Fr Madern Pereira our past prefect from Guadian Angel High School Hostel.He has a passion of visiting old students at their residence specially hostilities.It is an unique habit which he has been carrying on for as many years as I can remember since 1961.These courtesy visits to as many as possible in the given area not favourites remember I do not recollect any one associated with us as students taking the trouble of home visits and for many times.It is indeed praise worthy exercise of cementing bonds of friendships with past students like no other..It is entirely a good will contact not a fishing tour with ulterior motives His rapport with students has no comparison Most of his life has been spent in missions outside state .But on his holidays these visits were unfailingly regular and consistent..In his younger days I would provide him with my scooter and that made his onward journey more comfortable and easy.Today after a long time he perhaps alighted from a public vehicle.I was inquisite about the stranger who appeared to be in search of someone Indeed he was trying to locate me Only when he spoke to me at my doorstep I realised to my unbelievable surprisec he was Fr Madern It is some years now that I lost touch with him personally as he failed in his pious ritual of home visit After my SSC it was the only way to keep in touch with him Imagine at 92 he can travel solo on a public transport and continue with his avowed exercise It is certainly a novel experience of personally keeping physical contact with students As a teacher myself of longstanding I never even, considered such an en exercise even once in the immediate vicinity.He resides in the home for Pillars Fathers but ventured out against all norms to continue and fulfill his avowed desire.It is simply out of way leave aside of putting into practice.I was simply amazed to see his spirit and enthusiasm as at my age I avoid travel unless absolutely needed The least I could do is to reach him to his destination at Cuncolim where he would contact at least 3 more past students I was worried as he is now forgetful but still very confident I remeber he was a good football player and some rogue hostelites would seek opportunity to hurt him but he was aware of it to be taken for a ride
Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com
