Into the mind of India’s Revolutionary Educationist
If I were asked to describe my school life in just one word, my reply will be “eventful.” I studied in a school where extra-curricular was way more important than academics, where opportunities to learn, to experiment, to explore were in abundance. The entire academic year we were encouraged to strive for excellence and the ultimate appreciation was from the man who designed this ecosystem, the man behind creating this immersive learning experience throughout India, my dearest mentor and the Founder Chairman of Ryan Group of Institutions Dr AF Pinto.
Growing up I never realize that we were a part of a revolution led by a revolutionary educationist. We have fond memories of being schooled in Ryan Group but I can also recall the resistance by parents and teachers complaining about too many activities, but that didn't deter Dr Pinto from staying true to his vision for all-round development of every Ryanite.
Over the years, I have realized the magnitude of his vision. It makes me believe education as a tool for transformation, that such kind of social transformation begins with a single obsessive individual who envisions a new solution, takes the initiative to act on that vision, who gathers resources to build the organization to protect and market that vision, who provides the energy and sustained focus to keep strengthening and broadening that vision until that idea becomes a norm. Today, in the knowledge economy, experiential learning is the new norm in all schools after the democratization of information, but Dr Pinto will continue to remain the pioneer of experiential learning in India for touching and transforming lives of so many ryanites who continue to have a competitive advantage in the 21st Century.
Recently I had the opportunity to spend quality time with my dearest Chairman Sir at the Ryan Group HQ. After being warmly greeted by him as I sat, I just had one thing on my mind which I finally asked him.
Vision
Rahul: Sir, in an age defined by change, the competitive advantage for students, is to develop their innate talents and be enthusiastic learners to keep up with the volatile world, I believe this is an opportunity for all the ryanites to thrive and that’s possible only because of your vision and farsightedness. How did this vision come to you?
He ponders and offers a profoundly honest and poignant answer
Chairman Sir: Passion whispers to you through your feelings and that feeling makes you restless. I vividly remember when I came to Mumbai and was looking for a job. I had the opportunity to join a school in the suburbs led by Mrs Sequira and I was curious about the making of this school and was told the story of how Mrs Sequira went door to door on a bullock cart to encourage families to send their children to her school. I was stunned and inspired to start my own school. I was restless yet determined. I had no resources but God has his way to put those seeds of vision in your mind and you have to take it up and give your all to make that vision into a reality. Now it was up to me to nourish that feeling which will eventually give me lasting contentment and a sense of fulfilment.
Rahul: I marvel at your creation, you have left all of us with something sustainable, your shared vision, your words of wisdom and of course the learning experience that drives our work today. What was your driving force as a young person and your advice to young India?
As I ask a reflective question, Sir’s eyes brighten and smile widen
Chairman Sir: As a young man, I was very ambitious. My Father was very hardworking and my mother always encouraged me to aim for the best. So, after my schooling in Mangalore, I set my sight on the prestigious Loyola College, it was in itself a bold move. My driving force was to be exemplary in everything I do which keeps me going. That continues to be my advice to the 21st century young India to continue to strive for excellence in everything you do. To keep up with this uncertainty of the world and the vicissitudes of life is to clearly define what matters to you the most. All your dreams start from the core, you need to be completely aligned with your vision and your intentions pure combined with your indomitable willingness will continue to fuel you towards your highest good and that vision then manifests into a career which I don’t see as a job but a calling, we all are being called, it takes courage to know oneself and constantly question to find one’s life purpose. Hence, in the digital age practising self-awareness becomes crucial. So, to all the young people know yourself, understand how you can empower yourself, how you can contribute to your nation and the world and emerge as the force if good in the world.
Reflection
Over the years, I believe Chairman Sir’s true calling was to empower people by creating an immersive learning experience. As he spoke about his driving force being exemplary in everything he does, my eyeballs gently go down admiring his impeccable writing indicating the clarity of his thoughts. My analysis of him is simple which continues to drive me. It is his intellectual curiosity and his desire for lifelong learning and his ability to look into the future. As I continue to chat about a series of topics from entrepreneurship to education to capacity building, I see in him a creative powerhouse of knowledge who is truly an encyclopedia as he tells me various historical events with appropriate years.
Finally, as I take his blessings to leave after a quality time. As I walk walk outside his chambers, what I take with me apart from Chairman Sir’s profound wisdom is the image my mind formed of a young man with a childlike curiosity and a sense of wonder driven by a strong sense of purpose. I can’t help but feel grateful for this rare glimpse into his right dominant hemisphere dominant mind which is holistic. which thrives on challenges, which is full of compassion. I can’t help but feel grateful for this conversation and for everything that has enriched my life and lives of thousands of ryanites across India.