Centenary Celebration of HM Shri T.S.Muthuswamy

Centenary Celebration of HM Shri T.S.Muthuswamy Iyer at SIES High School, Mumbai

December 15, 2012... It was a landmark day of SIES High School, Matunga, Mumbai. Our late HM Shri T. S. Muthuswamy's 100th Birthday!! The event titled 'The Century of Bliss' was organized by the school authorities and I too received an invitation for the same. Around 10 of my 1969 batchmates attended the same. The school hall was overflowing with ex-students, teachers and non-teaching staff. Muthanna's son and daughter-in-law were Guests of Honour!  Seen below is the write-up of the event I shared with my batchmates in our google-group discussion forum!

Also seen below is the poem that I read out during the occasion. Happy that it was received well. 

Our family was known as A.K.Family and we siblings were famous in school, studying well, taking part in all extra-curricular activities and also creating an impression in the minds of many of our teachers. I am proud of SIESHS and of my dear Leela, Padma, Kuttan, Sita and Chandra !! And best of all, our mom who encouraged us so much in singing, dancing, debates, essay, elocution,  and other competitions, drawing and sewing classes etc.

I am also proud of my parents who together made our school life very interesting. My dad encouraged us in perfecting our English language. He also put in the thought of  'enjoying life' and 'keeping healthy' in us. I love my family and my school!

--oo00oo--

Report on the Centenary Celebration of HM Shri T.S.Muthuswamy at SIES High School on 15,12.2012

The centenary celebration of our HM Shri T.S.Muthuswamy started on dot as scheduled. From our batch I met Ganesan,  MBala, Dilip, Krishnamoorthy, Sitha, Kashi with wife Lalitha and Krishna Kumar. (Please add in your response if I missed out anyone).

The program began with a vedic chanting by SIES Nerul 'Veda' students. Then Bombay sisters  - Saroja and Lalitha - who are SIES alumni rendered carnatic vocal songs.... Kanchadalayadaakshi Kaamaakshi; Ramakrishna Govinda Narayana; Maitrei Bhajata.... The songs were sung in their melodious heart-melting voice and the choice of the songs were really good. They then joined the 'speakers' on the stage.

HM Shri T. S. Muthuswamy's son Dr. M. Sriram was seated at the center o the stage. Apart from V. Shankar and Mr. R. Sethuraman of the SIESociety, other ex-students were Dr. Raju Vishwanath (of Parvati Bldg, near our school); Dr. S. R. Ganesh, Mr. R. Sridhar and Bombay Sisters Saroja and Lalitha.

The usual ritual of handing over a 'ponnadai' happened.... Mr. Sethuraman honoured Dr. Sriram.,  our current HM Kalyani did the honours to Saroja and Lalitha and our erstwhile HM Parvathi madam respected Muthanna's daughter-in-law with a 'ponnadai'.

Mr. V. Shankar gave details of various qualities of Shri Muthanna and mentioned how our school progressed under his administration. He mentioned about a new corpus/endowment started in Muthanna's honour and appealed to all those present to contribute liberally for educating the needy.

This was followed by speeches by the other alumni. There was one thing common, every speaker talked about 'Sathyannasthi...' . Everyone thought that though they did not relish 'Muthanna's  stern-ness or his fuss for cleanliness and other qualities so much during school days, they understood the positive impact of such lessons after they left school They had also seen another side of Muthanna which was rarely seen by public in his role as an HM. 

I had written a poem on Shri Muthanna and offered to read the same if there was time. As my name was read out, I took the mike, shared a few of my interactions with  HM which had an impact on me as a tiny kid. Then I was happy to read out the poem I am really happy to have shared such a moment with the crowd, and more so, with his son and wife.

Muthanna's son then spoke about his father, his qualities and peculiarities. It was nice to hear him and to note that he was proud of being there at the function specially in his father's honour. The newly renovated school hall is fully airconditioned and looks elegant. This is being named after Muthanna.

The program culminated with our national anthem. This was followed by lunch which was sumptuous and tasty.Thanks to Dilip who gave me a lift  to the most crowded area in Matunga (I love it!) !!

The school had a videographer and a photographer to cover the event. There are also pictures clicked from my camera and Kashi's, apart from Ganesan's handset. Ravi will have the job of collating and uploading whenever he gets them:-)

Shanta

--oo00oo—

In Memory of our Head Master 

Shri. T. S. Muthuswamy (aka Muthanna)

(On his Centenary Celebration at 

SIES High School, Matunga on 15.12.2012)

On this special event today

A few lines about Shri Muthanna, I say

As he walks nearby..... you STOP,

Nothing but attention, you pay !!

With  respect, fear or even awe?

Feelings mixed, you stand

Listen intently n follow what is said          

His wish is your command!

As I remember our HM those days

One might  think he is not there

When he nears you, you would know      

He has noticed something somewhere

Students were told to wash our cans       

From which we ate our meal

With fights and fun at the tap counters

 We would wash with great zeal

Because we knew we had to show -         

Open our cans as we pass HM

Sharp eyes, shrewd look, quick to see

Even a grain or dirt, with face grim

Murli would be told to leave the line         

Because his button was undone

Prema will be given a warning       

Because her hair had a loose ribbon

Length of skirts, tear in the uniform,

Upturned collar... all these were seen

The Supervisor would read HM’s look     

Or his nod, as it might have been....

Self discipline, Integrity, Respect to one’s duties

Are lessons I learnt along the way

Stern outside but sincere within   

A great teacher he was,  of the day

His Maths and ‘lessons' are still fresh       

His thoughts -  sharp and clear

There is no one like our Muthanna,

I bow in respect, my dears!!

--oo00oo--

 (Written and read out by Shanta Ramakrishnan

( SIES1969) at the school during HM T.S.Muthuswamy’s

Centenary Celebration On 15.12.2012)

(c) Shanta Ramakrishnan