HASSAN'S ATTENDANCE PROBLEM

For many years now, I have been teaching computer science to students studing for their Master's in Computer Applications at a college in Bangalore. I have ineracted with many students, and though it is not possible to remember all of them now, the memories of some are etched in my head. That is not because they were all brilliant, but rather because something in them was very diffirent from the others. In my first batch, there was a very bright boy called Hassan. he was tall, handsome,with a very good memory. he came from an affulent famly where he was the only son. Intially I did not come to know of his existence at all, mainly because he was hardly ever present. I normally take the first class of the day, which is schuled at 9 a.m., or the one after that at 10 a.m. I prefer this time as this is when students are fresh and very attentive. once in a while hassan would turn up, particularly if there was a class test or during examination. I mat him more ofyen for attendence shotage meeting. He would beg for attendence in such a manner that it was very difficult for me to say no. Some I would get upset and tell him, No, I can give you attendence. there should be discipline.