What shall we give the Old Man?

What shall we give the Old Man?

-Bernard Fernandes

One of the most intriguing sights at the year-end that has fascinated me (apart from revelries at the midnight ball or time set aside to put the shrimp on the Barbie) is the effigy of the old man placed in the corners of the streets and by the road side. The experience of being accosted by the willful young brats - or allured by an innocuous one- for some bounty for the poor old man is equally absorbing.

I ‘googled’ for the story behind this tradition, and I came up with the following one – there may be more!  

Zozobra ("Old Man Gloom") is the name of a giant marionette effigy which is built and burned every autumn during Fiestas de Santa Fe in Santa Fe, New Mexico, usually during the second week of September. As his name suggests, he embodies gloom; by burning him, people destroy the worries and troubles of the previous year in the flames. Anyone with gloom that they need to get rid of can come by the offices of the Santa Fe Reporter in the weeks leading up to the burn to drop off slips of paper with personal gloom written on them. Many people put legal papers in the gloom box as well. At the festival the papers from the gloom box are placed at Zozobra's feet to be burned alongside him.

And so I ask myself, ‘What shall I/we give the old man this year?’ Each one of us will have a long list – may match or differ, turn out to be challenging or preposterous. Yet, it will voice our concerns and anxieties.

I for one, would wish to throw away apathy that is so rampant among our leaders, and among us. Apathy towards sexual crime – the latest death of the death of the young Braveheart has roused the nation – violence, bigotry and corruption. It is time we burn our indifference towards the slow disintegration of our environment through the blind use of plastics, misuse of electricity and water, and the brutal chopping of age old trees in the name of beautification and development. I wish to shred the greed of humans for more wealth and luxuries through the mindless violence and poaching of harmless creatures and animals – elephants, tigers, rhinos and other wildlife.  We need them and they need us. In education, I would trade for more creativity, better learning environments (for the less fortunate), more recreation, nature trips and the like, in place of rote learning, coaching classes and cut-throat competition. Above all, we need to clear the gloom of a materialistic culture to give some more place and time for God, prayer, meditation and reflection.

The list is long, and endless…  We are on the threshold of a new year, and we have been given the opportunity to think, create and begin anew.  The old man is waiting to rid us of our weaknesses and invigorate us with vitality and renewed vigor to change. Change our brusque living that allows our impulses and animal instincts to govern our lives; forego our excessive desires for consumption, wealth and power …and welcome concern, motivation and a genuine passion for living into our life. May we not just watch from the sidelines as others blaze the trail for a better world, but join the banner in raising the toast to justice, peace and harmony.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013.

An element of the unknown – good for you and me!

An element of the unknown – good for you and me!

-Bernard Fernandes

It pays to be in the dark - sometimes. It saves us needless heartaches, loose gossip, and promotes peace of mind and freedom to just be! Kasab’s hanging is a case in point. It was (and it needed to be) shrouded in mystery. And if this was not to be, then imagine the time that would have been spent on wishful thinking, mindless grapevine, hours in front of the idiot box listening to scholars, pundits, politicians and the anchors discussing, debating – and screaming themselves hoarse – over hypothetical situations and non-events. Social networking sites too would have been flooded with questionnaires, opinion polls, status updates (with likes and dislikes)...  Newspapers and magazines would have left no stone unturned to outdo one another for mass appeal with screaming headlines– a characteristic ‘blow hot and cold’ attitude of some sections of our media.   What a colossal waste of paper –and time - it would have caused! For now, some more trees can live to fight another day!  Networking sites and news channels can spend some quality time in constructive works and issues that really concern us.

Just the other day, I enjoyed a peaceful and stress free walk in Five gardens oblivious to the fact that Balasaheb Thackeray had passed away.  It was only on my return that I learnt about the news of his death.  Imagine my predicament – and concern – while at my routine of the day.  Worry and anxiety of returning back, endless debates and questions:  Why? How? What if? Now what? Years back, before I could go for my blood test for cholesterol and diabetes, life was quite normal and free of health (and food) anxieties. Now every check up gives me goose bumps! And so it goes on...

‘Forewarned is forearmed’ thus goes an adage.   A detour at times from this predictable mindset is necessary to spice up our life.  If we do not choose it, then nature has a way of balancing the act! That’s life! 

