Memorable schooldays with our beloved GG
Goolbai Gunasekara speaks at the recent launch of her latest book
As I look back at my schooldays with fond memories, I distinctly recall one prominent teacher Goolbai, (or GG, as affectionately referred to by me), her personal warmth and our good fortune in having had her guidance. GG took her teacher’s role beyond that of just the subject matter to include transforming impressionable teens into responsible young grown-ups more than a teacher-par-excellence, a mentor, who used a teacher’s influence to prepare her young charges for adulthood.
During my latest trip to Sri Lanka, I was privileged to attend a recent book launch by GG and proudly received a copy of the book autographed by her which said, “to my first pupil – with love”! This touching occurrence sent me on a trip down memory-lane! As I reflect on my early teen-aged years in school, my most vivid memories are the years under GG as class-teacher in Grade 7, 8 and 9! She started her teaching career straight out of University when she joined the staff of Buddhist Ladies’ College, where her mother, the late Clara Motwani, was Principal.
I recollect walking up to her in the staff room and courageously inviting her to the classroom so she could be welcomed by us! The bond between us – the teacher and the class – commenced right there and grew stronger over the next few years. The class was thrilled to have a beautiful teacher, with curly black hair, wearing saree come to us and, to our delight, we discovered that she would be our class teacher! At one point, I remember asking her why she wore different colours of nail varnish on each finger – it was a fashion, she responded!
She promptly appointed me as the class monitor, as she believed that this title would force me to be less talkative and be an example to others. I of course, took this responsibility seriously.
At that time, she was dating her husband-to-be, and a few of us, including myself, were asked to recite, “Jaya Mangala Gathas” at her wedding at the Galle Face Hotel. We were overjoyed to be part of our class teacher’s beautiful wedding and, were relieved that the pronunciation and emphasis of the Pali syllables were correct and we were not out of tune! The opportunity was a huge treat for all of us.
While most of our efforts generally go unnoticed, I would like to emphasize that GG’s class-group did notice her special efforts and were appreciative of her initiative to reach beyond margins in preparing us for future responsibilities. Not only did GG teach her pupils, English and English Literature, but she also ensured that they were prepared for real-life. Along with the relevant curriculum related subject matters, she focused on helping us understand essentials of our lives, such as cleanliness, personal hygiene, good manners, regular habits and a well-disciplined life. She enquired into how we occupied ourselves after school hours, did we get to bed early enough, etc.
Another instance that I recall is in Grade 9 English O’ Levels when she tried to motivate us by substituting the book The Treasure Island with The White Company on grounds that it was more interesting reading for teens. The class welcomed the idea and enthusiastically looked forward to the English class. GG would recite clearly and precisely the chapters of the book! All homework was done and we eagerly looked forward to the next chapter! She adopted fun-activities to enhance learning based on real-life examples for greater impact on students. Even during the holidays, we were given assignments to write about our vacation which helped sustain our interests. I remember writing to her once when I was holidaying with my mother in Badulla, she was pleased and commended me at my first attempt to write a letter!
She emphasized the importance of reading and writing as she introduced other texts in our class, such as, As You Like It, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado about Nothing, short stories by Rabindranath Tagore and so on. They are all still quite vivid in my memory – a tribute to her ability to dramatize and graphically present the contents to young minds.
GG was a devoted teacher, with warmth, towards all her pupils. Yet she was a great disciplinarian, like her late mother, Clara Motwani, who believed that teaching is not only confined to books and the subject alone but should lead to building a good disciplined character and respect for others to be good and respected in the country we live in.
Looking back, I can confidently state that GG was a great teacher dedicated to each of us and she took the time to show she cared about every student. This quality is much appreciated even after all these decades.
After all these years, I am thankful for the opportunity to be in touch with GG even from far, to receive her guidance, for which I feel blessed.
As I reminisce my teenage years with GG as my mentor and teacher, I wish her continued good health, contentment, happiness and many happy memories to live with!
My sincere gratitude and reverence to dear GG!