Perpetual Kindness

I am not sure whether Tolstoy had met a persona such as Nithya Cherian Mathai, but it seems that Tolstoy referred to him. Unfailingly kind, I remember him teaching us to be gentle with everybody and everything around us: our friends, the staff, the helpers, the trees, stray dogs and plants.

Teenaged children can be complete menaces. I am almost amazed that he hardly ever lost his temper with us.

He gently encouraged those of us who showed an interest in working hard. He gave us books to read, engaged us in discussions, and did his very best as a teacher. He gave me a biography of John Adams to read during one particularly slow monsoon vacation. I ploughed through the 600 page book. He asked me what I thought of it when I finally finished and returned the book to him. I told him the truth: It was fascinating, but did they have to write so much?! He laughed – that gentle rasping sound that invited you to join in.

Tell me your favorite part, he said, and I told him. I use this tactic with the young folks I interact with now. It gives me a little window into their perspectives and is always enjoyable.

He lent me many books – he would emerge from his archives with a copy that I might like. I returned them in pristine condition for he was a man who loved his books. You could see that.

When the school archives found a lovely sunny room in the Arts & Crafts building, I felt happy for him. He deserved a place like that. When I picture him there, I imagine him content: doing the things he loved, in the place he loved the most, surrounded by people he loved and who loved him back.

Every single student, when they remember NCM years afterward, remember him with a fondness and an amazement that his sensitive spirit not only thrived but influenced those around him to value empathy and kindness. Thank you, dear NCM, for all your years of dedicated giving to the schools and its students.

How can one be so gentle and kind even after decades of living in a harsh world?

NCM showed us that we have a responsibility to look after the softer and sensitive aspects of our personalities, so that we may take our part in making the world around us a gentler and happier place.