Teachers are heroes too.

A MESSAGE TO ALL TEACHERS Dear Teachers – wherever you are – GREETINGS and GOOD WISHES Am not going into the details of the state we are in – over the past few weeks , we have all been inundated with statistics, horror stories, pictures, cures, diets, health tips, videos, jokes, memes, cartoons etc. The virus seems to have taken over our lives. This period will go down in History for sure and so will we. The real news and the fake news have actually become a blur and at such times, the less we see and hear, the better. I for one have taken a vow today – No more forwarding any news about Covid 19 . What I would like to reiterate is that these are challenging times for all of us – the whole world is struggling to cope but I am quite confident that cope we will. To use a cliché – when the going gets tough, the tough get going. It is imperative that we remain POSITIVE and face this challenge head on- wisely and bravely- while adhering to the advice of the authorities. A few days ago I was watching a religious service on the television and something the priest said resonated with me – “when this is over, the world will never be the same again- we will all have changed for the better” . I believe this is true. This could be the wake up call we all needed . Covid – 19 has opened my eyes (and made me indulge in quite a bit of self- reflection) as I am sure it has yours. I do believe that we are all feeling a new awakening and are starting to have a newfound respect for the world around us. We are an insignificant speck in this universe – we knew this for a fact but never paid much attention to it! It did not seem to matter – it’s beginning to make a lot of sense now. Today we see how the world’s biggest super - powers have almost been brought to their knees and everyone is at a loss as to what needs to be done next. There is a certain amount of panic and fear as well but that is expected. Everyone who matters has been galvanized into action as the world races to find a cure for the virus. Let’s all pray and believe that this will happen soon. There are two things I am very thankful for. Firstly, that I live in the UAE. We feel safe, secure and cared for. The rulers are proactive and that fills us with plenty of confidence. A look at the precautions being taken and the arrangements in place is enough to boost anyone’s spirits. Secondly, that I work for a company called GEMS. At moments of uncertainty like the present, it is a strong organization like GEMS that you want to be part of. At GEMS we care in more ways than one can imagine. The support mechanisms in place are aplenty. So today as educationist we have a big part to play. Yes, I do believe that TEACHERS are in the spotlight for all the right reasons. Suddenly there is a new - found respect for the teaching fraternity and you are leading from the front – you are the trail blazers shaping the future in this uncertain world. As teachers you are expected to be guides, motivators, mentors, coaches, part time parents, counsellors, special educators, friends and so much more. At times like these a lot is expected of you as well and yes, the burden will be heavy and there will be stressful & tiring periods to go through. However, this is what you need to know and believe and I say this with all sincerity – thousands of parents are looking up to you to show the way. They are beginning to acknowledge the fact that their wards need you and trust you more than ever now. They have begun to agree even more, that their wards are in safe hands. A few days of online learning has shown everybody that teachers are very special people indeed. In some form or the other ,you are preparing content, delivering lessons, clearing doubts, clarifying concepts and attempting to make the lessons as easy and enjoyable as possible for your pupils – and all this without any lengthy formal training as to how it is to be done. You are also family members and so you have that responsibility as well . One day you were in the classroom surrounded by tens of pupils; the next you are forced to stay at home and deliver classes online – but the teaching and learning is happening and will continue till as long as needed. No one can do it better than you. Believe in yourself – be positive – I am sure as committed teachers, irrespective of country, school or curriculum, you will strive to make teaching and learning outstanding for your pupils. Education and teaching is not so much a profession as it is a calling . Not everyone can teach and if this virus has done anything , it has ruined that old joke :" those who can do nothing else become teachers " Today , more than ever teachers are supermen and superwomen who like doctors and nurses are ensuring that life does not come to a standstill . So all you brilliant individuals , take good care of yourselves and your families – watch your health as well. And if ever anyone wants to reach out to me – I am just a mail , a message or a call away . Remember – THIS TOO SHALL PASS

Teachers are heroes too.

