Teachers day 2016

On the eve of Teachers day I sit and think back on all those amazing teachers who made me what I am today .
My mother - my first teacher . It makes 18 months tomorrow . She taught me to be a gentleman first and all else afterwards. To be truthful, helpful and kind to those less fortunate.
Thank you darling mum . Miss you .
Then there were so many others who in some way or the other left a mark . Joe Shanker, Mr Trevor Bunting , Carl Dcruze, Tony Macleod , Ian Scott, Mr Flynn, Winston Gardner, Russell Gardner , Mr Lawrence , Mrs Penanthony, Mrs Gomes and many others . Then there were teachers I worked with as a young man . Mr Roberts , Mr Beaman and Mr Ringrow. The list goes on.
Teachers still belong to one of the lowest paid professions but what you get when you teach a great lesson more than makes up for the meagre salary . The look on the face of engaged pupils says it all.
Then of course the thrill of meeting pupils after decades . They still recognise and respect their teachers . No money can buy that respect .
Happy Teachers day one and all. Colleagues and friends in this profession- always remember with pride - We are in a Noble Profession and let's never forget that.
Cheers and God bless

Teachers day 2016

On the eve of Teachers day I sit and think back on all those amazing teachers who made me what I am today .
My mother - my first teacher . It makes 18 months tomorrow . She taught me to be a gentleman first and all else afterwards. To be truthful, helpful and kind to those less fortunate.
Thank you darling mum . Miss you .
Then there were so many others who in some way or the other left a mark . Joe Shanker, Mr Trevor Bunting , Carl Dcruze, Tony Macleod , Ian Scott, Mr Flynn, Winston Gardner, Russell Gardner , Mr Lawrence , Mrs Penanthony, Mrs Gomes and many others . Then there were teachers I worked with as a young man . Mr Roberts , Mr Beaman and Mr Ringrow. The list goes on.
Teachers still belong to one of the lowest paid professions but what you get when you teach a great lesson more than makes up for the meagre salary . The look on the face of engaged pupils says it all.
Then of course the thrill of meeting pupils after decades . They still recognise and respect their teachers . No money can buy that respect .
Happy Teachers day one and all. Colleagues and friends in this profession- always remember with pride - We are in a Noble Profession and let's never forget that.
Cheers and God bless

I visited Bishops after 15 years

So this summer holiday I did something I had planned to do for some years- fifteen  to be exact. I visited The Bishops School .
Don't ask me why I have not visited for fifteen years - just read on .
Reached the gate and wondered how to get in . There are high gates now and manned by security . Obviously times have changed and this is necessary from a security point of view.
After proving my credentials I was allowed into the gate without a fuss .
The next on my agenda was to go and meet Mr Frank Freese . To be frank this was a little more difficult as it was a holiday and after a busy week no one wants to be disturbed .
However he and I had been in touch and so I was taken in to the Bungalow .
At this juncture I have to say that there was a lot of greenery everywhere and the whole area looked clean and extremely tidy . There were many buses as well .
Entering the bungalow brought back wonderful memories of Mr Roberts and the family .
Mr Freese has done a wonderful job of renovating the structure and maintaining the antique furniture within .
Mr and Mrs Freese have truly continued in the good traditions of their predecessors . Everything has changed and nothing has changed if you get what I mean . The school still maintains the aura and dignity of the best school in Pune .
As the rain had come down in torrents , Mr Freese and I went by car across the road for the Prefect's investiture ceremony.
The ceremony was dignified , the pupils smartly turned out , the choir as melodious , and the discipline  impeccable . Missed seeing Mrs Carol Jolly / Mrs Postwalla with the choir !
So pleased to see the familiar clean shoes , proper schoolboy hair cuts and all boys clean shaved . Oh yes there are girls there now and that was different but they were as smart as the boys .
As the pupils were administered the oath of office by the Principal  and received their badges it took me back over the years and to the ceremony on the Uppers . The Head boy this year is extremely tall - if I can recollect the name is Malhotra .
There were definitely many  more photographs both during and after the ceremony,  thanks to mobile phones and I remembered Mr. David Choudhary fondly - he was the one who took snaps at our time . He then developed them in a dark room in the craft room and we saw them a week after the function . Not sure if we hired any other photographer . I do remember a man from Jagos  being there as well at times - I may be wrong .
All in all a great day - many proud faces all round . Was happy to see sons of boys I had taught being administered to oath as well - one name struck me - Banejwadkar!
I was happy to meet quite a few staff who remember me and this includes support staff as well - Das, Anil Randhir and Sunil , Eeta bai are few of the names that come to mind . There was also Janardhan bearer and the daughter of good old Nainu ( Boarders and old residential staff would remember these names ) .
I was pleased to be introduced to the guests and pupils during the ceremony and taken aback when asked to say a few words . Kept it to a few as the Chief guest had gone on a bit  ! Did not click any snaps that day as it was raining .
I visited Bishops for a second time  a week later - this time it was sunny so I went armed with my camera - no nothing fancy .
Was taken round the school by a young member of staff deputed by Mr Freese .
Anil Randhir was also there .
Visited all the old haunts and could have done so blindfolded - Cambridge, Simba and Lunn , Jubilee dormitories - the labs, the old gym , the canteen, my old offices in Lunn and beside the Library.
The library, Harding hall , the Uppers, Lowers , the Grade 9 and 10 classrooms , the infirmary etc.
There were some classes going on and surprisingly all the senior pupils were quiet and attentive .
Also some basketball training for girls .
Nice basketball court on the Uppers which looks good and tennis courts on the lowers which has made that area useful - no more rocks and mud !
The wall and gate dividing St Marys and Bishops is still there and that would bring back memories as well .
Oh yes there were trees on the Uppers  and the good old boxing ring is still there and boxing is very much part of the school activities . Any news of Aspi Irani ?
Have to say that I saw some Senior pupils - about 30 of them standing on the uppers - all wearing blazers - it was about noon and that impressed me .
It was truly an enjoyable visit and there is no denying the fact that the school is doing exceeding well .
 A morning well spent and extremely nostalgic.

