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It so happens that at times a good hearted teacher, and perhaps a principal of a school who is altruistic in his attitudes is ignored and gives way to dishonour. But it also happens that a very strict teacher or a principal is honoured much more than he or she deserves.

Though I am not too sure whether I am fully aware of these factors properly, a certain father of a student in a leading school, enlightened me on some of these facts, for he said: 'If you want to admit your child to a so-called leading school, you got to carefully consider the stance of the most influential way you could tap the principal of that school'.

'But principal of the school is not the only person who decides on this matter' I said.

'then you know a little of what happens around you'.

'Alright, forgive me and tell me about it'.

'You may be living in a far off place, say hundred kilometres from the school to which you wish to admit your child. All you should do is to select a place closer to the school concerned. Get hold of the landlord of that place do whatever you wish to get that address as your child's birth address. Then you must get a place where you should prove that you have been an employee for the last few years. See that you have a bank account in a bank closer to that school.

My good friend pondered for a while.

'What more?' I asked.

'Then there are certain trivialities like, tapping a politician.'

'For what reason?'

'The politician should say that you are a reliable respectable person and that you are a benefactor, and presumably so capable that he will help build the image of the school'.

'But can I do that?'

'It's immaterial whether you are in a position to do or not. The politician concerned should vouch for your image as a parent of high calibre'.

'Is that all?'

'No there are some more things to be straightened'.

'What are they?'

'You should pay a courtesy call to the teacher or the principal concerned, in order to ascertain the fact that you had your first mission fulfilled. You should say that you wish to help build the image of the school and thank the teacher for the efforts he or she has taken and shown over the past few years.

In short, see that he or she feels happy, and add that you are there to help. Please leave on the table of the principal concerning some gift that would look a good memorable one'.

'What sort of a gift is that?'

'Something other than money'

I simply could not get at that point, for I was thinking of books.

'You may give something like a modern gadget that could be utilized in the kitchen. Something like a microwave oven, a set of stainless steel spoons, knives and dishes or whatever you wish.

'But if the teacher refuses to accept?'

'If that happens, that's bad luck. But I should feel that it will not happen depending on the situation.

'But I ensure it's unethical'.

'But ethics don't matter very much in this case, for you got to be careful how to use words properly.'

'Go on' I insisted.

You should meet the teacher once again. When the time is ripe to admit your child. You should first of all talk in the best polite manner possible. You should ask, Sir or madam, can you recognize me? Then he or she will say 'Oh yes why not, what brought you here?' Then the dramatic situation takes place. You should say:

'I don't want to admit my child to any other school for this is my first preference. I want my child to be nurtured under your excellent scholarship. So please help me. Then he would ask you a series of questions, and most probably the final question will help to gauge where you are.

'What's that final question?'

'Is it possible for you to donate a certain amount of money to our school development fund? He or she will ask you.

Then you should just say? 'How much do you need? I can give it straight away. Then you will see a smile cast on the face of the principal which is indicative of the fact that your child is selected. But see that you keep all these in the most confidential manner possible, for the slightest indiscreet move means a great sabotage'.

I went on thinking of the whole process. It was a heart shattering experience to me. 'But surely you can't generalize this' I said. 'Yes you can't generalize the teaching process to cheating'.

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