A MESSAGE TO ALL TEACHERS Dear Teachers – wherever you are – GREETINGS and GOOD WISHES Am not going into the details of the state we are in – over the past few weeks , we have all been inundated with statistics, horror stories, pictures, cures, diets, health tips, videos, jokes, memes, cartoons etc. The virus seems to have taken over our lives. This period will go down in History for sure and so will we. The real news and the fake news have actually become a blur and at such times, the less we see and hear, the better. I for one have taken a vow today – No more forwarding any news about Covid 19 . What I would like to reiterate is that these are challenging times for all of us – the whole world is struggling to cope but I am quite confident that cope we will. To use a cliché – when the going gets tough, the tough get going. It is imperative that we remain POSITIVE and face this challenge head on- wisely and bravely- while adhering to the advice of the authorities. A few days ago I was watching a religious service on the television and something the priest said resonated with me – “when this is over, the world will never be the same again- we will all have changed for the better” . I believe this is true. This could be the wake up call we all needed . Covid – 19 has opened my eyes (and made me indulge in quite a bit of self- reflection) as I am sure it has yours. I do believe that we are all feeling a new awakening and are starting to have a newfound respect for the world around us. We are an insignificant speck in this universe – we knew this for a fact but never paid much attention to it! It did not seem to matter – it’s beginning to make a lot of sense now. Today we see how the world’s biggest super - powers have almost been brought to their knees and everyone is at a loss as to what needs to be done next. There is a certain amount of panic and fear as well but that is expected. Everyone who matters has been galvanized into action as the world races to find a cure for the virus. Let’s all pray and believe that this will happen soon. There are two things I am very thankful for. Firstly, that I live in the UAE. We feel safe, secure and cared for. The rulers are proactive and that fills us with plenty of confidence. A look at the precautions being taken and the arrangements in place is enough to boost anyone’s spirits. Secondly, that I work for a company called GEMS. At moments of uncertainty like the present, it is a strong organization like GEMS that you want to be part of. At GEMS we care in more ways than one can imagine. The support mechanisms in place are aplenty. So today as educationist we have a big part to play. Yes, I do believe that TEACHERS are in the spotlight for all the right reasons. Suddenly there is a new - found respect for the teaching fraternity and you are leading from the front – you are the trail blazers shaping the future in this uncertain world. As teachers you are expected to be guides, motivators, mentors, coaches, part time parents, counsellors, special educators, friends and so much more. At times like these a lot is expected of you as well and yes, the burden will be heavy and there will be stressful & tiring periods to go through. However, this is what you need to know and believe and I say this with all sincerity – thousands of parents are looking up to you to show the way. They are beginning to acknowledge the fact that their wards need you and trust you more than ever now. They have begun to agree even more, that their wards are in safe hands. A few days of online learning has shown everybody that teachers are very special people indeed. In some form or the other ,you are preparing content, delivering lessons, clearing doubts, clarifying concepts and attempting to make the lessons as easy and enjoyable as possible for your pupils – and all this without any lengthy formal training as to how it is to be done. You are also family members and so you have that responsibility as well . One day you were in the classroom surrounded by tens of pupils; the next you are forced to stay at home and deliver classes online – but the teaching and learning is happening and will continue till as long as needed. No one can do it better than you. Believe in yourself – be positive – I am sure as committed teachers, irrespective of country, school or curriculum, you will strive to make teaching and learning outstanding for your pupils. Education and teaching is not so much a profession as it is a calling . Not everyone can teach and if this virus has done anything , it has ruined that old joke :" those who can do nothing else become teachers " Today , more than ever teachers are supermen and superwomen who like doctors and nurses are ensuring that life does not come to a standstill . So all you brilliant individuals , take good care of yourselves and your families – watch your health as well. And if ever anyone wants to reach out to me – I am just a mail , a message or a call away . Remember – THIS TOO SHALL PASS

This day will not come again

This day will not come again – so make the best of it – every second- every minute – every hour . Spread good will Smile and be happy . Learn something new Read – a book- an article – anything that stimulates the thought process Be helpful Say a kind word Do not talk ill of anyone Try and make someone’s day special Plan ahead but live in the present . Try and learn from your mistakes but don’t dwell on them Work on removing negativity from your life Be thankful for what you have Think of those of have much less than you and try and help them Be generous in thought , word and deed Say a silent prayer whenever you can – its calming . Be determined to have a good day . Send out positives vibes into the universe – they will come back to you threefold Hope this makes some sense !! SMILE EVEN IF IT DOES NOT – AT LEAST I TRIED !!!!!!!!!!!!

