They are our substitute parents in school!
They are the driving force and the shapers of our destiny! As we celebrate
another edition of Teacher’s Day, we take time out once again to salute the
educationists who not only helped take our academic knowledge to greater
heights, but helped build better individuals for tomorrow. As most would point
out, they were the pivot on which we learned discipline, how to deal with
life’s vagaries, how to choose a career and, more importantly, how to be the
successful individuals we are today.
Of all the teachers in my life, I recall
three who had the most impact on my life. These teachers not only helped me to
develop my career, but also helped to shape me into what I am today. They were
not only teachers, but mentors and confidants. They gave me the confidence to
believe in myself.
The first was my primary school teacher at
Loyola High School – Fatima Barretto Pimenta Pereira. She always lent a helping
hand. If there was a problem, she guided us to a solution. We were confident
that she would. It’s easy to grow close to such teachers because once they give
you a push, you have the confidence of going back to them. The second was my
art teacher S N Prabhu (who taught at Mulitpurpose High School). He saw my
potential in art and really pushed me hard to improve my style while giving me
exposure to different media. At the end of our special classes, I was clearly
able to understand where I stood in the field of art. The third was P Parker of
New Era High School Margao who helped me balance art and academic studies. In
art college I recall Professor A D Desai who drove us really hard, but with a
good cause.
– Maendra Alvares, Creator, Big Foot,
Loutulim
The mention of favourite teacher immediately
brings to mind teacher Fatima Barretto who was my class teacher in 6th standard
at Loyola High School, Margao. Though we boys were quite boisterous, I don’t
recall her getting angry or losing her temper. Her face was always lit with a
radiant, loving smile, which indicated that she loved children and she loved
teaching.
I remember when I did not give my name for
the class picnic due to a carol singing competition which I had to attend, she
quietly called me aside and told me that if it was the money that was the
problem, I should not worry and that she would pay for the same. I was deeply
touched.
Another teacher I remember fondly is
Professor Olav Barros, the HOD of Civil Engineering Department of
Government Polytechnic Panjim. He was so disciplined that there would always be
pin-drop silence in his class as the students highly respected him. Besides
teaching us civil engineering design, he would make it a point to inculcate
sound values in us. He always maintained: “One should not demand respect
but command it.” Another of his favourite quotes was, “My religion is
to do good.” I have tried hard to follow his teachings.
– Pantaleao Fernandes, Photographer/author
I have been fortunate to have some very
good and caring teachers. It is difficult to identify one and exclude others,
from my school days right up to my post graduation and PhD. For instance, I
recall Bevinda Dias e D’Cruz (Lyceum). She was extremely dynamic and mentored
not only me but many other students, teaching us not only academics but also
how to face life with courage. She instilled in me a love for language and
literature. I remember even when I was doing my MA exams she wrote me a post
card saying ‘enjoy your exams, because if you do, then the examiner will enjoy
reading it’. Maite Dias and her husband Aires were two wonderful people and
teachers, who today are my good friends as well.
– Isabel St Rita Vas, Former
lecturer/theatre person
The mention of my best teacher invariably
brings to mind my coach Fabrizio Petroni (a former Italian boxer).
He has not only taught me boxing, but encouraged me in every way to take my
game to a higher level. He imparted all his knowledge to us. His teachings went
beyond the ring. He taught us how to deal with life’s adversities. He is a mentor
and a confidant. I can freely discuss my problems with him like a family member
and he always guides us. My coach has taught me more than any teacher could
ever have done.
– Soniya Parab, Professional Boxer
