A Tribute to ‘A GREAT TEACHER’- Prof I Chikkappa Rai- St Aloysius Mourns His Demise!

A Tribute to ‘A GREAT TEACHER’- Prof I Chikkappa Rai- St Aloysius Mourns His Demise!

This Tribute article also incorporates the proceedings of the Public Condolence Meeting held by the Management and Staff of St Aloysius College at the College Auditorium on 10 March 2018.

Mangaluru: “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” had said William Arthur Ward-and for that matter, I can say that Professor Inchlampady Chikkappa Rai falls in the “Great Teacher” category- and there’s absolutely no doubt about it. It’s true that students learn best from gifted teachers who are knowledgeable and caring. Students need instructors/lecturers/teachers who present information in a clear and organized manner and who have the ability to explain things in alternate ways that reach students with various learning styles. Biology teachers need characteristics that are common to all good teachers, but, in addition, they need additional qualities specific to their chosen subject area. And our beloved Prof. Chikkappa Rai had all these qualities, when it came to teaching his students.

Good teachers are dynamic, patient, understanding and caring. They enjoy the company of young people/students and have the ability to see things from various points of view. They know how to explain concepts in several different ways depending upon the needs of their students. Their sense of humor helps them put troublesome situations into perspective. They are enthusiastic about teaching and they transmit their enthusiasm to their students, making even the boring appear interesting. And especially Biology/Botany teachers are knowledgeable about science in general, and about the characteristics of animal and plant life, in particular. They are lifelong learners who continue to keep current with the latest news, discoveries, and research results. They have an insatiable curiosity about life and a genuine interest in the natural world. And Prof. Rai also had all these qualities in him.

Apart from that Prof. I Chikkappa Rai Biology was enthusiastic, positive and encouraging. He possessed the ability to see and transmit big-picture concepts-he paid keen attention to detail on the subject he taught. Yes, Great science teachers—and all great teachers for that matter—and among them all was Prof. I Chikkappa Rai, whom I had a close association with during my Final year B Sc at St Aloysius College-Mangaluru in the year 1982-83. Even though he was my Botany lecturer during my two year PUC and also, I and II B SC (CBZ)- but our intimate association began during my IIIrd year B Sc, when I was the Secretary of Biology Association; and also the secretary of Co-Life association- and that year Prof. Rai was a “Mentor” and a “Guide” more than a Teacher. For any simple clarification I need on the Biology/Botany subject I used to run to him- and he had helped me a lot when we used to post articles related to Botany on our Co-Life Magazine Board.

I feel little embarrassed to say now that a bunch of us during our B Sc college days, comprising of Four Bunts namely Umesh Shetty, Prakash Shetty, Pradeep Shetty, Sathish Rai, and one ‘Porbu’ (myself) were kind of naughty then- if Prof. Rai’s class started at the beginning of the day (morning), we all used to go late to his class ( we used to sit and chat at “Mangli’s Sugarcane Juice shop till then)- and when we all enter, Sir Rai used to say, “Here come the Pancha Pandavaru. Either you all come in time to learn, or you all go to ….??”. But his anger would never last long- at the end of the class he used to come and joke with us- and chat with my Bunt classmates in Tulu language. Indeed Prof. Rai was a gem of a person- and by his death, he is sadly missed.

Few days before I left to the USA in March 1990, I visited him at his office in the St Aloysius Botany Department, and when I told him that I was going to the US for better prospects, he quickly replied, “Why in the world you want to go to America, when you can do much here and for India. But anyways, now that you already planned to go I can’t stop you, but do come back to India after few years.”- and he hugged and wished me luck. And yes, when I returned back to Mangaluru after 23 years, what a coincidence- I ran into Prof. Chikkappa Rai, while he was socializing with his family and friends at Kanara Club, Kadri-Mangaluru. But sadly, he couldn’t recognize me, but after introducing in details etc, he finally remembered a bit- and had a smile on his face. And I felt great to meet my teacher aka mentor after a couple of decades.

As I could remember Rai Sir always took pride in being as good a teacher to his students. I really, really mean it. He loved the Botany subject that he taught, and he taught it in the right way in his own style which did work for his students.Sometimes he felt free to develop his own curriculum, lessons, and his teaching methods. Many a time he was very creative. He was a role model for many of us. His death at the age of 84, when he breathed his last on Thursday, 8 March- is a life that he had cherished with lots of accomplishments and achievements, that we all should admire, rather be sad of his death. He lived a ‘great life’ as a ‘Great teacher’. May his soul Rest in Peace!

Prof. I. Chikkappa Rai (84), former Head of the Department of Botany, St. Aloysius College, Mangaluru came from the reputed Ichilampady family, and he is now survived by his wife Shankari Rai, two sons Subodh, an Assistant Director (Purchase) at Nitte Deemed University in the city and Ramchethan, is an Orthodontist based at Kasargod and his daughter Chennamma A Rai (MA Engineering), is a housewife married to Dr Pavan Hegde, HOD of Paediatrics at Fr Muller Hospital-Mangaluru. Prof. I. Chikkappa Rai joined the Department of Botany at St. Aloysius College in the city in 1955 and retired as Head of the Department in 1991. Between 1983 and 1990, he served as Registrar (Evaluations) in the newly formed Mangalore University. The last rites were performed at his residence on Suvarna Road, Kankanady, Mangaluru on Friday, 9 March at 4.30 pm.