This day will not come again

This day will not come again – so make the best of it – every second- every minute – every hour . Spread good will Smile and be happy . Learn something new Read – a book- an article – anything that stimulates the thought process Be helpful Say a kind word Do not talk ill of anyone Try and make someone’s day special Plan ahead but live in the present . Try and learn from your mistakes but don’t dwell on them Work on removing negativity from your life Be thankful for what you have Think of those of have much less than you and try and help them Be generous in thought , word and deed Say a silent prayer whenever you can – its calming . Be determined to have a good day . Send out positives vibes into the universe – they will come back to you threefold Hope this makes some sense !! SMILE EVEN IF IT DOES NOT – AT LEAST I TRIED !!!!!!!!!!!!

The dreaded mark reading in Bishops

Do you remember …………………………… These days were planned well in advance Noted in the school calendar- and dreaded by most. When they arrived a general gloom pervaded the atmosphere The time would vary but the somber mood would remain Dragging footsteps- some had to almost be pushed and goaded into the Harding hall Lines of boys who hoped that the earth would open and swallow them up The lectern and the microphone looked more ominous than ever And then a figure – larger than life – draped in a big black gown would stride in – B W ROBERTS The Principal and who else -----------OH GOD save me was the general thought in the hall “I wish lightening would strike me dead” thought most to themselves. It was the dreaded MARK READING for the senior school 9A- 1st in class / 2nd in Class/ 3rd in class- they would go up on stage and shake hands- beaming How the hell were they so clever moaned the rest under their breath The other First divisions are …………………….. 10 or 12 names were read out- clap clap clap ( keep it short and crisp bellowed out Mr Roberts) In second division we have-------------------about 20 names read out followed by a few claps In third division we have – another 10 names – muted claps “ You third division guys – WAKEY WAKEY- or else you will soon find yourselves flunking “ Now we come to the geniuses – the dodgers, the wasters. You’re wasting your fathers’ money and you will come to no good Take a step forward when I call your name 10 or 12 poor souls would be named and they would take a step forward They would almost look as if they were being led to the guillotine Mr Roberts would then grind them into the dust with all sorts of comments In his heart he just wanted them to study and pass The ordeal over they would step back in line and breathe  again No one from that line looked up and were often told LOOK ME IN THE EYE……………… This happened class after class. When it came to class ten it was worse There were Prefects and Captains and they hated being named and shamed But Mr Roberts did not care He named, he shamed, he pulled his punches and he shamed again Pin drop silence No one dared to cough or sneeze . If he could remember finer details they were mentioned If they had been caned, punished, caught bunking – it was remembered. He had the memory of an elephant- nothing went unnoticed. He laughed, he sniggered, he commented and he stared If stares could kill many would have been dead. When it was all over everyone breathed again. All of you get back to class and get your brains in order if not you will get my size 10 boot where it hurts the most. The mark reading was over. Staff and boys left the hall in silence – the boarders study was extra quiet that evening Even the masters looked like frightened school boys Normalcy reigned again.

