Paathshaala (2010)

Nana Patekar: Principal Aditya Sahay

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Quotes 

• Principal Aditya Sahay : Imparting education. It's such a noble profession but, the people who come in this profession, the teachers, they are paid the least. When there are no choices left, then people come here with the intention of becoming a teacher, it feels bad. In our times, when children come to the merit list then, students choose only two professions: a doctor and an engineer. But I know that this profession, a teacher, would always attract me. I always felt that I would get a chance to create a new generation. One lifetime is less for such a job. I didn't want to share my sorrows. That's why I never married. And if marry what happens I would have two children, today I have so many children. Today I know everyone by their names. Who is more mischievous. But, when you all grow up, your looks change, you grow moustaches, you dress differently, sometimes I go somewhere, someone comes and touches my feet, I ask him "Who are you?", then he says "Sir, I'm of the '86 batch of Saraswati Vidya Mandir". "I'm in the army now", "I'm the owner or a manager of a company", it feels very nice, very proud, what more do you want from it? I never considered this a business. It has always been a profession for me. This is how I believe. Today, this profession has become a business. A commercialization is spread everywhere. There is competition, everything should be upgraded, whether your opinions upgrade or not, but the school has to be upgraded. Unfortunately, I have to say that our parents too are getting attracted to such things. It's true that there should be some amenities, but this is a school, not a five-star hotel.

• Principal Aditya Sahay : I joined this school 32 years ago. At that time, there were 30-35 schools. And we were at the top that time. Now there are 350-400 schools. And where are we now?

  Vijendra Chauhan : [raising his hand a little]  Sir, even today our school is remembered in history. We're one of the best in academics, sir.

  Principal Aditya Sahay : I don't like people who talk about history. I believe in future.

• [Rahul at Principal's office on his first day] 

  Principal Aditya Sahay : [Looking at Rahul's cerificates]  Your experience and certificates are greater than your age. It's your first job but I know that you'll do it well.

  Rahul Prakash Udyavar : Thank you, sir. Really means a lot coming from you. I promise I won't let you down.

  Principal Aditya Sahay : [Looking at another paper]  Professor Dixit was saying that you have an interest in music.

  Rahul Prakash Udyavar : It's just a hobby.

  Principal Aditya Sahay : Turn your hobby into a profession. The school needs a music teacher as well.

  Rahul Prakash Udyavar : If you don't mind, sir, I never saw music from a commercial angle. And teaching music is something I'm really not sure about, and things which I'm not sure about, I don't do it.

  Principal Aditya Sahay : Talking like the rebels. You belong to an era of revolution.

  Rahul Prakash Udyavar : [laughs]  Sir, revolution doesn't belong to an era, it can happen anytime, anywhere, anyhow. Right sir?

  Principal Aditya Sahay : Well said.