses. The photo of a girl or boy in smiling faces. The uniform - an advocates gown worn over your dress and then a special headwear. Its flat on top with two strings hanging down on one side. Then there would be your Certificate held on your hand. The certificate would be round similar to a small round pipe.
The ceremony makes you feel proud. One of my relative from Konni got graduated and I was detailed to take him around. On arrival we went to a studio. On these days lots of people would come and hence they have arranged it all. There was an advocates gown. I dont know the relationship between a gown and graduation. Then a black Topi on the head. This topi will have a flat top with two small strings hanging from one end. They give a thick round paper similar to a Kozhal to hold and this should be held in a particular fashion. All the graduation photos i have seen is the same except the face. Had it been today, your face would be pasted to the existing one - that is technology.
The next day the function was at University Senate Hall, Palayam, Trivandrum. We went there and the name was registered. Some come with entire family, father mother brother, sisters and even grandmother. This may be the first person to graduate in their family - indeed a proud moment.
(Sometimes i feel sad - In the case of the great grand fathers, if he has studied in a 10th Forum, he will be a respectable person in the entire surroundings. But then this position was given only to graduates. But now even if he is a double or more graduate, he is not respected. I have seen SSLC students who do not know English at all. Then many graduates and post graduates in my Office, does not know to write Office Notes in good English and without spelling mistakes ( But now the computer takes care of these except sometimes it fools you because similar words exist in Disctionary) I have seen north indian officers in Banks with bad english.)
The relatives have separate corners. There would be a welcome of the Chancellor. After his address, the Certificates are distributed. There would be a queue and each one gets his certificate from the Chancellor directly. Indeed it is a happy moment.
Then the graduates come down and get the blessings of the elders by touching their foot and hugs from others.
At home, the parents are so proud of the child. Some take up higher studies and some go for a job.
But why have they discontinued the ceremony.
The graduation certificate is given by the great Postman.
You can be more lucky to receive it from your gateman if you were reside in flats and if you are not in place when the postman (or a post lady) comes.
Sometimes you will get a chit asking you to get the Post from the respective Post master.
I would be happy if i can go to States to get a graduation at the Ceremony.
