Shabdaavali: Avagada (n/Adj.): A wastrel (English), Uruppadaavatti (Tamil), Naalaayak (Hindi). I hasten to add that nobody has called me like this. This is very commonly used in Hindilands. When somebody does not work as directed, he is called ‘Naalaayak’. It is quite different whether the one who calls is ‘Laayak’ or not. This term ‘avagada’ is used sparingly among DM as well. ‘Kasaala asa avagada poran boro phirthosa? Gharaantha basun vaachuyaa naho?’ During my school days, I have come across several students who I would have considered as ‘avagada’ and thought what they were going to achieve in future and all that. One such was Panchapakesan whom the class teacher would call’uruppadaavatti’ on seeing his marks sheet but the Headmaster would call him on to the dais to address any gathering. Such a good orator he was. There was a Ganesan who also was a poor performer insofar as studies were concerned. But he was an excellent singer. One song, ‘Amudhai Pozhiyum Nilave, en aruginil varaadhadheno’ was his masterpiece. He also would get VIP treatment in School functions, The very teacher who would call him as Uruppadavatti would invite him on to the stage to sing a couple of songs. And he would sing like K.B.Sundarambal as well. Once in Srivanchiam temple, KBS was to perform and she was a bit late. There was an announcement on the mike calling for Ganesan of Board High School, Nannilam. He came on to the stage and started singing, ‘Gnanap pazhaththai pizhindu’. Even as he was singing, KBS came and was all in praise for Ganesan. There were many such students but I am out of touch with them as I went to Delhi just a year plus after my School. There was another student, at least three years senior to me, I do not want to name him, who was a senior student, then my class mate and then stayed back for another year or two. Very mischievous, below average in studies almost always, today he is very well settled in life. I met him the other day and he introduced me to his wife and one of his sons who were with him, ‘Ivan Ramachandran, kanakkilay puli’ and all that. I just calculated, whether one is intelligent or avagada in some stage of life, if right opportunities are grabbed and utilized, nobody can stop becoming an achiever and if one misses the bus that’s all. I lag behind, no regrets, whatsoever!
P.S.: Written in haste. Please bear with me for any mistakes.