Fifty years have passed since Dr. Filipe Armindo Pinto left the world on September 7 in Lisbon, where he was holidaying with his wife Nina. Born on May 12, 1903 into the well-known family of Pintos of Santa Cruz, Tiswadi, he was the son of Elvina de Menezes and Teofilo Pinto.He went for higher education to Lisbon, like many of the children of landed gentry who could afford to pay a higher education overseas in those days. His inclination towards languages led him to study German and English at the University of Lisbon, one of the best universities in Portugal. On completion he obtained his degree of Licenciado em Ingles e Alemao, and got the designation of Doutor after having passed an examination called Exame de Estado conducted by the government in Portugal. He desired to join the teaching profession, which led him to study for a degree in Ciencias Pedagogicas at the University of Lisbon.
Filipe knew that knowledge and skills were important to be a good teacher. Thus, he applied for a scholarship from Instituto de Altos Estudos for continuing higher studies in the United Kingdom where he joined the prestigious Oxford University and studied for three years. With these academic qualifications it was not difficult for him to get appointed in Liceu Pedro Nunes in Lisbon where he also did his training. Later he was posted in Liceu dos Açores. After a stint in this beautiful island territory, he asked for a transfer to Liceu do Ultramar and he was posted to Liceu Nacional Afonso de Albuquerque in Panjim, Goa in 1940.
Filipe Armindo Pinto’s name is connected to the history of education in Goa, not only as a teacher at the Liceu, but for being first and last in various positions. He was appointed the Vice-Reitor in 1960 before taking charge as the Reitor of the Liceu when the Portuguese Reitor Jose Maria Cardoso Margarida left for Portugal. This made Dr. Filipe Pinto the last Reitor in the history of Lyceum education in Goa, while he was also the first Reitor after Liberation. He became the first Principal, when the Lyceum was affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi. On May 9, 1962 he was given the reins of the Education Department to become its first Director after Liberation of Goa, a post he held till August 23, 1964. He simultaneously held the posts of Principal of Government Higher Secondary School (Lyceum) and Director of Education.
His interest in sports earned him the position of the Presidente do Conselho de Educação Física do Estado da India, during the Portuguese regime.
He was an amiable person liked by his students and colleagues. He was a family friend of ours who would regularly drop in at our house, late in the evening on his way home, to chat with my father Jaime. He also taught English language to my brother Pedro in the Lyceum, who has fond memories of Professor Filipe Pinto, as he was then known. My recollections of him are of him driving a black Peugeot and coming to our house. He was the Principal of the School when I joined it in 1963.
Besides English and German languages which were his forte, Filipe Pinto would teach History when a teacher was absent, and that is when his knowledge and teaching expertise came to the fore. His classes were loved by all the students as he related the History lesson in the form of a story and made it interesting.
He left fond memories amongst his colleagues and students. Here are some snippets of their views on him.
“Tall, well-built and handsome, Dr. Filipe Pinto was an imposing personality who was always impeccably dressed in a linen suit. He was a kind, simple, down-to-earth person despite his high educational qualifications. He was cultured, intelligent, well-read and an excellent orator, communicator and writer. I was honoured to have him raise the toast at my wedding.” Professor Fernando Sousa
“Dr. Filipe Pinto was a man of principles, integrity and character who was highly respected in society. His name was synonymous with education, and his love for teaching and imparting knowledge was well-known. His heart always beat for Goa.” Dr.Damodar Bhonsule
“Dr. Filipe Pinto, an inspiring and dedicated teacher was a great role model for all his students, including me. Although a disciplinarian, he was loved by all of us.” Mr. Eduardo Faleiro
In 1962 the government of India appointed a committee under the chairmanship of B.N. Jha, the then Leader of the Education Team, Committee on Plan Projects, Planning Commission to review the educational system prevailing in Goa, and to recommend and implement its integration from the primary to university level with the educational system existing in India. The Jha committee had recommended the formation of a Committee comprising of officers of the Education Department, and local teachers and schools’ educationists. This Committee had to prepare the syllabi for primary and middle schools integrated in the new educational pattern for the approval of the Government. It also had to make deletions in the existing books along the suggested lines. Dr. Filipe Pinto as the Director of Education was the Chairman of this Committee.
In 1966, Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi invited him to be a consultant for education with the Central Government in New Delhi
Filipe Pinto would actively participate in social and cultural activities in Goa. He was the first President of the Centro de Cultura Latina de Goa, a centre which was established to showcase the Latin culture of Goa. At the time of his death, he was writing a book on Goa, which unfortunately never materialized. What a loss!
It took over three months for the body of Dr. Filipe Pinto to be shipped from Portugal to India and his funeral was held on January 1, 1968 in Panjim, Goa.
His two children, Xacuntala Pinto Makhija and Fernando Pinto live in Campal, Panjim with their families.
(The author is Writer and Research Scholar, Former Assistant State Librarian, State Central Library, Goa)
