The centenary celebrations of the founder of Institute of Instruction High School, Late Professor Vinayak Givaji Matmo were held recently. The black box of Kala Academy was packed with his ex-students, relatives, family and well-wishers.
The effective education that he inculcated in his students is seen bearing fruit with several students attaining laurels. Among a few prominent connoisseurs in respective fields were Dr Ramesh Dhume, Adv Manohar Usgaonkar, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, etc.
Ms Shashikala Kakodkar, ex-chief minister of Goa who was the chief guest for the function, garlanded the photo of Professor Matmo and began the programme with the lighting of the traditional lamp. The current students of the institute sang the invocation song to commemorate the birth centenary of Late Matmo.
Speaking at the occasion, Ms Shashikala Kakodkar says, “He was a genius human being, who never made any comparisons and always treated everyone equally.”
Dr Ramesh Dhume in his address said, “The four luminaries from Goa have been commemorating their centenary celebrations this year namely, poet- late B B Borkar, musician- late Jaikrishna Bhatikar, late Bausaheb Bandodkar and Professor Matmo.”
He further reminisces, “When we were students of Professor Matmo we never referred to any textbook. In fact, the notes that he would give us were enough to score high marks in any exam. I am indebted to his style of teaching and fatherly approach. He was a man of great humility.”
Trustee of the Institute, Mr Vallab said, “The school was established on June 14, 1933 and has completed 77 years.” Later, he spoke on Prof Matmo, “Prof Matmo was passionate about science, space, geometry, literature, mathematics and art.”
Earlier Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, president of Tiatr Academy and ex-student of institute of instruction said, “It has been nearly 30-35 years that Prof Matmo left us. He was a man whose doors were always open for any kind of student. Such personalities should be remembered. A biography on the life of Prof Matmo would be a great way to pay tribute to a great man and a treasure to pass on to the next generation.”
Addressing the gathering, Adv Manohar Usganokar, guest of honour at the function said, “Prof Matmo was an angel in disguise. He played the role of teacher as well as guide. He always gave courage and confidence to achieve success in life.”
Similarly, many other students also shared their experiences and the entire hall was filled with nostalgia. Other dignitaries present included Ms Shakuntala Bharne, trustee of Institute of Instruction, Adv Manohar Usgaonakar, Ms Shashikala Kakodkar, Mr Manguirish Pai Raikar and Dr Rajan Dhume.
