PRAJAL SAKHARDANDE
‘Faati Valunn Palletana’, which literally means looking back or looking at your own past is the latest book by former principal of S. S. Dempo College Of Commerce & Economics, Panaji, and professor of economics Dr. Vaman R. Naik popularly known as Sir V.R. Naik. The author, through his engaging style of penning in Konkani, takes the readers on a chequered journey of his life and times.
It begins in his picturesque village of Saligao in Bardez Taluka where the author narrates anecdotes of his childhood, his ancestral house, his childhood memories and his upbringing in the initial chapters. Being born in the colonial era, he paints a picture sketch of his native verdant village famed for its fox tales and the camaraderie amongst the simple village folks of those bygone days. We then climb up the hill of Monte de Guirim to witness his school days there. It then follows his journey of taking up the vocation of teaching eventually rising in the academic ladder through his interest in his subject (economics) till his retirement from the realm of formal educational institutions that he headed in Goa and Pune.
The author does not claim that this is an autobiography but sporadically makes an attempt in penning his life experiences in the various capacities that he held all through his life.
Having joined the teaching profession, or rather vocation, in 1978 and armed with a rich experience of teaching in Dempo College, first as a professor and then its principal, he guides us through his journey in how to attain perfection in teaching.
He provides a beacon to new entrants to the field of academics and tries to address many of the new challenges that a novice might have to field as an principal or as a teacher or in any other capacity in the field of pedagogy.
Economics being core to his innate interest, he lauds the Father of Economics Adam Smith and provides pointers to make the said discipline interesting. He states categorically that it is the teacher that makes any subject interesting or insipid.
His expertise in career guidance and writing columns on this topic needs to be applauded. His perspective on time management and maintaining amiable interpersonal relations is worthy of note.
The book, running into 253 pages, has an interesting cover that showcases Saligao’s natural and cultural heritage. It is published by Qurate Books Pvt Ltd. The author’s secular outlook, calm and composed and curious temperament runs through this semi-autobiographical work. I would recommend this book to all youngsters and principals that would like to join this erudite vocation of enlightenment and wisdom.
(The writer is a historian and history professor)
