Sunday, March 1, 2015

FAREWELL TO MR BENEDICT VEIGAS


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.


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