Teacher's Day just got over and we actually realized this time how much we missed the celebrations that we used to see since our school days. For the first time, teachers were wished virtually which otherwise would have been a grand affair. However, amidst this lockdown and pandemic, the students of St. Francis De Sales did not let their spirits dampen or were complacent about brightening this day up. They rather turned it into an opportunity to do something different and unique for the teachers by performing online, made some really cool and innovative videos, virtual speeches, e - cards and anything that could be done without being physically present. We would definitely make up for it next year with much more fervor and warmth. But September is still on, so let's dedicate this entire month to our beloved teachers.

September also happens to be the birth month of Fr. George Thomas MSFS, our beloved principal. Every year, we honor him by celebrating his birthday on the 22^nd of September as Principal’s Day. Wishes and greetings start pouring in abundantly from each and every student, teacher and staff member of the school making this day a glorious and memorable one. The day continues with performances by students and teachers, feasts and gifts from the principal for the students. This is another day of gratitude and love, strengthening the bond between our dear principal and everyone else making the school a better place of education and creating a world of its own. We all know our respected principal as a man who not only dreams of molding the lives of the children but also with a vision of changing the future of education. He inspires us every day with his words of wisdom, a man we look upto for all our problems and its solutions. But how well do we know him as a person apart from being a teacher & a visionary? On the occasion of Principal’s Day, we thought of asking him a few questions to see the lighter side of this gentleman and this is what he had to say.

(Interview with Father George)

What is the most frequent word that you use every day? – “Definitely”, “ Let us try do something”

What is your favouritecolour? – White

What are your favourite books? – 1. Good to Great – Jim Collins 2. Light from many Lamps – Lillian Watson 3. Grit – Angela Duckworth 4. Jonathan Living stone Seagull -Richard Bach 5. Alchemist – Paulo Coelho 6. The 5 AM Club– Robin Sharma

As a child, what was your favourite sport, is it still a favourite? – As a child, it was Cricket… now it is Football.

What is your sun sign? – Libra

Name your favourite movie – 3 Idiots

What's your favourite memory as a child? – of going to school

How do you like travelling, flights, trains or buses? – Train - because you get plenty of time to read and relax.

What is the most frequently used app in your phone? – BBC & NDTV

What's the name of your first school? – St. Joseph’s School.

Who was your favourite teacher? – Mr. Babulal, my history teacher in school.

What is the first thing that you have ever cooked? – Guess it was coffee and omlette

Did you ever get punished in school? If yes, why? – Sometimes, for lagging behind in mathematics.

Which is your favourite social networking platform and why? – Facebook, because it reveals human creativity and ingenuity in many ways.

Are you a coffee or tea person?  - Coffee person

Wow!!! This is interesting to know. So, this is Fr. George Thomas sharing some bits from his life. I bet most of you all didn’t know that 3 Idiots was his favourite movie J. Well these may be small things to many, but to us it means a lot. We feel more connected to him as a person after knowing this and are glad that he shared a very lighter part of himself. Remember folks, our perception itself is such a big illusion which eventually enlightens us of the most amazing facts on how ignorant we as human beings are. Let’s cherish this gift called life and spread as much knowledge as we possibly can.

- Published by SFS Narengi