Hullo, Gear up! I have come with another video on chapter five of ‘Ripples Roping Memories’
Rosina Fernandez is from Railway quarters. She belongs to a Goan family. Rani visits her house. What impresses Rani is a big garden and the dark inside of the house. Rosina’s mother stitches clothes. Rosina is taller and heftier than Rani. She is jovial, practical and thrifty. Rani gets money from her mother to travel by bus to and from school. Rosina knows a short cut which helps to reach the school quickly. Rani accompanies her. There are many instances when Rani walks back from school along with Rosina. Rosina is a backbencher. Rani sits next to her. She does not pay attention to the teacher and plays singing a rhyme, ‘Shiny sun bows, little flowers close, honey bees go….’ She moves her fingers round and round on the desk. She makes dolls out of chocolate wrappers. Rani admires her for what she is. Rosina’s boldness is a matter of pride for Rani. Rosina is not good at studies. She is pulled up by the teacher very often.
While going to school, a man in lungi, shows his genital to Rani. Rani is confused and she thinks whether it is an aberration of his mind. Innocence and ignorance combine in her and fear in her is aroused. She understands that certain men can be dangerous biological beings. She hurries and walks off. Miss Oak is a History teacher. She is plump and short. Rani understands little of what she teaches. Rani teaches History to herself at home. During examination, Rani writes answers so well that miss Oak cannot cut a single mark. Miss Oak calls Rani, ‘Rani, get up and come here.’ Rani gets up and goes near the teacher. Miss Oak asks,’ Did you copy the answers from the text book? I am asking you because you have not missed a single word from the text book.’ Rani feels nervous and she stutters. She says that she did not copy. Rani studies human anatomy with great interest. Rani has no English speakers at home and the school is the only source. Students speak English in school. They do not bother about grammar or syntax. Television, computer and mobile phones are absent. Students do not have access to information.
Once, Rani’s classmates go to a nearby field near Nandikeshwar to witness a film shooting. Rani accompanies them and returns with them before the recess is over. Sister comes to know of this. She calls the girls one by one and canes them. Each girl is caned twice. Girls are punished for their impulsive behaviour.
English films are shown in the convent. Nuns cut scenes of kissing and all kinds of erotic scenes. They are of the opinion that sex should be used for procreation and not for recreation. A special session is arranged for eighth grade in which sex is discussed as a device which provides natural joy of motherhood. Both man and woman are involved in nurturing the young.
Goodbye till the next video. Thanks.
( Video can be viewed on You tube by typing, ‘Ripples Roping Memories’)
