My earliest memory of a teachers' common room of a college, takes me back to those innocent days ' when a half day at Holy Cross School for me, would mean a straight run to Radhamadhab College, Silchar.The gatemen would receive me at the gate, smiling as ever, with a weird look on his face, which, he has been carrying since the first day I saw him. And then, there used to be my friend Mashi-the 'oldest Mashi'-(the canteen maid) with all the wrinkles of the world on her face and a hand full of bakery biscuits .I bet they were tasty!. Soon I was welcomed by a cheer from the teachers' common room that formally announced my arrival. I used to be surrounded by all uncles and aunties. It used to be like a day off from school, almost like a picnic. Everyone was so fond of me. I was their dear little child.There used to be an essence of happiness blowing those days, an essence of simplicity I believe.Radhamadhab was small, sweet and simple! At last I would reach the principal's room and find Baba my dad sitting in his chair, dressed in white- the most cleanest 'Dhoti- Punjabi 'one could ever imagine!(thanks to my mom).
Radhamadhab College was older than me by 11 years (Estd.1971). But Grants in aid in deficit system was sanctioned by Government of Assam in 1983, one year after my birth. A dream was realized and the road to success was laid. We both grew up together, hand in hand like two brothers. Weak at the start, but catching up slowly with time. Within two decades the college was able to create a distinct identity of its own in the minds of Silcharites.An identity of oneness and simplicity, an identity of convertibility of students that no other college possessed.

Time it was, as they say, that saw me passing out of Assam University and heading towards a career that once I disliked. It was an unbelievable feeling. But, it was pretty sane in the sense that I was taking up a profession that was not only in my blood but also in my bones .after all, more than half of my family was teachers. I joined Radhamadhab College as part time lecturer in the Department of Economics on 10th August 2006.I was welcomed by one and all in the teachers' common room, when uncle Ghosh (who was my sir now, my HOD) introduced me to the teachers' common room. For a moment, it became the late 80's again. All turned black and white. I could find myself between all uncles and aunties, all very happy at my presence. I returned to 2006 when I was asked to sit with them and share the common room.
Teachers' common room has always been a scary proposition for me right from Holy Cross. (Yes, I was Naughty in School!).This was one of the most uncomfortable feelings I had ever felt. The feeling that 'I was not meant for this room' was almost inevitable. I sat there calm and quiet, very unconfident, and in the most unnatural way as I can be. Things settled down and I became confident. Thanks to the confidence that the family of Radhamadhab has shown on me. I have started to love the profession and hope to excel. The Late 80's have returned with an essence of 2006. Every thing was same again. Only difference was me ' I was not the child, anymore. The child in me has grown. And I could feel it, when Office boy, came up to me in my class with a notice in their hands and a 'foolish pride' in their eyes. I could hear their eyes saying to those students-'I have known your Sir since he was less than half of your age'�.

Radhamadhab Arts college, Silchar, is one of the best Arts college of Silchar, Assam. (Estd. in 1971) A dream that my father, Late Rathindra Brahmachari (Founder and Principal) dreamt in early seventies'�he gave his life for the love of the college. Died of cancer, 7th Jan, 2007 ...�A Tribute.

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