The dreaded mark reading in Bishops

Do you remember …………………………… These days were planned well in advance Noted in the school calendar- and dreaded by most. When they arrived a general gloom pervaded the atmosphere The time would vary but the somber mood would remain Dragging footsteps- some had to almost be pushed and goaded into the Harding hall Lines of boys who hoped that the earth would open and swallow them up The lectern and the microphone looked more ominous than ever And then a figure – larger than life – draped in a big black gown would stride in – B W ROBERTS The Principal and who else -----------OH GOD save me was the general thought in the hall “I wish lightening would strike me dead” thought most to themselves. It was the dreaded MARK READING for the senior school 9A- 1st in class / 2nd in Class/ 3rd in class- they would go up on stage and shake hands- beaming How the hell were they so clever moaned the rest under their breath The other First divisions are …………………….. 10 or 12 names were read out- clap clap clap ( keep it short and crisp bellowed out Mr Roberts) In second division we have-------------------about 20 names read out followed by a few claps In third division we have – another 10 names – muted claps “ You third division guys – WAKEY WAKEY- or else you will soon find yourselves flunking “ Now we come to the geniuses – the dodgers, the wasters. You’re wasting your fathers’ money and you will come to no good Take a step forward when I call your name 10 or 12 poor souls would be named and they would take a step forward They would almost look as if they were being led to the guillotine Mr Roberts would then grind them into the dust with all sorts of comments In his heart he just wanted them to study and pass The ordeal over they would step back in line and breathe  again No one from that line looked up and were often told LOOK ME IN THE EYE……………… This happened class after class. When it came to class ten it was worse There were Prefects and Captains and they hated being named and shamed But Mr Roberts did not care He named, he shamed, he pulled his punches and he shamed again Pin drop silence No one dared to cough or sneeze . If he could remember finer details they were mentioned If they had been caned, punished, caught bunking – it was remembered. He had the memory of an elephant- nothing went unnoticed. He laughed, he sniggered, he commented and he stared If stares could kill many would have been dead. When it was all over everyone breathed again. All of you get back to class and get your brains in order if not you will get my size 10 boot where it hurts the most. The mark reading was over. Staff and boys left the hall in silence – the boarders study was extra quiet that evening Even the masters looked like frightened school boys Normalcy reigned again.

Are you a winner ?

Are you a winner? Do you go out there feeling that YOU WILL WIN? Research says that you can will yourself to win – a lot of succeeding & winning in life starts in the mind. You have probably heard of Pygmalion, the king of Cyprus – in Greek mythology – incidentally he was also a very talented sculptor. The story goes that he carved an extremely beautiful statue, which, according to him was the ideal woman. He even gave the statue a name – Galatea. The exquisite beauty of the statue mesmerized Pygmalion and he was enamoured with her. He spent days talking to the statue, while neglecting everything else around him. Friends and family began to get worried about his obsession which was bordering on the ridiculous. He however had a deep desire and will for the statue to be real and with the help of the Goddess Venus, he was actually able to bring her to life and they lived happily ever after. The Pygmalion effect or Rosenthal effect has come to serve as a metaphor that aptly illustrates the power of expectation. In simple language, it is all about positive self – expectancy, confidence and optimism. I vividly remember seeing ‘My Fair Lady’ where the speech professor’s expectations became the catalyst that finally inspired the magical transformation of an amusing Cockney flower seller into a lady! I guess that reinforces the point that when we expect more from ourselves and from others – we get more. When we expect less – we get less. Similarly, in the year 1968, Dr Robert Rosenthal, a professor of Psychology conducted a real- life experiment whereby a group of teachers were informed that they had been given a class of very high achievers when in reality they had been randomly assigned. When this controlled group were tested a year later, they performed measurably better than their counterparts. The teachers had high expectations after being informed that their pupils were high achievers and that had translated into more challenge in the classroom, better outcomes and increased student learning. Let me relate a personal anecdote. One January I was once asked by the boss as to when I was going to complete a particularly large and rather critical assignment for the company . I had thought about this at length and without batting an eyelid I said “ September’’ The boss looked at me in a rather incredulous manner and I knew what was coming. He said “I am sure it can be done before April’’ . He then went on in a rather matter of fact manner to list the things that needed to be done ( according to him) to complete the task and followed it up with, “ so is that okay” I had no other option but to reply in the affirmative. To cut a long story short, he was absolutely correct. He was confident that the job could be done before April and he believed I would be in a position to deliver as per his expectations. Needless to say I did! Do we want to win? If we condition our mind to it, we can definitely increase our chances of winning or at least doing much better. The problem is that so many people sell themselves short – in reality, they do not believe strongly enough in themselves and their capabilities and hence success eludes them time and time again. That has a downward spiralling effect – their confidence and creditability both take a beating and they end up cutting the same branch they are seated on. Winning begets winning and it is not just a cliché but a proven fact. Hence, If you want to do better in life, and who doesn’t , then go out there and expect to be a winner- not at all costs or at the expense of others but honourably! Success is sometimes only a breath away .

Are you a winner ?