The Ukulele is here to stay

The Ukulele is here to stay

-Bernard Fernandes

The first time I picked up the ukulele, it was not in India, but in a quiet county named Coshocton in Ohio, US.  It was on my trip to the US a couple of years ago, that I was fortunate to chance upon this amazing instrument with its uniqueness – size, rhythm, sound.   It was at the residence of the pastor, Fr. Bill, that I was greeted with an array of musical instruments, vestments, decorations, music systems… and two lively dogs.  It clearly reflected the varied talents and creativity of the young pastor – he could put his hands to anything: music, stitching (hence the vestments), embroidery, cooking (was a master chef), decorations, and sound, besides the extreme fondness for his pet dogs.  Bill trained a choir that not only sang but played every instrument in his collection: Mandolin, American Dulcimer, marimbula, bowed psaltery,ukulele, the hammered dulcimer, ipu eke (a Hawaiin drum), Bodhran (an Irish drum) and the guitars. This ensemble played at the various local functions.  Was it not impressive!  I was reminded of Don Bosco, who as a priest tried his hands at stitching, shoe repairs, acrobatics, carpentry, reading, printing…all because he wanted to be useful to his boys.  Although I stayed at Coshocton for over ten days at the pastor’s residence, I did not get an opportunity to witness the practices nor the festival, since it was vacation time for them.

The ukulele was a mini guitar in my hand – of course I could not play it, since it is a four stringed guitar, and the finger placements for the chords are different from that of a guitar.  However, I got to hear Fr. Bill play the ukulele, and it was sweet music to my ears.  No wonder great singers like Taylor Swift can whip a crowd into a frenzy with their breathtaking music alongside this amazing instrument.

A couple of weeks ago, I got another opportunity to witness a live performance on the ukulele by Joslyn Braganza, a professional music player from Mumbai.  He was performing with the Salvation singers at NCPA in their presentation, ‘Mad about Music’.  Coincidentally Joslyn has modeled for a few television ads like Crabtree, Onida, Eclairs,…and the recent Airtel ‘Jo Tera Hai Who Mera Hai’ campaign, where he can be seen singing and playing the ukulele.  The ethereal music played by him thrilled the audience and struck a chord with the aficionados. I personally wanted more of him and his brand of music – but it was not to be.  However the music had made a deep impression on me, and I had come to love the ukulele. And by the looks of it, the ukulele is here to stay…in India!

TAKING EDUCATION FORWARD: THE SALESIAN PRINCIPALS’ MEET AT KOLKATA

TAKING EDUCATION FORWARD:  THE SALESIAN PRINCIPALS’ MEET AT KOLKATA

- Bernard Fernandes

‘The Salesian system of education provides the all encompassing aspects of education: Reason, Religion and Humanity,’ thus quoted the erudite Governor of W.Bengal, Mr. M.K. Narayanan, in his inaugural speech to the Salesian Principals gathered at Kolkata for the 2^nd National Educational Conference Don Bosco Schools (NECDBS – 2012). Pressing his claim further, the towering personality– in all aspects, speech, knowledge, demeanour, versatility – that he is, Mr. Narayanan said that it is widely acknowledged across the globe that education is the key to progress, and therefore the need to ‘invest early, invest smartly and invest for all’.

Attended by fifteen Principals of the Mumbai Province – we had another five from our neighbouring  Konkan Province – the NECDBS 2012 was indeed a melting pot of culture, tradition and innovative ideas across Salesian India. Over 150 Salesian Principals from India and the neigbouring countries (that are part of the Indian provinces) participated in this 4-day conference at Don Bosco Park Circus, Kolkata, from 28^th September – 1^st October 2012. We were accorded a grand welcome in true Salesian and Indian tradition of dance, song and prayer at the inaugural ceremony.  The dainty dancers treated all present to some scintillating performances in Nepali, Santali, and Bengali dances, while the school choir looking dapper in their blazers enthralled all with some melodious tunes.  The holy mass later in the evening was celebrated by His Lordship, Bishop Joseph Suren Gomes, sdb, Bishop of Krishnagar.

The theme “Emerging trends in Education” was reflected in the many sessions and presentations by the resource persons and speakers, and supplemented by the reports (of the works in the Provinces).  In his forceful presentation, Mr. G. Balasubramanian, a doyen in the field of education, winner of prestigious awards, including Life Time Excellence Award, VIMHANS, Delhi,  and ex-Director (Academics) CBSE, quipped, “ The only constant thing in the last thousand years is CHANGE.”  He spelt out the challenges faced by the schools today, viz. challenge of uncertainty, challenge to step in the eye of competition, and the challenge of technology.  Future, he said, holds promise only for the ‘thought leaders’.  Alluding to the ten faces of Ravana, Mr. Balasubramaniam expounded the modern avatars of the Principal, and suggested strategies and means to manage these roles. 

