I would like to inform the followers and viewers of my blog, that I have four fully completed manuscripts. All on the genre: Drama. Each one has about 95,000 words. Now I am looking for some one who would be kind enough to sponsor or a Traditional Publisher who would like to work with me.

 MY SINCERE GRATITUDE TO THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA - 1985

From about October 1984 to December 1985 I studied at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Nautical & Engineering College in Mumbai.

 

For the First Mate's (Foreign Going) course, my tuition fees for a month was Eighty-Five (Rs. 85.00) Indian Rupees. Thereby, I, as an overseas student (Sri Lanka) paid the same fees as an Indian student. For the entire period of time the only extra charge was Indian Rupees Five Hundred which was called the capitation fee.  

In other parts of the world that did not happen. There was always a huge difference in fees between locals and overseas student. For this and for educating us I always have my salutations to the Government of India.   

During this time, Capt. T.K. Joseph (Extra Master) was the Principal of the College. He was residing in Santa Cruz and on some days, we travelled together in the train from Bandra to Reay Road. At times, we talked about matters with regard to studies and also about past and present Sri Lankan students of the L.B.S. Nautical College. He always inquired after our welfare.

There was a shortage of lecturers in the College. Due to this reason, Capt. Joseph, Capt. Rewari and Capt. Subramaniam had to work very hard. Apart from lecturing they also had to do much administrative work and marking of test papers, etc.,

 In 1984 and up to about October 1985, as I was paying to college only 85.00 Indian Rupees for a month as the tuition fees. My friend had told me that, for a Montessori student in Bandra they paid about 100.00 Indian Rupees at that time.

Once when I was travelling in the train with Capt. Joseph, I told him, “Sir, I understand that Bandra Montessori classes charge 100.00 Rupees from each child, and I pay only 85.00 Rupees for First Mates F.G. tuitions. Therefore, please suggest to the Indian Government to increase the tuition for us from Rs. 85.00 to at least Rs 350.00 and also the fees of other grades proportionately. With that, to increase the salaries of the present staff of the College and to absorb more lecturers.” 

He began to laugh and said, “I am very glad that it came from an overseas student”. Then he went on to state that he cannot do such things on his own but has to communicate with the Ministry of Transport of Central Government.

However, I had a feeling that, he took serious note of my suggestion.   

The fees for a First Mate (Foreign Going) was increased to about Indian Rupees Three Hundred in October 1985. This was the best news I had had before leaving college.

 I passed my exam in December 1985

( I am including the above in my blog thinking, "Better later than Never!")