The Moment

The moment of truth

After writing the final year examinations and bidding tearful farewell to the class mates, Rangan proceeded to settle in Bombay with his father and eldest brother Narasimhan’s family from April 1967. He gave a helping hand to his brother and sister-in-law and spent a good time enjoying the vacation. Rangan spent lots of memorable time with his sisters and brothers and their children Anu, Jayashree, Malini and Sriram as he was away for 4 years. He did not apply for any job pending the results. Rangan wrote a letter to his brother Parthasarathy that he had done very well in the examinations. One day, it was announced in newspapers that the Engineering Exam results would be announced on 15 Jun 1967 and exhibited in Madras University Building in Chepauk and subsequently the list would be available with the respective institutions. Almost all the classmates of Rangan went through the display and confirmed their passing the B.E. Degree examination in first class, second class or otherwise. None of them could confirm about Rangan’s status as either passed or failed. His roll number should have been displayed, some where in the list. He was confident that he would get good marks as told to his father and brothers. 2 more days passed without any information from Madras or classmates.  On 18 th June 1967, Rangan went to Chembur Railway Station to buy vegetables and provisions for the home. On return, he sighted the postman coming out of the building from a distance. As he stepped inside the home, his father was reclining on an easy chair and holding a post card in his hand.  Father said “Rangan! This is a post card letter for you from my friend, P.S. Ramaswamy Iyengar, sent from Madras. He has sent a separate letter to me. He had sent his son to check from Madras University, display board on the early morning on 15th June. I am told that your Roll No was separately typed, along with a couple of other rank students. Go to the Puja room, offer your prayers and then read the letter”. Rangan did accordingly and read the post card. It was a four line letter. “Congratulations Rangan! You have passed the B.E. Degree in Mechanical Engineering with Honours. My best wishes. PS Ramaswamy Iyengar. 15 Jun 1967”.