The other input sessions dealt with a range of topics, from learning disability, slow learners, Multiple Intelligences and the related skills to handle these, to the raging issues of today in administration and government policies vis-à-vis the RTE.  In another session, our regional superior, Fr. Maria Ariokam Kanaga, quoting the Rector Major, said that school education has an important place in the Congregation.  Schools are influential places from where we can form the young.  He called on the assembly to make clear our aim of education with an emphasis on Faith and Moral education, and a return to the Preventive System.  He had these wise words for us: We are not needed for what we do, but what we ‘are’ – our relevance lies here!

Fr. Joe Arimpoor, sdb, Director DBARK, New Delhi, while presenting an Action Plan to impart spiritual and religious values to students in Salesian schools, gave a clarion call to all Principals to be creative, dynamic, daring and committed in facing the challenges in Education today.  Rev. Fr. Fabio Attard sdb, Councilor for Youth Apostolate, addressed the Assembly from Rome by video conference. We got a glimpse of the Salesian works in India through the reports of each Province – Fr. Boni D’Souza presented our Province report. 

A respite from these intense sessions came in the form of a Kolkata darshan that took us to the exalted precincts of the saint of Kolkata, Mother Teresa, and culminated with a relaxing boat cruise along the Hooghly river.  Having ensconced ourselves in the chairs aboard the cruiser, we were treated to some majestic sights of the (new and old) Howrah bridges, tasty snacks and ale, and some foot tapping music by a two man band.  The Mumbai Province delegates livened up the proceedings crooning some lively numbers that got many on the dance floor.  

The final session of the conference ‘Taking forward NECDBS’ on the last day of the seminar was conducted by Fr. Maria Charles, South Asian Coordinator for Education and Culture.  Challenges, action plans and future goals were deliberated at this session.  Indeed time to move forward!

Walter Isaacson, the biographer of Steve Jobs, in a recent interview to TOI Crest edition, was asked,

”What are the mistakes that the US has made in the 20^th century that India needs to avoid?” His answer: ‘The biggest mistake that the US has been making is to allow its education system to slip from being the best in the world. It has allowed the educational divide between privileged and less privileged students to get wider... India should be at the forefront of creating great educational opportunities for all its people. ‘  Some challenge there for us Salesians! 

ST. JOSEPH'S: U-14 MUMBAI CITY SOCCER CHAMPS

U-14 MUMBAI CITY SOCCER CHAMPS

St. Joseph’s High School, Wadala, walked away with top honours at the DSO organized football tournament. The u-14 school football team was crowned Mumbai City Champions when they won the finals against Bombay Scottish via the tie-breaker at Don Bosco, Matunga grounds on Saturday, 15^th September 2012. In a match dominated by our youngsters, but unlucky to find the back of the net on numerous occasions, the indomitable spirit of our boys triumphed. It’s rightly said that physical sports and sporting competitions aren't always won by the biggest and strongest. There has to be, and there is, a large mental aspect to it too. Whether it is in pre-event preparation, in-game tactics, dealing with pressure, and then performance review.  You have to give credit to the head coach of this particular team, Mr. Micahel D’Silva, and the assistant coaches, Mr. Tony De Sa, and Mr. Avinash Gracious. They have transformed this team from easy pushovers to formidable achievers. Guts, focus and sheer determination have brought this team thus far.   

It was a pleasing afternoon for the Josephites – however physically and mentally exhausted at the end of it – when they outclassed the much stronger and physically built Bombay Socttish team through some tactical and skilful moves. They would have been ahead by at least a couple of goals, if not for some floundering at the opponents’ goal.  Having played a goalless draw at the final whistle, our boys held their nerves to emerge victorious 4-2 in the tie-breaker.  Earlier in the day, in the semi-finals, our team won 2-0 against St. Paul’s, Dadar.  Our ace-striker Tej scored both the goals. In the run up to the semi-final, they had seen the back of Bombay International and Aditya Birla, scoring easy 3-0 and 2-0 victories respectively.   

