Ms. Keshwer we will miss you

It was 1st Dec. 1993. I had come to attend an interview at the Academy. I was a little tense sitting outside the office; waiting for a Call from than Principal Mam. Saldhana.

After a while I noticed a pretty lady in a decent western outfit, coming from the stairs, her contrast bright red and white dress was giving her a very graceful look.

After reporting to Ms. Angela (office staff) she quietly came and sat on the same bench.

I guessed that she also might have come for interview. After a formal greeting I simply enquired about her. Cheerfully she introduced herself as Keshwer Fatakia, came for the interview and takes English, SS, and French. mean while sitting there she laughingly narrated that how she got confused to find the right location of Boys Academy, then how a Taxiwala helped her. The conversation made me little relaxed and tensed free that day one by one we both gave our interviews.

later we both got selected to serve the Boys Academy. This was my first meeting with Ms Keshwer Fatakia.

than we worked together for 20 yrs, i didn’t realise how these all years passed.

She was quite popular among the boys as a colleague we have lots of memories. She had a very innocent and honest approach towards life she used to share most of the incidents of her life with the staff members .

I remember if Keshwer Ms. is coming towards Master room means sure she has something funny to share with us. She never came with empty bags, while going back quietly she used to keep a packet of snacks for everyone.

I know that she was also quite fond of eating a variety of snacks but she never forgot to treat others.

Those days Drama day used to a big event in Academy. English Opera, Hindi/ Marathi Drama, Dance, filler Items means most of the students used to take part in it.

Teachers were allotted duties according to their subjects but Ms. Keshwer willingly used to opt for Marathi Drama, Being an English French teacher she always used to prefer to be with Mr. Dias and Mr.D'Cruz for Marathi language Drama.

I remember during Sports preparation at the ground while Marching practice she was always ahead with boys, very proudly she used to tell “ Listen I was in Scout Girls guide Captain in my school ”. She had health issues, we know she was not comfortable for a long walk but she never made any excuses about it. always ready for the service.

She worked for 20 yrs in Academy later she left the school due to her health issues. But she was in constant touch with all of the staff and most of the students.

Until last week she was in touch with most of us she was not keeping well, even in her sickness two days back she sent a voice msg. informing about Miss Terry's wellness, hearing her voice I noticed that she is not well, I advised her to look after herself, at this stage too she was a concern for friends.

This type of approach she had for others, always smiling, thinking for others.

Ms. Keshwer we will miss you always.

Mukhtar Khan (Staff)

Ms. Keshwer spelt with a ‘wer’ often told her students who misspelt her name with a ‘war’ that there was no ‘war’ in her name. Yes Ms. Keshwer always stood for peace, she was an eternal optimist, a much loved teacher, a fine friend, a great colleague, who was a team player and generous to a fault as giving gifts and treats gave her great joy and she celebrated every occasion.

Ms. Keshwer joined St. Xavier’s Boys’ Academy a year after I did and our friendship grew as we worked together and shared our joys and sorrows.

Infact we would giggle and say that we would hang our boots together too as we share the same year of birth, but God has his own plans.

Ms. Keshwer did a great job as honorary Jt. Secretary of PASTOR for 10 years and I was appointed the same after she resigned from St. Xavier’s Boys, Academy because of failing health.

I thank God for the gift of Ms. Keshwer to St Xavier’s Boys Academy and to all of us. Rest in peace my dearest Keshwer. Gone too soon but your memories will always be cherished.

Ms. Monica