We were in Bangalore around this time. A very different Bangalore from today as you can imagine- 50 years ago. South Parade was the place to be seen – the present MG Road. Lakeview ( which was there until recently) was a favourite for ice-creams. We stayed far away in a newly developing area called Jayanagar! South End was virtually the end of the city then.
I was admitted to Sophia Convent where boys used to study till 4th, if I recall correctly. Admissions were so much easier in those days. High Grounds was miles away and at my interview, I was asked how I would come to school from Jayanagar. Exhibiting a quickness of wit( which has seldom been seen since) I told the Mother Superior that I would come by jet plane. She possibly thought this fellow to be admitted to the 2nd was quite well informed for that time and admitted me. As events turned out it was the occasional car ride or the more common bus ride to school every day.
My father was in a transferable job and this was perhaps one of the reasons they decided to put me in a boarding school. I applied and was selected for a Government of India Merit scholarship for admission to one of several leading public schools. I remember talk of Doon School and Lawrence at Sanawar apart from Lawrence at Lovedale. The fact that Lovedale was in the south of India probably clinched the issue. My family knew of the school from their days in Ooty as well.
A little older than 7, I was ready to enter a very new world for me.
