As Teacher’s day draws near, I cannot but think of a teacher who had a special effect on my batch mates and me personally. Mr Anthony Menzies was our English teacher in Kohima English School (now Mezhür Higher Secondary School). He was simply known by the students as Sir Anthony. He was born of Scottish father and Mizo mother, married a Kuki, and worked in Nagaland as a teacher at KES/MHSS from 1985 till his untimely death on June 1, 2001. There was something special about Sir Anthony that made him so endearing to the students in general; and in particular to the higher classes, the ones he taught.
His grooming sense was one thing that did not go unnoticed. He was naturally a handsome man but obviously he did not take that for granted. Instead, he doubled that up by always being well groomed. Though it was the policy of the school then for teachers to follow a “formal” dress code, it was also the way he carried himself that made him stand out. Unlike most teachers who appeared quite uncomfortable in shirt, tie and shoes, he always looked at ease in them. And there was his hair. It was always in place no matter how much he shook his head. Maybe it was gelled or maybe it was oiled – we were too naïve to be able to tell the difference! His exterior presentation mirrored his enthusiasm for his teaching profession.
Sir Anthony also had intense eyes that could talk and tell stories. He also involved every relevant body parts in his explanation of lessons, which made his classes so engaging that we actually looked forward to it - as unusual as it sounds. One of the chapters that bring him to my memory is on Jim Corbett who went on a hunt to kill a human-eating tiger. I don’t know if the common British ancestry between our Scottish Sir Anthony and Irish Jim Corbett influenced his passionate style of narration, but it was close to watching a 3D movie or sitting in a late 80’s version of a smart classroom. He took aim with an imaginary gun in his hand, ducked behind the table and modulated his voice to make us think we were actually on a tiger hunt with him and Jim Corbett. All in all, his classes were exhilarating to say the least.
One of the best things about him as a teacher was his firm but gentle disposition. He wouldn’t have us misbehaving at no time, but he also did not throw chalk pieces or dusters at students who were not in their best behavior. He was never verbally rude or abusive to the students. He also never used a stick to spank or his palm to slap. When some students got impish, he would give that disapproving look with sadness in his eyes, shake his head and go on with his teaching. It was a silent, non-violent language that spoke louder than any corporeal punishment. We knew better not to offend him or invite that look a second time.
He was one of the few teachers who socialized with the students during the 30 minutes recess – the only break time between 8:40-2.30. Sometimes he would ask us about our Tiffin. Too shy to get anything out of us about the contents of out homemade tiffin-box, he would playfully peep into it. We giggled and hid our food all the more. Then he himself would leave smilingly and us red-faced. At other times, when our recess snacks were bought from the nearby shops, we were less discreet. And it was those times that he would stop by and converse with us. I think he was a born story-teller. Once he starts his story telling we would be like Oh! Wow! Really?! When he mentioned his acquaintance with some bollywood celebrities (forgot the names), we were awed and started inquiring how…? Where…? When…? He politely answered them without an air of arrogance. And we thought, how cool is this man! On occasions he did not hesitate to let his hair loose. During the farewell event of our batch, he was the only teacher who joined us in an evening of merrymaking and moved to the music; making us very excited.
On a personal note, he is one school teacher who instilled self-confidence in me. I was academically an average student. Like a lot of my fellow classmates during those days, I was horribly weak in Math and science. The few who excelled in the two subjects were also interestingly good in all other subjects. But it was never the other way around; those good in other subjects clearly could be rotten in the two “chink in the armor” subjects. But all hopes were not lost for me. English came to my rescue in the person of Sir Anthony. His knowledge of grammar, his pronunciation, and diction were impeccable and that called for admiration from a lot of students. But to me it was his classes, personal conversations and encouragements that made me take interest in reading English texts and writing.
One recess he came to deliver an exciting news that I, along with a classmate, had received a prize in inter-school essay writing competition. He proudly shared in our excitement. That made me elated because he was out English teacher. He was always there to guide and advise our future participation in writing competitions. I don’t remember winning any more awards for essay contests but I remember and cherish his commitment towards me, the students, and the school. I gradually made peace with myself that I may be weak in Math and Science but I can still pursue an alternative interest – English. This realization prompted me to enjoy not only the subject but the whole of middle and high school years. Likewise, college education became easier compared to many of those who struggled with the medium of instruction and writing – English.
It is not surprising that a teacher could have such significant influence on a student. But as this tribute shows, the role of a teacher can never be underestimated. For a teacher to be appreciated it takes genuine commitment to the profession and sincere rapport with the students. The idea of liking the teacher but not the person or conversely of liking the person but not the teacher is a serious case of misadventure in teaching vocation. Sir Anthony was a teacher who was favored for his full package. He the teacher and he the person were not contradictory. The two identities coalesced perfectly well to make him one of the most favorite teachers of our batch.
His early demise is a huge loss to the generations that came to KES/MHSS after his passing. If it is any consolation, it is for those who have benefitted out of his passion for (English) teaching and has been touched by his kind character to treasure and pass on his legacy whenever and however we can. So that a teacher and a person like sir Anthony will continue to grace the classrooms of Mezhür HSS and all other schools in Nagaland, India and beyond.
