I almost became a priest

Let me start at the beginning and tell you what almost happened with my life. I almost became a priest. Seriously – don’t roll on the floor laughing and don’t get chocked – it’s a fact! So how did this come about and what made me even think about a life in a Christian seminary? When I look back, I guess it was the way we were brought up. No it was not all about non- stop prayers , fasting , the bible , penance and the like but there were some things we were taught as young kids ( my cousins and myself by our Aunt Addie ) and till date I am thankful for the same . I do remember kneeling down and praying a short prayer every evening after dinner, making novenas occasionally (especially just before I was to get my report card) and going to church once a week. No, I was not the holy types ,there was never a halo shining over my head , nor was I very keen on all this religious stuff but there was no choice! My aunt was a strict lady who brooked no nonsense – when she said, “let’s say our prayers”, we said them, even though my mind was often elsewhere. One look from her was enough. Studying in a Christian ( catholic school ) St Joseph’s in Allahabad added to the religious part – there was Catechism classes ( religious teaching ) – like a Moral science every day , there was chapel once a week , there were retreats ( which were day long or week-long stay in camps which were fun because of the company ) and all this obviously got ingrained in my personality . Then there was a seminary across the road in the same campus as our school, so we often went there to see the trainee priests playing football and basketball – they were very good at both. They seemed to be leading fun lives as well – at least that is what they told us and what we saw . As a young teenager I lived just about ten minutes from our church and there was not much to do on most days , it being a small town - so a few of us were in church regularly - we helped with cleaning the church , painting and polishing the wood and the brass , assisting at the weekend mass and religious functions & helping to decorate the church on special occasions . It was fun, there were plenty of girls and boys to mix with and as teens that was definitely an added attraction. Then there was the Christmas Carol singing, where about twenty of us went around every evening for a few days in Mid-December in a school bus, visiting houses, singing carols , being offered snacks, being given a donation for the church and the like and in general having a blast . As I played the guitar I was quite in demand and I liked the attention (had to admit that). The church also had an annual fee and a dance for charity which a few of us helped organize – I am sure you see, how very gradually, and without any conscious effort , the church became part and parcel of many of our lives . You who are reading this must realize that way back then there were no pubs, no mobile phones , no malls, no TV , no internet – but life was fun ! However, there was something else – and this is the truth so read on. The parish priest – a very nice man - seemed to live an extremely comfortable life. He had a large house to stay in , within the church compound , rode a lovely scooter , had a servant and apparently had not much to do – or so we assumed and this was a big plus point! He was popular, was always invited out to parties and dinners and never seemed to have a care in the world. Whenever I looked at him, I envied his life. I somehow imagined people calling me Father Michael and that thrilled me! Now when I think back, studying was not something many of us were keen on – I for one had not thought much about the future – money or property was not something I was going to inherit and hence I made up my mind that being a priest was what I wanted to do with my life . It seemed the easiest thing in the world. However what man proposes, God disposes – sounds odd in this context though! I guess, once I grew older, I realized that priesthood was not for me by a mile and I went into teaching and life took a turn of its own. Just thought about this a short while ago – Just a Priest? After so many years I may have even become a Bishop by now! Now that would be something – Not just Father Michael but His Lordship !

I almost became a priest

Let me start at the beginning and tell you what almost happened with my life. I almost became a priest. Seriously – don’t roll on the floor laughing and don’t get chocked – it’s a fact! So how did this come about and what made me even think about a life in a Christian seminary? When I look back, I guess it was the way we were brought up. No it was not all about non- stop prayers , fasting , the bible , penance and the like but there were some things we were taught as young kids ( my cousins and myself by our Aunt Addie ) and till date I am thankful for the same . I do remember kneeling down and praying a short prayer every evening after dinner, making novenas occasionally (especially just before I was to get my report card) and going to church once a week. No, I was not the holy types ,there was never a halo shining over my head , nor was I very keen on all this religious stuff but there was no choice! My aunt was a strict lady who brooked no nonsense – when she said, “let’s say our prayers”, we said them, even though my mind was often elsewhere. One look from her was enough. Studying in a Christian ( catholic school ) St Joseph’s in Allahabad added to the religious part – there was Catechism classes ( religious teaching ) – like a Moral science every day , there was chapel once a week , there were retreats ( which were day long or week-long stay in camps which were fun because of the company ) and all this obviously got ingrained in my personality . Then there was a seminary across the road in the same campus as our school, so we often went there to see the trainee priests playing football and basketball – they were very good at both. They seemed to be leading fun lives as well – at least that is what they told us and what we saw . As a young teenager I lived just about ten minutes from our church and there was not much to do on most days , it being a small town - so a few of us were in church regularly - we helped with cleaning the church , painting and polishing the wood and the brass , assisting at the weekend mass and religious functions & helping to decorate the church on special occasions . It was fun, there were plenty of girls and boys to mix with and as teens that was definitely an added attraction. Then there was the Christmas Carol singing, where about twenty of us went around every evening for a few days in Mid-December in a school bus, visiting houses, singing carols , being offered snacks, being given a donation for the church and the like and in general having a blast . As I played the guitar I was quite in demand and I liked the attention (had to admit that). The church also had an annual fee and a dance for charity which a few of us helped organize – I am sure you see, how very gradually, and without any conscious effort , the church became part and parcel of many of our lives . You who are reading this must realize that way back then there were no pubs, no mobile phones , no malls, no TV , no internet – but life was fun ! However, there was something else – and this is the truth so read on. The parish priest – a very nice man - seemed to live an extremely comfortable life. He had a large house to stay in , within the church compound , rode a lovely scooter , had a servant and apparently had not much to do – or so we assumed and this was a big plus point! He was popular, was always invited out to parties and dinners and never seemed to have a care in the world. Whenever I looked at him, I envied his life. I somehow imagined people calling me Father Michael and that thrilled me! Now when I think back, studying was not something many of us were keen on – I for one had not thought much about the future – money or property was not something I was going to inherit and hence I made up my mind that being a priest was what I wanted to do with my life . It seemed the easiest thing in the world. However what man proposes, God disposes – sounds odd in this context though! I guess, once I grew older, I realized that priesthood was not for me by a mile and I went into teaching and life took a turn of its own. Just thought about this a short while ago – Just a Priest? After so many years I may have even become a Bishop by now! Now that would be something – Not just Father Michael but His Lordship !

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.