I visited Bishops after 15 years

So this summer holiday I did something I had planned to do for some years- fifteen  to be exact. I visited The Bishops School .
Don't ask me why I have not visited for fifteen years - just read on .
Reached the gate and wondered how to get in . There are high gates now and manned by security . Obviously times have changed and this is necessary from a security point of view.
After proving my credentials I was allowed into the gate without a fuss .
The next on my agenda was to go and meet Mr Frank Freese . To be frank this was a little more difficult as it was a holiday and after a busy week no one wants to be disturbed .
However he and I had been in touch and so I was taken in to the Bungalow .
At this juncture I have to say that there was a lot of greenery everywhere and the whole area looked clean and extremely tidy . There were many buses as well .
Entering the bungalow brought back wonderful memories of Mr Roberts and the family .
Mr Freese has done a wonderful job of renovating the structure and maintaining the antique furniture within .
Mr and Mrs Freese have truly continued in the good traditions of their predecessors . Everything has changed and nothing has changed if you get what I mean . The school still maintains the aura and dignity of the best school in Pune .
As the rain had come down in torrents , Mr Freese and I went by car across the road for the Prefect's investiture ceremony.
The ceremony was dignified , the pupils smartly turned out , the choir as melodious , and the discipline  impeccable . Missed seeing Mrs Carol Jolly / Mrs Postwalla with the choir !
So pleased to see the familiar clean shoes , proper schoolboy hair cuts and all boys clean shaved . Oh yes there are girls there now and that was different but they were as smart as the boys .
As the pupils were administered the oath of office by the Principal  and received their badges it took me back over the years and to the ceremony on the Uppers . The Head boy this year is extremely tall - if I can recollect the name is Malhotra .
There were definitely many  more photographs both during and after the ceremony,  thanks to mobile phones and I remembered Mr. David Choudhary fondly - he was the one who took snaps at our time . He then developed them in a dark room in the craft room and we saw them a week after the function . Not sure if we hired any other photographer . I do remember a man from Jagos  being there as well at times - I may be wrong .
All in all a great day - many proud faces all round . Was happy to see sons of boys I had taught being administered to oath as well - one name struck me - Banejwadkar!
I was happy to meet quite a few staff who remember me and this includes support staff as well - Das, Anil Randhir and Sunil , Eeta bai are few of the names that come to mind . There was also Janardhan bearer and the daughter of good old Nainu ( Boarders and old residential staff would remember these names ) .
I was pleased to be introduced to the guests and pupils during the ceremony and taken aback when asked to say a few words . Kept it to a few as the Chief guest had gone on a bit  ! Did not click any snaps that day as it was raining .
I visited Bishops for a second time  a week later - this time it was sunny so I went armed with my camera - no nothing fancy .
Was taken round the school by a young member of staff deputed by Mr Freese .
Anil Randhir was also there .
Visited all the old haunts and could have done so blindfolded - Cambridge, Simba and Lunn , Jubilee dormitories - the labs, the old gym , the canteen, my old offices in Lunn and beside the Library.
The library, Harding hall , the Uppers, Lowers , the Grade 9 and 10 classrooms , the infirmary etc.
There were some classes going on and surprisingly all the senior pupils were quiet and attentive .
Also some basketball training for girls .
Nice basketball court on the Uppers which looks good and tennis courts on the lowers which has made that area useful - no more rocks and mud !
The wall and gate dividing St Marys and Bishops is still there and that would bring back memories as well .
Oh yes there were trees on the Uppers  and the good old boxing ring is still there and boxing is very much part of the school activities . Any news of Aspi Irani ?
Have to say that I saw some Senior pupils - about 30 of them standing on the uppers - all wearing blazers - it was about noon and that impressed me .
It was truly an enjoyable visit and there is no denying the fact that the school is doing exceeding well .
 A morning well spent and extremely nostalgic.

