Fwd: HUMAN INTEREST STORY-- 50--FATHER SCHOCH
Agnelo D'Souza
Rev. Father Rudolf Robert Schoch SJ needs no introduction. Thousands of his
students all across the world would be pleased to note that his 100th Birth
Anniversary was on 27th Sept 2013.
Fr. Schoch – the educationist par excellence – was an outstanding teacher,
basically because he was a great, kind and benevolent human being. He had this
rare quality of love for humanity and the inclination to do good for others.
Born in Basel, Switzerland on September 27, 1913, he completed his schooling at
St. Gaulle and Stella Matutina in Feldkirch (Austria). After his graduation
from St Ballen–Perugia, he entered the Society of Jesus at Tisis (Feldkirch) in
1932, when he was not yet 19 years. He studied philosophy for six years at
Berchmans Kolleg, Germany and came to India in 1938. In India he continued his
studies, learning Marathi and Sanskrit for a year. He studied theology in Pune
from 1942 for three years.
During the Second World War, the German Priests were sent to concentration
camps and the Swiss Jesuits had to take their places. He was ordained a priest
on 20th March, 1945. From 1946-48, he taught at a school at Dehu Road. In 1948,
he became Principal of Dnyanamata Vidyalaya at Sangamner, Ahmednagar district –
the first Marathi secondary school – a post he held for four years. He was
already speaking fluent Marathi and he was granted citizenship.
Between 1957 and 1966, he was Principal of St. Vincent’s High School. He was
instrumental in wide-ranging reforms, including construction of new buildings
with large labs and audio-visual facilities and increasing the number of
playgrounds.
In one of his rare interviews, Fr. Schoch said that after Independence, the
Poona Mission had felt the need to establish a new school in Poona, as St.
Vincent's was the only large English Medium School of the Society of Jesus.
Once at a tea party at the Governor's place, he met Dr. Venkataraman, the then
Director of N.C.L., who suggested that he consider some land near N.C.L. as a
site for the school. Fr. Schoch finally selected the site. The
Architect-in-charge was an old student of Fr. Schoch. Some people were generous
with donations especially Mr. Homi Irani and Mr. Kanga. What Fr. Schoch really
appreciated were the small donations like Rs. 10/-, Rs. 50/-, etc which were
really precious ones He received foreign aid too, from the Swiss and German
Governments. In 1952, Fr. Schoch had helped the Germans to start courses in
Poona University and in founding of the Max Mueller Bhavan; they reciprocated
by helping Loyola.
Fr. Schoch was Principal of Loyola from 1966 to 1973. He was then again
Principal of St. Vincent’s High School from 1973 for six years. He drew out the
best from both his staff and students. He exercised authority as Principal, at
the same time supporting his staff and entrusting responsibility. He would
strive to solve the teachers’ and students’ difficult class and domestic
problems, visiting them in their homes and strengthening his rapport with them.
The secret of his success as an administrator was partly due to his toiling at
nights studying the boys’ reports in different standards, finding out ways to
improve their performance.
He would read the rules and regulations of the Maharashtra S S C Board and the
Education Department with a keen critical eye and would advise the several
school administrators who sought his advice. Both Pune University and the
Maharashtra School Board recognized his expertise and he was Member of the
Senate of the University and a Member of the Academic Council of the
Maharashtra School Board for 14 years. He was also Vice President of and
Secretary to the Poona Schools Athletics Association for 12 years and an
honorary Rotarian for 14 years.
Fr. Schoch is well remembered for teaching German and Civics. He was also a
writer. His much acclaimed book ‘Civics and Indian Administration’ was
prescribed as a Maharashtra School Text Book for several years. He also
authored ‘God on Weekdays’.
Fr. Schoch reiterated “The crime that the government commits is that they give
a very low salary to teachers. In advanced countries, teachers enjoy an
honoured place in society and earn a good salary; but not in India. In the land
of the 'Guru', teachers are neglected. A nation that believes in its future
should believe in education”. How very true!
Fr. Schoch said that he studied Shankaracharya. He read books on Advaita. He
was also interested in Tukaram and translated 39 of his poems to German.
Fr. Schoch made a very pertinent point on fairness and justice. He said that
all his teachers were good, but one of them, Fr. Peter influenced him more than
anyone else. If he had become a good Principal, it was primarily due to him.
Fr. Schoch stated, “I saw the necessity of fairness and justice because he was
very unjust to me. We learn as much from our bad teachers as from the good”.
Another important point to be noted is what he stated about his mother – he
said his mother had a great respect for her children.
Fr. Schoch would always advise his students saying, “Do your utmost; love God
and people, giving yourselves to them. Then you will really enjoy life and have
many friends”.
Fr. Schoch, who was an institution by himself, motivated us students to strive
and excel in all fields and to play the game in the right spirit. His was an
endeavour to provide holistic education to his students, by building character
and inculcating ethical conduct in us. This speaks volumes for his dedication
and commitment to high moral values, which helped him make gentlemen out of his
boys and make them responsible citizens of this great country.
He said “Naturally I fell in love with India. In addition to Poona, I also
spent many years in Sangamner. I am grateful to India for having given me a
chance to do a good job. A job I would not have been able to do anywhere else.
God has been kind to me”. Two thoughts that constantly came up in his mind
during his last days in Shrirampur were “my Mother and Pune”.
For the thousands of students, teachers, parents, non-teaching staff and other
people who were fortunate to be acquainted with him, he was the motivating
spirit behind some of the finest schools in India. A man of strong principle
and belief, Fr. Schoch is no more, but he continues to live in the hearts of
all his students.
PPR
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