40 years i teaching

 “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” 

― Nelson Mandela 

So today makes it 40 years in the Education field .

 I started way back in the year  1979 at the Boys High school, Allahabad which was my home town . It was also the school I studied in and passed out from . The starting salary was 475/-  rupees a month - Yes you are reading that right ! After my first salary I felt rich !

Began as a Grade 7 English / Class teacher . 

Moved from Allahabad to Pune in 1981 - I always consider this life changing and the best decision of my life . It meant sacrifices and a different type of struggle but I managed . Joined Bishops  as a Grade 5 teacher in 1981 - English, History , and Class teacher . Salary 525/- rupees a month . I felt richer !

Then was moved to teach grade 6 - then 8 – and then all the way up.

What followed was House Master , Dormitory in charge , Boarding House In charge and finally Headmaster .  Was Headmaster for 13 years .  It was an enriching , eye opening , learning experience . 

Was all set to take over as Principal at Bishops  when Mr Roberts was set to retire.

Then the powers that be ( read Chairman of the board of Governors & a few others  )  - after interviewing me and shortlisting me for the post,  finally woke to the realization that I was only half an Anglo Indian , from my mother’s side and a Catholic .

So he calls me to break the news that Bishops  was an Anglo Indian / Anglican school  and I was not eligible for the post despite being suitable . Amen . 

Definitely a joke in poor taste after 20 years at Bishops . I was angry and very hurt . 

Difficult to digest at the time and pretty shattered . I felt that my life had come crumbling down . 

Once again , when one door was slammed in my face another opened in the form of Dubai and GEMS education - then the Varkey Group.

Two rounds of interviews , including one with our Chairman and Founder Mr Sunny Varkey ( a gentleman I still hold in awe )  and I decided it was time to accept the offer to join as Headmaster of Modern High - Now Gems Modern Academy , Dubai . 

Once again a life changing decision to leave Pune, where I was very comfortable and travel to an unknown destination .

5 years as Headmaster of Modern- an Outstanding  school-  and I was transferred – “without an interview” to Head The Millennium school in Dubai . I guess my work and dedication  had spoken for itself . I also had a lot to learn and I made sure I did so diligently . 

Was with Millennium for 12 glorious  years as Executive Principal and CEO  . The school did very well and is now one of the leading schools in the UAE . 

It was then time to move again - this time as Vice president , Education with GEMS .

An amazing company indeed .

40 years is a long time in this profession  -  I have enjoyed the journey immensely .

Over the years I have had a few mentors - Mr B W Roberts ( Principal- Bishops, Pune ) being the  best - I learnt so much under his tutelage – a lot of which  has come in useful over the years . Then there was Mr  Derrick Beamon who was also a great leader and a brilliant teacher of English at Bishops  . 

I have had  and continue to work with great colleagues and friends and Almighty God has blessed me and my family . We have so much to be thankful for . 

There is no better profession than teaching . I will say that over and over again . 

Thank you to all who have helped me , stood by me , tolerated me , befriended me , guided me and been there for me over the years. I am humbled by your kindness , warmth and love . 

A VERY SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO ALL MY OLD BOYS ( AND GIRLS)  AT THE BOYS HIGH SCHOOL , ALLAHABAD, THE BISHOPS SCHOOL PUNE , MODERN HIGH , DUBAI AND THE MILLENNIUM SCHOOL , DUBAI .

OF COURSE – BISHOPS HAS TO TAKE PRECEDENCE – I SPENT 20 YEARS THERE . CHEERS TO ALL BISHOPITES . IT IS GREAT TO BE IN TOUCH ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND TO MEET YOU  IN PUNE  & ALL OVER THE WORLD WHEN I TRAVEL . 

Thank you all and God bless .