With the DSO tournament shoe horned in the middle of a busy MSSA calendar, our students have hardly any time for a break and a well deserved celebration. They move on to prove their mettle in the MSSA tournament, and also fight for a place in the DSO zonals in the days to come. However, that can wait. As of now, let’s celebrate their mighty victory. Three cheers, young Josephites!  

Owe you a lot dear Fr. Ronnie

Owe you a lot dear Fr. Ronnie

-Bernard Fernandes

God called you early Fr. Ronnie, and to be honest, we were not prepared to hear the news of your sudden death.  Just a week back you were the life of our Salesian gathering at a birthday party of a confrere... and as I write this the songs that you sang are still playing in my mind. We are stunned, we are saddened; your lively and vivacious presence will always be missed. 

Way back in 1980-81, I was in my SSC, and you were put in charge of our group in the apostolic boarding. You goaded us, and grouped us to assist one another in study, games and other activities. I for one, will never forget the many times you did not miss an opportunity to egg me on with your gentle encouraging words. I still recollect the time you trained me, a flat footed dancer for that, for the group song, ‘Sons of the Sea’.  I do not remember a moment being punished by you, yet I can recount the many moments that you were firm with us. And yes, how can I miss out on the ‘pigling’ we won as a prize for winning the Marian Quiz contest strategically outshining our senior opponents of Std. XII (that time the PNC).  I honed my skills in hockey, basketball and football under your watchful mentoring.

Four years later, we met again, this time at Divyadaan (our institute of philosophy) in Nashik, you as our dean, and I, a student of philosophy. Here too I had much to learn from you.  Somehow you convinced me – a novice on the guitar - to conduct a choir in the parish. Ghosts of fear and trepidation conquered, I went on to blaze a trail, something that held me in good stead right through life.  

Our paths crossed again in Lonavla; I was a fresher in B.Sc., Mathematics, and you were the Vice-Rector.  I remember given the charge of the band, and you – the refined musician that you were - did not hesitate to drop by and assist at the band practices. And there was the incident when you, along with Bro. James Nigrel (now Fr. James), helped us get out of an embarrassing situation when there was no drummer – who happened to be sick in the infirmary-  for a major programme. With cymbals in hand you kept the beat backstage, while the novice drummer kept a nervous steady rhythm!  Nostalgic memories Fr. Ronnie!

We were to work together again – for the last time – in Lonavla in 1995. As a new priest, I was assigned the task of being the Vice-Principal, Prefect of Studies and Catechist, with you as the Rector of the community.  And that was indeed the time of my life. You pushed the Mathematics books (some of them prized collection of late Fr. Vincent Vaz) into my hands, and challenged me (just fresh after 4 years of theology) to teach Mathematics for Std. XII. And then began my passion for the teaching of Mathematics.  Limits, derivatives and integration, together with Linear equations and Quadratic equations, were to become my daily cup of tea! And enjoy I did! There were the outings too – to Goa, Uttan and Gorai. There were camaraderie, joy and laughter- moments when we could let our hair down. Cricket matches, nights by the sea, sing-song sessions, card games, delicious meals...remember them all.

I have lots of pleasant memories, but suffice to say that you have touched me. You have contributed to my growth in a big way. You have shown that it takes a lot of conviction and commitment to carry out the ideals of Don Bosco. When I heard of your death, I commented online that I was shattered – it was such an unexpected loss. Then there was a reassuring message from a past pupil, Carl Correa, that followed, “Bernard you take care, its not our call. He will be happy.” And about this I have no doubt!

It pays to be a Teacher

It pays to be a Teacher

- Bernard Fernandes

Don’t get me wrong. No reference to fat pay-cheques, jumbo monetary incentives, steep increments in pay scales – these may come as side benefits, but surely it is not my primary concern here. 

For centuries a teacher has been held in high esteem and respect. And rightly so!  The importance of knowledge was never in question. The great philosopher, Aristotle, said, “All men by nature desire knowledge”. Add to this, the wise words of Socrates, another admirable teacher and philosopher, “Prefer knowledge to wealth, for the one is transitory, the other perpetual”, and the role of a teacher gains that much significance. 

 

By no means is a teacher there to ‘impart’ knowledge, but, on the contrary, to ‘share’ her love for learning; not to force down ideas but rather, in the words of Socrates, “to make them think”. “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” Teachers are therefore known under various titles: guides, facilitators, creators, leaders who empower, pointers for excellence, advisors... Hence to fulfil this task and accomplish the role is a tall order for any teacher.  There are teachers who have tried and succeeded, attempted and failed, dreamed and achieved, hoped and lost belief – as is the case in all walks of life. Yet there is something noble in this profession, because teachers are ‘creators’ of destiny, harbingers of hope, potters moulding the clay and ‘angels leading their flock’. 

