Perhaps this is how the Department engaged in industry-based projects, where students were exposed to a variety of ecosystems, facilitating participative and experiential learning. Be it creating awareness of mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, mangrove awareness, various aspects of culture, issues of indigenous communities, or creating opportunities for rural-urban educational exchanges among youth., every task that she initiated would have a firm plan of action and she would say: “Let us make a 'box'," which meant creating a spreadsheet with details of individuals and the responsibilities that each one was signing up for along with deadlines mentioned. However, her phenomenal ability to think out of the box elevated things to a different dimension and helped her students to understand issues from myriad perspectives. Work was a serious and passionate affair for her, and she expected a reciprocation of the same from everyone involved. Whether it was for the Department, College, or any collaborative project that she took up, she depicted dedication, resilience, rigor, and consistency. These attributes resonated with the Jesuit principles of our institute, of which she was and will always remain an integral part. 

Her love for nature was reflected in her classroom discussions and the sensitization that she created among students. This would culminate in the conclusion that to maintain the sanctity of the place, one must not visit it. In her words, “Imagine the amount of garbage we create and its impact on nature, surroundings, locals and overall” …then draw a parallel between the situation say in Ladakh and closer home. Additionally, she would bring in the perspective of advertising that creates an aspiration to visit such places, and how communication can also be used to create an awareness among the masses. Silence prevailed in the classroom as students gradually realized that she was one of those few left to speak her mind clearly and directly. Perrie never believed in giving moderate feedback as she always considered the process of constructive criticism to be crucial to one’s progress. She reflected a mirror which made the exercise objective and solution-oriented. Additionally, she essentialized the practice of working collectively where each one would contribute with their respective skill set and enrich the process. She had an uncanny ability to find hidden talent in people and make them realize their capabilities.

If her deep voice enhanced her assertiveness, it also showered affection on people grappling with difficulties and searching for solace. She could miraculously sense the need of an individual and immediately offer help. A guiding star to a lost soul, a confidant with whom one could share personal issues, she never failed to extend herself to ease people in distress and commendably continued to look out for them. Her quest to learn new techniques and integrate them into academics inculcated confidence in students and impacted the teaching-learning process that the Mass Media department followed. 

Perrie’s range of interests were as eclectic as her personality -- music, sports, visual design, crochet, delicious food, and many more. Of all of these, her love for films and cars are the fondest memories to reminisce. A huge Rajnikanth fan, she would literally patronize his films by buying several tickets and increasing sales! She watched English and Bollywood movies with equal curiosity and would inevitably share her observations on the following day in the staffroom. She loved her car passionately and found driving therapeutic. She liked spending time watching the ocean, because of its huge expanse and the calmness it exuded. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Perrie. 

Perrie’s unexpected demise is indeed a huge loss to the Xavier’s family. However, her legacy and thoughts continue to guide all those who crossed her path and her cherished memories will forever be etched in their hearts and minds. 

Akshara Jadhav

(HOD, Mass Media Department)