At a Public condolence meeting held by the Management and staff of St Aloysius College (Autonomous)-Mangaluru at the College Auditorium on Saturday, 10 March, Prof. I C Rai’s Close associates, friends, colleagues, admirers, students and well-wishers attended. Dr M Narahari-Registrar of St Aloysius College welcomed the gathering and gave a brief profile of Prof. I C Rai. Chinmay-II BSc student of St Aloysius college rendered three songs paying sentimental tributes to the departed soul of Prof Rai. Fr Leo D’Souza SJ- Former Rector and Principal of St Aloysius College, Prof Sunny Tharappan-Former English Lecturer, SAC; Brigadier I. N. RAI (Nephew of Prof IC Rai) and Edmond Frank- Former SAACA President spoke and paid tributes to Prof Rai, with their kind words of wisdom.

While paying my last tribute to my beloved Botany lecturer Prof. I Chikkappa Rai, I also asked a few people who were closely associated with Prof. Rai, and this is what they had to say- and also the tribute paid by few others at the Condolence Meeting.”

Fr Leo D’Souza Sj -Former Principal St Aloysius College, Mangaluru:

“Inchilampady Chikkappa Rai was one of the most revered Professors of St Aloysius College. As Principal of the College, and at the same time a member of the Department of Botany, it was a privilege and a matter of satisfaction for me to work with him as the Head of the Department of Botany. ‘I C Rai’, as he was popularly known, was a man of great qualities of mind and heart. His students loved and respected him for his profound knowledge of the subject but much more for his graphic and lively presentation of an otherwise ‘un-interesting’ subject. His strong point was his discipline both in his personal life as well in his dealings with others. However, it was a discipline laced with justice. As a teacher and later as the Controller of Examinations at the Mangalore University, he was known to give a person a chance to be listened to before passing any judgment. In the passing away of I C Rai, all his past students and his colleagues have lost a great friend and mentor. May his soul rest in peace.”

Dr M Narahari- Registrar, St Aloysius College (Autonomous)-Mangaluru:

“Day before yesterday when I went to meet him, he was with intense emotions struggling to speak by holding my hand and he wouldn’t leave. I can only imagine what went through his mind and even on his deathbed, he was signalling his daughter to take care of us. Today he is very peacefully lying with no emotions in his journey to the next world. A man of principles, I Chikkappa Rai led an exemplary life inspiring many youngsters. I was one of the beneficiaries in the 70s and 80s of his affectionate ways of inspiring junior colleagues by completely disregarding his aristocratic background. I was fascinated by his courage of frank speaking, his conviction of upholding the values which he held high and the friendly hand extended to many young teachers who were groping in a challenging environment. As a person, Chikkappa Rai was never carried away irrespective of the positions he adorned such as senior botany teacher, a senator in Mangalore University, president of teachers’ association or Registrar (Evaluation). I had many memorable nostalgic moments with him. I C Rai was not an ordinary character but a man of substance. Farewell Sir, You were my Mentor!”

Prof Sunny Tharappan- Former Lecturer in English, St Aloysius College :

“Me and Prof. I C Rai had a very good relationship, and he cared about me a lot. I used to call him by “Chikkappanna”, and we were in close touch. Prof rai always understood others-he was always committed to the students and people. It’s nice to note that his three kids took good care of him during his last stage in life. The first time I met him at St Aloysius College was the greatest moment in my life, and I still cherish it. He was a gentle person, courteous, friendly and very understanding. He was a classic human being, and he is an inspiration for all of us. Let his inspiration cherish us with fond memories of Pro IC Rai. May his soul Rest In Peace”

Prof Edmund Frank- Former President of SAACA:

“My connection with Prof I C Rai started during the years 1955-56 when he had just taken up his teaching post at St Aloysius College. Prof rai was a gem of a person, always friendly, ready to help anyone, and he made everyone feel easy when they met him. He was a mentor for many of us, including his students. While in college he had developed a close rapport with other colleagues and the management. We all should follow in his footsteps, and admire the life he lived for 84 years”.

Brigadier I N Rai (Ex-Serviceman/Nephew of Prof I C Rai):

“I loved and respected my Uncle very dearly. He was a role model for me in many ways. I can say that Uncle I C Rai had a unique teaching style, and students loved it. He was a caring father, a good friend, and a good teacher. His legacy will still live in the hearts of many whom he touched and will remember him forever. My Uncle was a great source of inspiration for me, and I always admired his simple lifestyle and his friendly nature. Sadly missed”

I also asked two of my friends at St Aloysius college then -Dr Ravishankar Rao, my college mate; and Prof. (Dr) Rajshekar M.,- and they had sent their words of wisdom on Prof. I C Rai: Director- Curriculum Development, Nitte University

Prof. (Dr) Rajshekar M., (former student of Prof. I C Rai) Director- Curriculum Development, Nitte University:

“Prof. I Chikkappa Rai was a teacher par excellence, an able administrator and a fine human being. Being his student for five years, he was instrumental in inculcating values and inspired me to take up teaching. As a registrar evaluation of Mangalore University, he brought credibility and respect to the examination section of the University which then also had medical, dental and engineering colleges under its affiliation. The processes and procedures he implemented have stood the test of time. I offer my respectful homage to him and his work itself is the greatest tribute to him”.

Dr Ravishankar Rao- Professor of English/Director of the International Centre at Mangalore University:

“Chikkappa Rai-there’s only one word to describe him: Redoubtable! When I was a student of St Aloysius, I found him Approachable, Disciplined, and Forthright. He would not mince words and always speak straight from the shoulder. I later knew him as Controller of Exams at Mangalore University in the early 90’s., where he established a formidable reputation for integrity and timely schedules.. What I admired him was, he always spoke up for the truth and against injustice. He’s gone now, but his legacy remains to inspire us.”