Are you a winner? Do you go out there feeling that YOU WILL WIN? Research says that you can will yourself to win – a lot of succeeding & winning in life starts in the mind. You have probably heard of Pygmalion, the king of Cyprus – in Greek mythology – incidentally he was also a very talented sculptor. The story goes that he carved an extremely beautiful statue, which, according to him was the ideal woman. He even gave the statue a name – Galatea. The exquisite beauty of the statue mesmerized Pygmalion and he was enamoured with her. He spent days talking to the statue, while neglecting everything else around him. Friends and family began to get worried about his obsession which was bordering on the ridiculous. He however had a deep desire and will for the statue to be real and with the help of the Goddess Venus, he was actually able to bring her to life and they lived happily ever after. The Pygmalion effect or Rosenthal effect has come to serve as a metaphor that aptly illustrates the power of expectation. In simple language, it is all about positive self – expectancy, confidence and optimism. I vividly remember seeing ‘My Fair Lady’ where the speech professor’s expectations became the catalyst that finally inspired the magical transformation of an amusing Cockney flower seller into a lady! I guess that reinforces the point that when we expect more from ourselves and from others – we get more. When we expect less – we get less. Similarly, in the year 1968, Dr Robert Rosenthal, a professor of Psychology conducted a real- life experiment whereby a group of teachers were informed that they had been given a class of very high achievers when in reality they had been randomly assigned. When this controlled group were tested a year later, they performed measurably better than their counterparts. The teachers had high expectations after being informed that their pupils were high achievers and that had translated into more challenge in the classroom, better outcomes and increased student learning. Let me relate a personal anecdote. One January I was once asked by the boss as to when I was going to complete a particularly large and rather critical assignment for the company . I had thought about this at length and without batting an eyelid I said “ September’’ The boss looked at me in a rather incredulous manner and I knew what was coming. He said “I am sure it can be done before April’’ . He then went on in a rather matter of fact manner to list the things that needed to be done ( according to him) to complete the task and followed it up with, “ so is that okay” I had no other option but to reply in the affirmative. To cut a long story short, he was absolutely correct. He was confident that the job could be done before April and he believed I would be in a position to deliver as per his expectations. Needless to say I did! Do we want to win? If we condition our mind to it, we can definitely increase our chances of winning or at least doing much better. The problem is that so many people sell themselves short – in reality, they do not believe strongly enough in themselves and their capabilities and hence success eludes them time and time again. That has a downward spiralling effect – their confidence and creditability both take a beating and they end up cutting the same branch they are seated on. Winning begets winning and it is not just a cliché but a proven fact. Hence, If you want to do better in life, and who doesn’t , then go out there and expect to be a winner- not at all costs or at the expense of others but honourably! Success is sometimes only a breath away .

