An Institution called Headmaster……MMS Sir
MMS Sir……yes we all knew him as MMS Manickam but I still don’t know what MMS stood for. Because of his reputation as a stickler I always feared going in front of him and always avoided getting into his office. The Headmaster walking the premises of the school ….ramrod straight, always in full shirt, hands fully buttoned down, the measured steps like a soldier… with his inimitable swagger . His trademark cane was always in his hand. He was an imposing figure, not by size but by his presence. His English was impeccable . The teachers , spearheaded by him , imbibed all the good qualities and character in us in measurable little steps.
Where I will be dedicating articles for all the teachers I will dwell upon only MMS Sir today.
He was a no nonsense strict disciplinarian , treated everybody equally and set an example of himself.
We had this small savings scheme for children, named ‘Sanjayika’. We used to be very excited about savings and used to deposit most of our pocket money , generally 10 paisa per day, in that. Headmaster personally used to sit during the lunch hour and patiently collect that princely amount from us and sign the pass book personally with his own unique initial. When I went to deposit my first 10 paisa I had mixed feelings…. the fear of him and the excitement of starting my own savings. When my turn came in the queue I was literally shivering, so nervous and fearful. I think he noticed the same and called me to his side and asked “Enna bayama irukka? ”(Are you afraid of me?). I could not even reply. I had tears rolling down my cheek. He smiled and put his hands on my shoulder . That touch , in a moment, changed my complete perception about him. It was so re assuring and comforting. Then he said “you should be afraid only when you have done something wrong. Now run smart boy”. By then I calmed down and tears stopped. I felt so much relieved and so the fear also vanished. From that day onwards I used to make it a point to go and wish him and be visible to him. It was as if his nearby presence is so protective and assuring.
His words on that day were so embedded in me that whenever I was to take any difficult, complicated decisions….. his words always ringed in my ear and assured me if I am correct.
One of the important quality of him which rubbed on me was Justice. Yes, he always treated all the students equally and fairly. Even his own son, my classmate , never got any undue favor from him.
As students we used to enjoy the self help activities like, forming the approach roads, cleaning and other activities. So is the lesson on the importance of hard work. The results of our hard work fructifying in front of our own eyes was so satisfying.
There was a work of forming the mud approach path from the main road which was completed by the students themselves . He used to divide the area amongst the classes and we used to compete as to which class does a better job. We used to plan our job, divide responsibilities and execute the plan.
So is the lesson on Planning, Team Work , Hard work and esprit de corps. Those self help activities used to be fun time, like the game periods and we used to be looking forward for the same. This also taught us ‘No work is cheap’.
Morning prayers used to be conducted like a military parade…….to the clock , disciplined and to the point.
All teachers were supposed to come with notes on lessons on every Monday. Otherwise he won’t permit them into school.
We , the students need to write conjugation every week and submit it on Monday. Otherwise, you won’t be permitted into the class room.
No parents teacher meetings ever happened during his time. All parents and students implicitly reposed their faith in him.
But we used to come to know whenever he was angry………How? ….. when he doesn’t apply oil on his hair!!!!
He used to teach us english . But I secretly believed that he can teach any subject. The functions in the school used to be well planned, to the schedule and perfectly executed. When I went to the outside world I had set that as a benchmark and it always helped.
I feel like keep writing about him for ages…..
He was wonderful human being, possessed qualities worth emulating.
Though he is already in the heavenly abode…..his words will keep motivating me and showing me the correct path….he lives in my memories….MMS Sir.
Miss you and miss those days!!!!
