Professors Prudent and Profound

George Kurien Mathew, or GKM Sir as he was affectionately known to his students, and the love of my student life! Known for his brilliant wit, humour and tongue-in-cheek remarks, GKM Sir was one more remarkable ‘teacher-professor’ who raised the bar of ‘learning for life’ in the department of English at MCC! After doing my Intermediate at Maris Stella, one of the best women’s colleges in AP, I was a trifle self-conscious and sensitive, though bold, when I came into MCC. My first GKM class ended in a disaster, with me sobbing my heart out. And why? Because when GKM Sir asked me to introduce myself, I rattled off my info at such break-neck speed that elicited this remark, “Beatrice is like Buffalo Bill” from him. The ignoramus that I was, I thought he was ascribing buffalo traits to me, not knowing he was teasing my super speedy monologue delivery! That was the start of lifelong love for this ‘wonder-full’ gentleman-teacher, whose thoughts and words worked in perfect harmony, punctuated with oodles of humour, wit and wisdom, to create magic in his classes! GKM Sir was our Shakespeare man, and even sang a song or two of the Plays he taught, just as we gave up all hope of him singing, after it appeared our entreaties fell on deaf ears. 

Once, in the middle of one of his lectures, GKM Sir took a detour, describing for us the Victorian women who were characterized by incredibly slim waists (13-inch) with skirts that billowed out covering, according to Sir, half an acre of ground! Of course, there were loud exclamations of astonishment from us! It was exaggeration personified, and meant to be. But that was not all…, GKM Sir dramatized the slim waists by putting his hands on his hips, saying, “13-inch, like mine”, to which I immediately let out an ‘aaaah’, shaking my head in the negative (I don’t need to tell you now that Sir’s was far from a 13-inch waist). Without missing a beat GKM Sir simply, and oh, so innocently said, “Why, Beatrice, when did you put your arms around me to know how much I measure,” much to the amusement of the class, and my discomfiture! Chatting with GKM Sir (after I had joined Lady Doak College), on the corridor leading to the then MCC library, he enquired whether I had met a nice young man to settle down with, and when I replied in the negative, this is what my GKM Sir had to say, “Beatrice, you are too good to be put on the shelf!” Exaggeration, teasing, term it what you may; but to me, it is a loving father cajoling his daughter to think about her future. GKM Sir wrote me a beautiful letter expressing his disappointment at not being able to attend my wedding to “this gem of a man” (Sir’s words)!

When our time was up to head back to Madurai, we decide to go to GKM Sir’s house to bid him goodbye. Known for my impulsive and demonstrative ways, my best friend, Melwin cautioned me to wait till the car stopped before I ran to hug my dear GKM Sir. But would you believe it? As we neared the vicinity of Sir’s house, we saw him outside his gate, on the road, waiting with his arms open wide. Well, I’m sure you kind of know me by now… I was out in a trice and enveloped in Sir’s warm and loving embrace. Holding the two of us, GKM Sir led us into his house, for what was possibly our last meeting… for hard on the heels of my Bhat Sir’s demise came my GKM Sir’s.

My MCC abounded with exceptional, intellectual, honourable Professors.  And every one of them a Gentleman who treated every student with respect and dignity. These ‘teacher-professors’ were all unique, completely committed to their Calling, giving us students, a truly immersive learning experience. With a grateful and thankful heart, I am proud to say that “I was a part of MCC; now MCC is a part of me, thanks to all my beloved Professors: Prudent and Profound!”