Why I left my home town and moved to Bishops , Pune

Born and bred in north india– then how come I ended up working in Pune and leaving my home town for good?
I have often been asked that question – so here is the answer.
I was teaching in a school Allahabad &   was a grade 7 teacher. The subjects I had been given to teach were English Language, Literature and History.
While in the second year of my career, I had a boy in the class who was known to be a little troublesome – however he never gave me any problem as such. In fact, I thought we got on well together. I do remember his name as well but prefer not to divulge the same. Lets just call him John Doe!
For the Final examination, it was decided as a policy, that teachers would not correct the examination papers of boys they taught. Hence the answer scripts of my class were corrected by teachers of other classes.
To cut a rather long story short, John Doe failed in three subjects and hence would have to repeat the class as per rules. The day the reports were to be given out he strolled in early and sat down – looking a trifle worried. I wondered if he had somehow got to know the results.
As I began handing out the report cards, there were umpteen claps and cheers for the toppers. As I progressed, I noticed John Doe becoming a trifle agitated. At one instance he tried to walk out of the class in a rather nonchalant manner -  I had to reprimand him and asked him to sit down which he did after glaring at me in a defiant manner .
Finally, it was the turn of the last three boys who had all failed. One was absent that day, the other had been ill, so he and his parents, expecting a failure had met me a week previously and it was agreed   that he would repeat the class. Finally, it was the turn of John Doe. I called his name and broke the news as gently as possible while handing him his report card. It is never easy for the teacher and taught and I know this very well.
It was then that things turned ugly. He grabbed the report card from my hand, tore it into pieces, threw it at me and told me in chaste Hindi that ‘this act would cost me dearly’. Mind you he was just 13 years old!
He then stormed out of the class which by then was in a state of complete shock at what had transpired over the last few minutes and you could have heard a pin drop. There was muted whispering and they looked at me for a reaction.
I was quite taken aback and very disturbed but somehow regained my composure as best I could  , spoke to the class and dismissed them for the day while wishing them all the very best for the next academic year.
I vividly remember the sequence of events that unfolded thereafter .
The staff lined up and had the staff photograph taken – while others made small talk I was soon walking towards a friend’s on campus residence -I guess I smelled  trouble -  four motorcycles made their way into the campus – one of the pillion riders was John Doe. My heart skipped a beat and I hurried into the house of my friend as I knew that there was serious trouble brewing. The bikes stopped – the riders obviously asked where I could be found – someone pointed in the direction I had taken and soon they were at the gate. The roar of the motorcycles and the blaring horns did very little to calm my thumping heart .
At this juncture I would like to tell you that my friend (may his soul rest in peace) was a  well-known toughie in those days and very respected in the city. As quickly as possible I told him what had happened. Telling me not to worry and that he would take care of it he strolled out while I peeped from the window.
On recognizing him, there were handshakes all round and smiles as well. It gave me a sense of comfort, but I was not sure of the outcome. I was then called out of the house to meet them. In a polite yet extremely firm manner they asked me why I had failed John Doe. Apparently two of them were his brothers while the other two were friends.  I explained, as calmly as possible, that the papers had been evaluated by others and not by me and hence, technically speaking, I had not failed the boy.
They were obviously not convinced and made it very clear to my friend and me that they needed a solution, needed it fast and come what may, the boy had to pass.
Without hesitation, my friend advised them to go and meet the Principal - he also whispered something to them which he told me about later! (he told them to be as tough on the Principal as they were on me and the job would be done)
So off they went to meet the Principal leaving John Doe at the gate. He did feel foolish, so he spent his time looking up at the large neem trees, humming to himself and kicking stones.
About fifteen minutes later we heard the motorcycles returning. One of the riders handed me a small slip of paper. The Principal had summoned me to meet him immediately.
I rushed to the office to be greeted by an extremely angry Principal who was pacing up and down. He asked me as to why I had failed the boy and why I wanted trouble! Without waiting for an answer, he told me to make amends and pass John Doe for my and his own peace and safety!
When I asked him how I was to do this, he told me to ‘find out’. He then stormed off.
So, I was advised by colleagues to take another report card and fill the same in with ‘pass marks’ and thus pass the pupil – needless to say, I did this pronto! The Principal signed the new document and I hurried back with the new amended report card.
On handing over the same to the eldest brother, I was asked if John Doe had passed. When I answered in the affirmative there were wide smiles all round and my friend & I were thanked profusely.
John Doe was made to ask for forgiveness and to me truthfully, that was quite a sham, but I accepted the olive branch. Funnily we all then went across the wall to have tea at the roadside tea stall – akin to smoking a peace pipe, I guess. The entire episode left me shaken.
My story ends there.
It was then that I decided that a repeat of the same was something I certainly did not look forward to and hence the move to Pune. The rest as they say I History. I spent twenty eventful years in Bishops Pune before moving to Dubai!
Here ends the lesson for the day!

