A to Z: Lessons of Life

Some amongst us joined the Armed forces, some are into academics, and some have established their foot holds in the private industry. Its heart warming to see SSGians in almost every possible sphere, successful in their own ways. During the last few years of my stay in SSG, many of the staff member would claim, how students from the institution always found a place for himself in the society and professional life, even if they did not join the forces. It dint make sense to me then. But when I came out and mingled with people outside the boundary walls of SSG, everything made sense.

This is what I have termed here as the A to Z of life. Its tough life in SSG, and its definitely not for everyone. But the ones who chose to stay will cultivate those qualities, willingly or unwillingly. Depending on one’s ‘desires’, one can stay above the water, or simply stand on the top, either by hook or by crook. I cite two examples:

I still remember a fat classmate of mine, who would always come last in the PT run and surprisingly always managed to reach for meals ahead of others.

Bunking class is a common phenomenon. However, doing so is trickier in SSG, as you also have to take care of the prying senior’s eyes apart from the poky teachers. We always knew the probable consequences of bunking classes and we still did. And the best of all, the quality always remain with us.
I had a friend who was endowed with a wide, round belly, who joined army after passing out from SSG. Posted in a border district of J & K, he would bunk and run to Delhi every month, to meet his girl friend. So frequently were his visits that I often doubted whether he actually was in the army. Undoubtedly he was an SSGian!



Very often it happens so that I get to meet fellow ex SSGians working and some even settled with families. What sets them apart is that they never change at all…the absurd gossiping, notoriety and endless recollections.

No matter, what I am today or where I am today, I can never deny that SSG taught me to believe in myself, with partial contribution from my SSG seniors. Every time I was caught with some mischief up on my sleeves, I would get to hear the famous saying, ‘meet me after lunch/dinner/games/tea’. So much so that there was a time when meals felt incomplete without getting to hear such statements.

Being a labeled ‘black sheep’ I happened to be the choice of most seniors when they wanted to do some research. In fact I even felt, that I had helped many to start off their career as a senior in SSG, and I am proud about it. Its been an amazing journey, with its due share of ups and downs, and SSG made who I am today.

Note: I am the Deben in Shisir’s story Whats in a name