Saturday, March 07, 2009

Labouring Library

This is an ode to my companion in studies the whole of last year, thot this is t right time to write abt it coz i dunno how many more months i'll be wit it. the Rajarajeswari Medical College Library.


LABOURING LIBRARY
He was smiling on the way back home even though he was riding amidst the rain infested traffic mobbed Bangalore roads. It was not his monotonous routine that was rooted in his mind, but it was this place which poured some flavour into his long day, same place known world over as the most monotonous place ever found. Yes, ‘The Library’ – A place where young inquisitive minds are ignited by infinite knowledge left by the innumerable inspirational personalities….OR Is it so!!!!

His pugilistic perseverance to progress in his pre-PG preparations persuades his persistent presence in this library. Anxious to get on with the studies he clobbers away from the continuous non-consequential conversations that clutter the conscious, to collapse onto his conventional chair to always be charmed by the creaking ceiling fans and chattering young medicos. A wry smile sparkles his face for the innocence of these students as to that they have delved into the darkest depths of doom. Yes, Ignorance is bliss!

As the hours pass sleep sets in and suddenly he can see sets of somnolescent students settled in somber surroundings and are stipulating a strong stimulus to instigate their studies. Isn’t this common to all libraries- yes, but what makes the difference here is that this mundane mood is momentarily mutilated by multiple marauding maniacs mastering the “Mystery Case Files” on the medieval malfunctioning machines called library computers?!! This is generally followed by sounds of shuffling feet, shouting librarian and a sudden shroud of murmur all around. These lazy life givers of library leave for a loo break !!!

Once in a while a wily visitor walks in to view the vast variety of books only to be vexed by his vigorously vibrating mobile, into which this virtuous victim vengefully yells ‘I’m in library, cant speak now.’ He then gives an apologetic smile at the attent onlookers enjoying this unpaid piece of entertainment. Should he be appreciated for his sense to ‘SHUT UP’ in the library!!? Come to think of it there are no ‘Silence Please’ boards anywhere in this library.

Its 3.30 pm. Lack of a college canteen leads to cumulating students for their end of day conversations which curiously culminates in a callous commotion!! Crowd disperses at the strike of 4 to catch their commute home only to leave the library high and dry.

He has to always survive this as his day runs a little longer and not a day is left where he doesn’t think of this wonderful place which serves from a Pooja room to a chatting corner to a common loo to a bee hive and also as a swimming pool during heavy rains and serves the internet frenzy (whenever it is working…that is☺) etc. Finally he wonders whether this place is serving the purpose it was intended to – as a LIBRARY!!!
The thought lingers in his mind a little longer till he reaches his destination – ‘Home Sweet Home’.