In Praise of Teachers

I always wondered what motivates teachers to take up their noble profession. Ours at the Goan School were not well paid, and yet they spent long hours even after school, continuing a tradition of being a source of knowledge, guidance and discipline.

Some of them we remember as strict disciplinarians, who were thus accorded suitable nicknames, like Mafuta wa taa. Others were avuncular characters, with monikers to match, like Totio, Potty, and Pop Mackay. Many others, like Hoddo Martins, and Bumblebee, owed their nicknames to rather prominent physical features. I was recently asked what Mericundo meant, and had to confess that I had absolutely no idea. Does anyone?

I would like to think that those nicknames were given more as a term of endearment, rather than to make teachers objects of derision, but the truth probably lies somewhere in between. Our teachers may have had their shortcomings, but they were dedicated men and women. Many are dead and gone, but not forgotten. I salute them all!

However, we can all remember a seminal moment in our lives, when one or more of these teachers made a difference. It may have been by their example, or their ability to arouse the curiosity of a mind still in the process of maturing, pointing us in the direction that ultimately led to fruition; a career perhaps, in the sciences, the arts, even music.

Many of you remember me as a budding thespian, prancing on stage in a makeshift toga, reciting stirring passages from Shakespeare. Others picture me dressed in a sarong and head dress, pompously strutting on an even bigger stage at the Nairobi National theatre, playing Prince Chululongkorn, in the King and I. At first I think did drama as a way of standing out among my peers. I really wanted to be good at something, especially because I was not a good athlete. After I left the school, the theatre became an important part of my life, and it still is, although the only role I now play is that of theatergoer.

I can remember a time when I was just thirteen, and somewhat indifferent about what I would do when I was finished with form IV. Most of what I learned was by rote, rather than by understanding the principles. When it came to science and mathematics, I soon realized that cramming was simply not enough. I started to think about a career in the Arts, but a defining moment occurred in 1963, when I was invited to participate in a project, by my Science teacher. Growing a pure copper sulphate crystal from copper rich ore may not sound like much now, but I began to understand techniques like filtration, super concentration of solutions, and crystalline structure. Above all, I learned about patience in experimentation. Waiting for the crystal to grow, taught me some valuable lessons, and made me seriously think about a career in the Sciences.

It was almost as if a switch had been flipped on in my brain. Once my curiosity was aroused, I began to read my science textbooks with avid interest, and would often read other texts, that would fuel my interest in Physics and Chemistry even more. I did it not out of a sense of obligation, but for the joy of acquiring knowledge. The feeling of elation one gets when one truly grasps a concept is hard to explain, but it is so satisfying! Many years later, while engaged in Cardio-vascular research, I would remember that defining moment in my life, and say a silent thank you to the person who probably flipped that switch!

I can picture him even now, as he walked through the school hallway with a jaunty swagger, which I always thought, lent him an air of self-assurance, but not self-importance. It took me a while to understand that the swagger was really a slight limp, a result of childhood polio. He was always well dressed, and was easy to track down, especially if one had a nose for Old Spice after-shave lotion! His handwriting was almost artistic, with large swirling capital letters, which would end in a flourish. Yet, with all of his colourful characteristics, I do not recall him ever being given a nickname. Helen of Troy´s face may have launched a thousand ships, but his dedication and ability to awaken a sense of inquiry in his pupils helped launch many thousands of minds, in careers ranging from NASA scientists to schoolteachers and physicians. Above all, he encouraged us to think independently; a quality which has enabled many of us to be successful entrepreneurs.

Now as a teacher, I can now feel the unique satisfaction that all teachers must feel, when they see a student or protegee achieve levels of greatness we as teachers only dream of. Only one other feeling trumps it; that of watching with satisfaction as that knowledge we impart to others, gets passed on to many more, creating a juggernaut with a life of its own.

To all my teachers, I would like to say , Thank You!