Why I left my home town and moved to Bishops , Pune

Born and bred in north india– then how come I ended up working in Pune and leaving my home town for good?
I have often been asked that question – so here is the answer.
I was teaching in a school Allahabad &   was a grade 7 teacher. The subjects I had been given to teach were English Language, Literature and History.
While in the second year of my career, I had a boy in the class who was known to be a little troublesome – however he never gave me any problem as such. In fact, I thought we got on well together. I do remember his name as well but prefer not to divulge the same. Lets just call him John Doe!
For the Final examination, it was decided as a policy, that teachers would not correct the examination papers of boys they taught. Hence the answer scripts of my class were corrected by teachers of other classes.
To cut a rather long story short, John Doe failed in three subjects and hence would have to repeat the class as per rules. The day the reports were to be given out he strolled in early and sat down – looking a trifle worried. I wondered if he had somehow got to know the results.
As I began handing out the report cards, there were umpteen claps and cheers for the toppers. As I progressed, I noticed John Doe becoming a trifle agitated. At one instance he tried to walk out of the class in a rather nonchalant manner -  I had to reprimand him and asked him to sit down which he did after glaring at me in a defiant manner .
Finally, it was the turn of the last three boys who had all failed. One was absent that day, the other had been ill, so he and his parents, expecting a failure had met me a week previously and it was agreed   that he would repeat the class. Finally, it was the turn of John Doe. I called his name and broke the news as gently as possible while handing him his report card. It is never easy for the teacher and taught and I know this very well.
It was then that things turned ugly. He grabbed the report card from my hand, tore it into pieces, threw it at me and told me in chaste Hindi that ‘this act would cost me dearly’. Mind you he was just 13 years old!
He then stormed out of the class which by then was in a state of complete shock at what had transpired over the last few minutes and you could have heard a pin drop. There was muted whispering and they looked at me for a reaction.
I was quite taken aback and very disturbed but somehow regained my composure as best I could  , spoke to the class and dismissed them for the day while wishing them all the very best for the next academic year.
I vividly remember the sequence of events that unfolded thereafter .
The staff lined up and had the staff photograph taken – while others made small talk I was soon walking towards a friend’s on campus residence -I guess I smelled  trouble -  four motorcycles made their way into the campus – one of the pillion riders was John Doe. My heart skipped a beat and I hurried into the house of my friend as I knew that there was serious trouble brewing. The bikes stopped – the riders obviously asked where I could be found – someone pointed in the direction I had taken and soon they were at the gate. The roar of the motorcycles and the blaring horns did very little to calm my thumping heart .
At this juncture I would like to tell you that my friend (may his soul rest in peace) was a  well-known toughie in those days and very respected in the city. As quickly as possible I told him what had happened. Telling me not to worry and that he would take care of it he strolled out while I peeped from the window.
On recognizing him, there were handshakes all round and smiles as well. It gave me a sense of comfort, but I was not sure of the outcome. I was then called out of the house to meet them. In a polite yet extremely firm manner they asked me why I had failed John Doe. Apparently two of them were his brothers while the other two were friends.  I explained, as calmly as possible, that the papers had been evaluated by others and not by me and hence, technically speaking, I had not failed the boy.
They were obviously not convinced and made it very clear to my friend and me that they needed a solution, needed it fast and come what may, the boy had to pass.
Without hesitation, my friend advised them to go and meet the Principal - he also whispered something to them which he told me about later! (he told them to be as tough on the Principal as they were on me and the job would be done)
So off they went to meet the Principal leaving John Doe at the gate. He did feel foolish, so he spent his time looking up at the large neem trees, humming to himself and kicking stones.
About fifteen minutes later we heard the motorcycles returning. One of the riders handed me a small slip of paper. The Principal had summoned me to meet him immediately.
I rushed to the office to be greeted by an extremely angry Principal who was pacing up and down. He asked me as to why I had failed the boy and why I wanted trouble! Without waiting for an answer, he told me to make amends and pass John Doe for my and his own peace and safety!
When I asked him how I was to do this, he told me to ‘find out’. He then stormed off.
So, I was advised by colleagues to take another report card and fill the same in with ‘pass marks’ and thus pass the pupil – needless to say, I did this pronto! The Principal signed the new document and I hurried back with the new amended report card.
On handing over the same to the eldest brother, I was asked if John Doe had passed. When I answered in the affirmative there were wide smiles all round and my friend & I were thanked profusely.
John Doe was made to ask for forgiveness and to me truthfully, that was quite a sham, but I accepted the olive branch. Funnily we all then went across the wall to have tea at the roadside tea stall – akin to smoking a peace pipe, I guess. The entire episode left me shaken.
My story ends there.
It was then that I decided that a repeat of the same was something I certainly did not look forward to and hence the move to Pune. The rest as they say I History. I spent twenty eventful years in Bishops Pune before moving to Dubai!
Here ends the lesson for the day!