Convent conundrums

Equally true is the fact that when it comes to religion, there8217;s a big divide back home, since most of these children come from Hindu homes. Christian missionary schools are excellent for a child8217;s education, but remember, you should never pray to 8220;their God8221; was my father8217;s stern instruction. I remember as a child I used to take this seriously since I was terrified of defying his instructions. Myfriends would sometimes visit the school chapel which I would stealthily avoid.

My real test came when my father, who was a state government officer with the Orissa government, was transferred to Behrampur. I joined the St Vincent8217;s High School in class X. Amongst the subjects, Scriptures was optional. No question of taking it, thundered my father. Sister Rosaline, our principal, explained the benefits. You have to clear five subjects for the ISC but if you opt for Scriptures, you can clear four subjects only, with Scriptures treated as the fifth. Of course, you have to pass in that.

I was in a dilemma. I didn8217;t want to displease Sister Rosaline and, at the same time, Father8217;s was the last word. So, I said yes8217; to Sister and no8217; to Father. School began and so did the Scriptures classes. That small little book was cleverly hidden from home. But each time Sister taught us, my mind would be in utter turmoil.

Months passed by and I progressed to class XI. The time came to fill up the ISC forms. That8217;swhen I was stumped and numbed. Imagine my father seeing Scriptures in my ISC results. I spent sleepless nights and broke into sweat often but never confided in anybody. Anyway, the d-day came. I entered the principal8217;s office. I mustered my courage. I had rehearsed it well since the morning. She smiled, it was so beautiful, and she looked at me with affectionate eyes. Gosh, I said to myself, how could I break her heart. Then I remembered my father8217;s bloodshot eyes when in anger. So, I blurted out in one breath: 8220;Sister, I8217;m not opting for Scriptures.8221; She gave a puzzled look and asked why. 8220;Sister, I8217;ll clear all five subjects, Sister.8221; 8220;Okay,8221; she said and shrugged her shoulders. I was relieved, though with a tinge of guilt that will stay with me forever.

Motherhood dawned on me and my son had to undergo an oral interview for admission into the first grade, incidentally at St Vincent8217;s High School in Pune. It is one of the most prestigious educational institutions and both parents have to accompanythe child when he is being grilled by the School Father. My husband and I sat beside Viraj. He was five years old then.

Father shot the last question to him, 8220;Viraj, do you pray?8221; He replied 8220;Yes, father, I pray twice a day.8221; I was stunned at his confidence. But the ultimate was still to come. Father continued, 8220;Viraj, whom do you pray to?8221; Bang came the reply: 8220;Father, I pray to Jesus Christ.8221; He smiled, my husband and I exchanged surprised glances and we walked out.

8220;Viraj,8221; I exclaimed 8220;why did you say Jesus Christ and who taught you this?8221; 8220;Mama,8221; said the five year old, 8220;because he would not know Ram8217; and Krishna8217;.8221; We laughed heartily.

Wonder what my father would have said to that. Probably, he would have laughed too since he values convent education.