I come from Hyderabad/Sind, now Pakistan. Growing up, we lived
from hand to mouth, but I had scholarships and got a free
education all the way.
What is your professional background?
As a principal and educational administrator. I went to school
in Hyderabad/Sind and was trained first as a teacher. I got
my BEd from Undaipur (Rajisthan ) and M.ED from Delhi University.
What other positions have you occupied?
I was a founder member of the Yoga Foundation of Indonesia,
the Indonesia-India Friendship Association, the Eye Bank
Indonesia (as liaison for foreign countries), President of
Sri Aurobindo Society Jakarta, the Gandhi Memorial Foundation
and the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation. I really enjoyed being
involved in the Indonesian-India Friendship Association and
the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation.
How did you come to live and work in Bali?
To help the refugees from the riots of 1998 in Indonesia.
I was invited to come to Bali to open a school for the refugees‚
children. I have myself been a refugee from Sind, Pakistan
so I know how refugees feel and what they are up against.
That’s why I came to help the refugees‚ children
here in Bali, opening a school for these kids based on what
their families could pay.
How long have you been involved in the Taman Rama School?
From the very beginning in 1998. At that time, Bali’s
international schools were overcrowded and a school like ours
was sorely needed.
What is the educational philosophy behind the Taman Rama School?
Ahimsa (non-violence), character building (moral education),
religious tolerance and the unity of mankind.
Are there other Taman Rama Schools?
Not yet in Bali, but we hope to have more in Indonesia. There’s
a Gandhian school in the Pasar Baru area of Jakarta. I was
the principal there from 1957 to 1993. I am also the founder
principal of the Gandhi International School in Ancol from
1989 to 1993.
What makes the Taman Rama School different from other schools
offering the same program?
The school is for all religions. We teach according to the
child’s faith, though we do not influence the religion
of a person. We also emphasis the non-violent approach in
our activities. We use some non-violent based techniques and
facilities to discipline the students such as providing a
meditation room for all religions. When a child makes a mistake
he is sent there for introspection. He is punished by way
of a fasting. That just means he omits a meal or keeps silent
for a few hours.
In your mind, what is unique about the school?
To produce citizens with a good civic sense and non-violent
character. We believe that all religions were created for
the good of mankind. Speak no evil, see no evil and hear no
evil are our guiding factors.
How much is the English language emphasized in the curriculum?
70% in the regular classes and 95% in the English classes.
Indonesian is the school’s second language.
Is your school environment different from other kindergarten
12th Standard schools?
Our approach is more family-style. No physical punishment
is meted out. To build up the personality of the child, more
emphasis is placed on co-curricular activities.
Is there a typical parent whose children attend the school?
Parents are mixed race, Chinese and Balinese who wish to eventually
send their children abroad to Australia, India, USA, UK as
well as to the state universities of Indonesia.
Do the extra curricular activities such as sports and clubs
play a big part in the culture of the school?
Sports and cultural activities play a very big part in our
school: football, basketball, badminton, swimming, ping pong,
athletics and other types of sports. We also offer a lot of
cultural activities such as drama, dance, music, painting,
singing, and celebrate all the Balinese festivals of Bali
including Indonesian Day.
Has the school won any honors?
While I was the principal, we were awarded Peace Messenger
by the UNO in New York. We were the first school in Asia or
Africa to receive this distinctive honor. It is recognition
that we are promoting peace in the world.
What do you like best about your job?
I like producing healthy minds. Bali is very peaceful and
receptive to the ideals of Gandhian and Pancasila philosophy.
The Balinese belief in the Hindu theory of karma makes it
a self-disciplined community to live and work in.
How does someone learn more about the Taman Rama School?
From our website: www.ytmgandhi.com.
For anyone interested in being considered for Siapa, please
contact : pakbill2003@yahoo.com
Copyright@2005 Al Hickey
You can read all past articles of Siapa at www.BaliAdvertiser.biz