1.3 billion population. 1 medal  till now.  Maybe a few more . I don't know whether to laugh , cry , applaud , make a comment or just sit and hope for the best . Forget Shobha De and her critical article .  What is the Minister of Sports going to say to defend this dismal show? . What about those sons, friends and ministerial sycophants who are on a free  jaunt in Rio- drinking , partying , taking selfies and generally disgracing   themselves  and the country .
Do our athletes deserve this? . What about the selection process and the training?. What support from the Government ?
Some heads may roll but don't expect miracles . We need someone to stem the rot. Who that is I have no clue .
Shame on our systems .

1.3 billion population. 1 medal  till now.  Maybe a few more . I don't know whether to laugh , cry , applaud , make a comment or just sit and hope for the best . Forget Shobha De and her critical article .  What is the Minister of Sports going to say to defend this dismal show? . What about those sons, friends and ministerial sycophants who are on a free  jaunt in Rio- drinking , partying , taking selfies and generally disgracing   themselves  and the country .
Do our athletes deserve this? . What about the selection process and the training?. What support from the Government ?
Some heads may roll but don't expect miracles . We need someone to stem the rot. Who that is I have no clue .
Shame on our systems .

I was Analysing reasons for the success of the 2 Prize days at our school in Dubai and here is what I have come up with . It is not rocket science by any stretch of imagination but a simple mantra for success
Think about what you want to do and formulate a concrete plan well in advance .
Get hold of the right people . This is of paramount importance .
Share your plan with them and see what they feel . Be open to new ideas .
Look at how much you want to spend and make that clear .
Put the tentative plan down in writing so everyone is clear and there are no unrealistic demands or expectations
Meet with the key people regularly and measure progress .
Delegate .Delegate - DELEGATE
Make lists of THINGS TO BE DONE WITH DATES BY WHEN YOU EXPECT COMPLETION .
TRUST your own judgement .
Learn to be a jack of all trades . In the present day and age it is a must .
Encourage people and give them confidence .
Be critical to a point .
Never praise too much till the final day but don't put anyone down either
Don't accept anything but the best . If you don't like something or the way it is shaping up say it openly . There is no point beating round the bush.
Have a number of premotems.
Very little sense of a big postmortem after the function has flopped .
Don't leave anything to chance .
Give the most important jobs to the best people at your disposal .
Get more people/  new employees / involved - to learn,  as part of a team .
Be well on time . Rushing in late is stressful if you have a key role to play .
Thank people for a job well done .
These are some of my key  principles and they have never failed me .
We were witness to two amazing prize days .
Super decor , great ambience ,  good foyer and quadrangle displays , appropriate PPT., no unnecessary announcements so no time wasted , a choir which was one of the biggest and the best , smart turn out by Prefects and pupils , a flag party which started things off on the right note , Super Admin arrangements , cleanliness and hygienic surroundings , a dance which once again was stupendous , good discipline , good snacks and dinner . The award ceremony also went off so smoothly .
All staff were on duty and carried it out to perfection before , during and after the function .
Great leadership displayed