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An Evening With Mr. Rajat Bhattacharyya
Q. from AB : Tell us about your early background and how you were
drawn to the profession of teaching.
RB : I passed out from St. James School Calcutta in the science stream and joined St. Xavier’s College. There in 1972 I met with two great teachers who gave my life a new dimension. I took up English Honours. Fr. Lewis and Prof. R.J. Kapadia of the Dept. of English motivated me immensely. The then Vice Principal Rev. Fr. A. Huard encouraged me to take up teaching. After graduation I joined the B.Ed. department at St. Xavier’s. There I derived great satisfaction in the learning process. In 1978 I joined St. Lawrence High School where I still enjoy my teaching. I cannot forget Prof. Kapadia and Fr. Lewis of St. Xavier’s as they still guide me in my hours of need.
Q. from AB : As a student privileged to have studied under you, I observe that you imbibe method as well as motivation in your students - a rare combination. Which would you lay greater stress on ?
RB : Method and motivation go hand in hand. Fortunately, my real education began in St. Xavier’s College. I am indebted to Prof. Kapadia for adopting flexible methods in class teaching. He cautioned me against sticking to a particular method. Motivation is two fold in character. On the one hand it comes to the learner as a result of sound method and on the other it is the result of direct interaction with the teacher. This of course my teacher Fr. Lewis had inculcated in me. Without motivation, both on the part of the teacher and the taught, learning becomes impossible.
Q. from AB : What are your comments on the scope and need of "off the class room" interaction with students and ex-students ?
RB : I do not believe in making false promises for self publicity and then putting them aside. These are hard, challenging days. The work load of a teacher in school is not the only thing in life. On going back home one has to face the domestic front too. Off the class room we do not have much scope of interacting with our students and old boys though I consider such a thing indispensable.
Q. from AB : Quality of education vis-a-vis examination results - how is the situation in St. Lawrence as compared to fifteen years ago ?
RB : This is a sensitive question that needs careful analysis. Fifteen years ago, St. Lawrence had an entirely different set up. Academic excellence was given priority to development of other qualities. Now the time has changed. The administration does not cater to the needs of the privileged few. Students from various communities and particularly from the economically backward or less affluent classes are given opportunities to study here. Do not get embarrassed if you hear of one or two third divisions. Should we aim at securing one or two state ranks at the cost of a large number of enthusiastic learners ? I think the examination results are quite encouraging considering the type of students we have now. Don’t forget, the past for all is always golden and the present leaden.
Q. from AB : Is there any scope or necessity for SLOBA to interact more with the present students in the school ?
RB : I personally compliment SLOBA for its tremendous involvement in various activities beyond school hours. I studied in a school where relation with the institution ends just on taking delivery of mark sheets and certificates. I appreciate the gesture of the school administration in allowing our good old boys to serve the institution even after passing out. We are proud of you, dear boys for your commendable service on Sundays in running a free clinic, holding annual general meetings at regular intervals and shouldering responsibilities whenever called for. There is indeed a necessity for SLOBA to interact more with the present students in the school through the administration, not only in providing career guides but also in offering various scholarships and organising cultural and academic competitions in the school. The teachers can help SLOBA in identifying the right persons needing such opportunities. I still remember the glorious moments of 1987, the year we celebrated the Golden Jubilee of our beloved St. Lawrence, all lined together, teachers, old boys, administrators and present students.