‘Emphasis on grades, not learning’

Reverend John Wilson who taught me in school (St Columbus Higher Secondary School, Chengalpattu) was my first inspiration. He demonstrated discipline and punctuality and I always wanted to be like him. Later, when I joined Madras Christian College, Professor Gopalan, who made me fall in love with organic chemistry, inspired me further to make teaching my passion and I pursued it. My mother has also been instrumental in making me take up teaching. Over the years, my wife and children have supported me. 

I started teaching chemistry in my alma mater (St Columbus) and after 25 years, I moved to Corley, where I was posted as headmaster. Through the years, I have encouraged students to know the subject rather than resorting to rote method of learning. 

There was a time when passion for teaching was more important than the remuneration. But that’s not the case anymore. Today parents are more concerned about their children securing the best grades and becoming professionals. They barely pay attention to the overall development of children.