Mr Veigas got retired on 28th of February, 2015. We are very thankful to him for his services in St Josephs P U College. Here is the Farewell message of Br Hector
Dear
Br Len, Mr Alwyn, PTA President Mrs Vedavathi,
the president of Mothers’ Association Mrs Cynthia, parents, teachers,
students and my dear BENNA DHATTU,
“Some people
arrive into our lives and then depart, leaving footprints on our hearts and we
are in no way the very same. “
We
have been very fortunate in having totally reliable, supportive and creative
person in our school offering support, help, advice and just being with the
children in a pleasant and loving way. This is how we feel as you bid farewell
to you.
Does
anyone believe that he is 60? Nor his age nor his weight looks like 60.
Evergreen hero, ever smiling super personality
is our Benna Dhattu.
I
am very sure that all of us know very well that Veigas sir has a very likable
air about him. He is a very much amiable amongst the teachers, office staff,
parents and the students of this school. Whenever he passes by anyone, he would be the first person
to express his greetings while smiling from ear to ear. That is why he is seen
as one of the most humble and cheerful persons that I have ever met.
Everyone in this room knows that you don't go into teaching
to make a lot of money - - people become teachers to make a difference to the
students that are in their class, to teach them that they can accomplish their
goals and become whoever they want to be in this world. He had few extraordinary
qualities – DEVOTION to his duty,
DISCIPLINE within himself, so as to inculcate the same in students and
DETERMINATION to excel. He was always willing to take up challenges. He has
never die attitude andhe is always there to help anyone who came to him.
Teaching was his Passion and he did that with full commitment. Veigas showed that you can make a difference in a student's
life by the day to day things you do for them. Those small things work together
to make a big difference in the lives of others. Sometimes the hardest part
about teaching is just getting the students involved and interested in
learning. Veigas sir never had that problem
Veigas was always available to help his students be
successful. Even at the end of a long day, he would volunteer his time to stay
after school to meet with small groups of students who needed extra help.
The fact that so many of his old students came
to greet him for his birthday speaks
volume of his good qualities. He was not only a teacher, he was guide, friend ,
philosopher, brother to his colleagues,
and father to his students. His ever smiling nature attracted everyone. He was
and is always cheerful and brought a lot of joy and happiness in the staff room
and in the school. Children go to him any time , argue and quarrel with him as
if they quarreld with their beloved parents. Such was his relationship with the
students. He is a no nonsense person. When the children were wrong, he would
call them, guide them , reason with tthem. He took so many special classes for
the students. He taught, nurtured ,guided, encouraged and motivated his
students to do better. He also took a lot of trouble in preparing catechism
class for the Xth standard students.
Veigas has been an amazing teacher, but he is also a great
colleague and friend. He has been our "go-to" person when we have had
questions or needed ideas. Heck, after 34 years of teaching you better have some
knowledge to share!
And in the staffroom, without him,
there was no life and no fun. He was our punch bag. Everyone would tease him
and he would accept it with a great smile. He loved making tea for the staff.
He is an expert. I don’t know much about
his cooking skills but he can take over the kitchen at home. It is really
difficult to fill the void created by your retirement.
When I think of Veigas, I'm reminded of the following quotation by
John Steinbeck.
"I have
come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist, and that there are as
few as there are any other great artists. Teaching might even be the greatest
of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit."
Mr Veigas, you are one of the great artists of the teaching
profession. You have made a lasting impression on the world through the lives
of the students you have taught. Thank you and happy retirement!
Dear Veigas, may I end this speech with the
following qualities of yours,
Teacher, role model, mentor
and friend -
Ever present you have touched the lives of so many.
Always encouraging, always dignified
and always a presence,
Challenging us all to reach higher
and to strive further ...
Honoring the ideal to work hard and
play straight.
Endless hours preparing,
supporting, motivating, guiding -
You, the catalyst for so many young
people actualizing their dreams!
Remember you ? We always will.
Emulating your example - a goal worth aspiring to.
And so today we say goodbye and thank
you ...
In the years that lie ahead ...
Recall us fondly,
Embrace the exciting challenges that
await you,
Make the most of each day - a lesson
you taught so well to so many.
Finally, embrace the knowledge that
you,
have left a lasting legacy,
you have shaped and molded brilliant
minds,
you have guided compassionate souls
and generous spirits ...
All of whom will create the
cornerstones of the tomorrows still to come.
May the good Lord bless you.
May He walk with you in your journey.
Thank you. May you have a happy
retired life.
