MALAYALAM
Against all odds
K. KUNHIKRISHNAN
MULLUKALKKIDAYIL VITHAYKKAPPETTATHU — Memoir: Pradeep Joseph; Prachodan Publications, Aluva. Rs. 50.
THIS IS an unusual narration of a student about the difficulties he faced for getting college education. The experiences are varied and miserable, with hard physical labour and discouragement and abuse from various quarters. The author does not hide his shortcomings of succumbing to alcohol and temptation of pilfering. He explains the inhuman treatment and underpayment received from employers.
His revelations about priests, who collect money and utilise it for their luxurious living, and offering prayers for solace for the needy, are telling.
Pradeep Joseph does not claim to be brilliant student. He just scraped through the SSLC examination. He made several attempts to pass the pre-degree examination. His home was not congenial for studies; his father was a drunkard and his teachers never expected that he would succeed.
After pre-degree, he tried to do many odd jobs: part-time working as labourer, wayside vendor, household help and watchman. He went to Mumbai, where his brother got him a small time job, but he hoped for something more.
He realised that for this he needed a degree, and working and studying could not go together. He also shifted from universities and that was complicated. Somehow, by sheer will power and with the help of many good Samaritans, he attained a diploma in social work and is now studying for post graduation.
The simple narration is intensely sincere and highly readable and an inspiring one for those who face adversities in life, where the will overcomes and upholds the dignity of labour.
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