There is no doubt that, in modern times, teachers are hard to come by – blame it on the government, on parental dreams and aspirations, free flowing technology, internet, and coaching classes (they complete the grim picture!).  The challenges for the teacher today therefore are many – keeping abreast of the changing times,designing creative lessons that will pique and sustain the interest of the knowledgeable child, discovering and honing the unique ‘intelligences’ of the child, and above all, not losing hope.

The students, however, in spite of these drawbacks of the present system of education (especially in India), have not lost faith in their teachers. They look up to their ‘gurus’ for inspiration, guidance and wisdom. They know they are in safe hands, especially when needed to be given a long rope that will help them build their self-belief and self-esteem.  This is evident in the excitement generated at every teacher’s day – the elaborate (and secretive) preparations weeks before the teacher’s day program, hand-made cards, bouquets, specially composed poems and songs honouring their teachers.  Each class and every student wishes to outdo the other in their display of love and affection for their dedicated and committed teachers. Are these then not reasons enough for us to pride ourselves in our noble profession? May our chests swell with pride when some years down the line, our students say with gratitude, “Bless you teacher for enlightening my mind and educating my heart!”

A SILVER AND A BRONZE

-Bernard Fernandes

India realized the worth of a silver and a bronze medal at the recently concluded London Olympics 2012 - the gold eluded us.  As a nation, we may be despondent; however, we are also searing in our post-mortems and evaluations.  There is no disgrace in coming second or third, or for that matter last – provided one tried. We cannot judge India on its billion plus population, rather, on the exposure and the ‘effective participation’ of our athletes at the world level. A critical study, “Why we are not a sporting nation” summarizes thus: “Despite India’s giant population, its effective participation level is abysmally low. And sports is cruelly pyramidic, with a very small percentage of participants winning through to the top. If our base is small, the peak will naturally be short.”

In the same vein, there is no reason for armchair critics to refrain from applauding a good and spirited performance.  Negative reporting is disparaging and mocking to the sportspersons, and also a morale dampener for us sports lovers.  As one level-headed Indian Olympic journalist says, “the Games become an exhibition of a tribal media mindset that India’s athletes continue to endure.” Sample some of the oft heard reports by our media: ‘crashed out’, ‘finished last’, ‘lowly eighth’. These can be disrepectlful and discouraging to a trying and committed sportsperson. Suma Shirur, an Indian rifle shooter at the 2004 Athen Olympics, is a case in point.  A reporter recounts:

‘One evening at the Athens Olympics, I was firmly put in my place by Suma Shirur, rifle shooter. Under a balmy summer night sky, Shirur could be found at the hockey competition, on a stand situated behind one of the goal-mouths. I went over to introduce myself and ask if I could talk to her about breathing the rarefied air of an Olympic final. For about 15 seconds, Shirur heard out the introduction and request. Then, her normally soft voice went sharp and she replied that she didn’t want to have anything do with the media. She wasn’t going to be wasting her time talking to them i.e. me. In any case why did we want to? In any case, she said, the headlines being flashed back home had declared she had “finished last.”’

Shirur was only the second Indian into an Olympic shooting final after Anjali Bhagwat in Sydney 2000. She was one of the eight women out of a total of the world’s 44 best 10m air rifle shooters. Her life’s work and achievement though had been summarized as “finished last.” Unfair?

Closer home, our young Josephites returned with a silver and a bronze in the Mumbai city tournaments in basketball and football respectively.  After bull-dozing their way to the finals through a spirited and outstanding display, our under-14 basketball team players proved their mettle by finishing runners-up to Don Bosco, Matunga in the Savio Hoop, Level A,  tournament held at Dominic Savio High School, Andheri. In football, in the same age group, our boys bagged the third place in the DSO Subroto Mukherjee football tournament for Mumbai city, defeating Christchurch, Byculla 2-1 in a hard fought play-off match for the 3^rd and 4^th position.  Earlier they lost to Don Bosco, Matunga – they don’t seem to have grown bored of laying waste to rivals! – in the semifinals.

Keep going boys.  The journey is tough.  As Gagan Narang, our bronze medallist at the London Olympic games says: “Unfortunately, a journey is deemed complete only when you win something.” Or is it?!