07 Aug 2022  |   05:52am IST

Losing a gem from the ocean of education

Nisha Da Cunha’s sudden demise has left a huge void in the hearts of her favourite students and the parents who entrusted her with creating a wonderful school experience for their children. Wife of Architect Gerard Da Cunha, she was exemplary in making great memories for children at Nisha’s Play School and Shiksha Niketan in Porvorim

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hiksha Niketan and Nisha’s Play School are feeling the emptiness of losing their principal, Nisha Da Cunha. She has guided and mentored so many children to trust their creativity and think out of the box. Her innovative style of learning and adding every aspect of everyday life in the curriculum, today, makes these very students stand out in society.

Jack Ajit Sukhija and Miriam Koshy’s children, Avnita and Arav, had the best years of their school life with Nisha Da Cunha guiding their every step. She took absolute interest in each and every child and even though she had the means to grow the school, she didn’t go beyond the size because she wanted to give the same quality and attention to the children. The schools also had some of the most amazing swimming camps for the children and the end of which all the kids would cross the Mandovi. She had the school amazingly organized and at the end of the year, there would be an overnight stay at a farm for the kids, siblings and parents where she would play the guitar for us. It was really important for bonding of the family and she did an amazing job at it. She will be dearly missed by every child and parent,” says Jack.

Nilankur Das was present at the PTA meeting when the news was broken to them about Nisha’s sudden demise. “My daughter studies at Shiksha Niketan and during the PTA meeting we got the news. Nisha had set up such wonderful school experience that was wholesome with complete inclusivity. The news completely devastated the school staff and faculty as well as the students and parents,” says Nilankur.

Landscape designer, Daniel D’Souza’s children also grew up under Nisha’s shadow and he was closely associated with the school as he conducted the Plant Festival for the school for over eight years. “With a heavy heart I must say that we lost a gem in the education fraternity. Rest In Peace Teacher Nisha of Nisha’s Play school and Shiksha Niketan, Porvorim. She just remembered me yesterday when she was discussing plants on Van Mahotsav that I did with passion for years and both my kids were fortunate to have her in their formative years. All that’s left now is golden memories and silver tears,” says Daniel.