English Literature – Memoirs ☆ दस्तावेज़ # 19 – My Beloved Chemistry Teacher: Brother Frederick ☆ Shri Jagat Singh Bisht ☆ 

(A tribute to my beloved Chemistry teacher Bro Frederick.)

Positive psychologists Ed Diener and Robert Biswas-Diener wisely observed, “Happiness does not just exist in the present but also can be drawn from past events. Try savouring past successes, enjoyable experiences, and other golden memories by making a habit out of looking at memorabilia or trading stories with a spouse or friends.” Indeed, it is in moments of reflection that we realise how profoundly the past shapes our present.

(Brother Frederick is sitting in the first row at the extreme right. Brother John Bosco is sitting third from left in the first row.)

As I sift through the sands of memory, one golden figure stands out like a lighthouse on a dark shore—my Chemistry teacher, Brother Frederick. With unwavering gratitude, I recall how he influenced not just my education, but my entire life’s trajectory. His blessings, teachings, and unflinching faith in my potential continue to resonate, even after more than fifty years.

The Alchemy of Inspiration

My journey with Chemistry began in the sunlit corridors of St. Gabriel’s Higher Secondary School, Ranjhi, Jabalpur. The school, nestled beyond the church that bridged two educational institutions, was where my childhood dreams took flight. Among the myriad faces of teachers who guided us, it was Brother Frederick who left an indelible mark on my heart.

(My picture clicked, developed and printed by Bro Frederick in the photography club at school founded by him.)

A man of science and magic, he believed in making lessons come alive. Theory was never enough for him; he transformed Chemistry into a fascinating spectacle. I vividly remember the fete he organised, where he performed “scientific magic” that left us spellbound. Imagine this—a tub of water bursting into flames when pebbles were tossed in; jars of colourless liquid transforming into brilliant pink before fading back into clarity; and a tap seemingly suspended in mid-air, pouring water from nowhere!

It was more than just entertainment; it was a masterclass in sparking curiosity. Inspired by his passion, I pursued Chemistry all the way to a master’s degree and even embarked on research. It was his infectious enthusiasm that kindled this fire in me.

A Life Beyond the Laboratory

Brother Frederick’s influence extended far beyond the confines of the Chemistry lab. He nurtured a love for practical learning. We set up a science club, a magic club, and a photography club under his guidance. Together, we assembled telescopes, crafted small radio transmitters, and even devised substitutes for complex laboratory equipment like the Kipp’s apparatus.

I had the privilege of assisting him in the laboratory, an experience that deepened my respect for his meticulous nature. When he was transferred from Jabalpur to Patna, I joined a group of students at the railway station to bid him farewell. As the train began to move, I ran alongside it, waving madly with tears streaming down my face. That moment remains etched in my memory—a poignant farewell to a teacher who was more like a guardian angel.

A Scholar and a Gentleman

Brother Frederick was a man of immense resolve. Even as he approached middle age, he enrolled for a master’s degree in English literature, delving into the works of Keats, Shelley, Byron, and Dickens with the same fervour he showed in the laboratory. His dedication to lifelong learning was a lesson in itself.

I fondly recall how he encouraged my thirst for knowledge. When the school library received a shipment of books from Canada, students were allowed to choose two books each. I couldn’t resist picking five, and he graciously let me take them all, confident that I would make good use of them.

A Touching Reunion

Years later, in 1976, I returned to St. Gabriel’s as a Chemistry teacher. Walking into the same laboratory that Brother Frederick had so lovingly set up was surreal. I taught my students with the same passion and curiosity that he had instilled in me, and those three years remain the most fulfilling chapter of my professional life.

On one occasion, I took students on an educational trip to Patna and Kathmandu. When we arrived at Loyola School in Patna, where Brother Frederick was then posted, he rushed out to meet us. Ignoring everyone else, he called out excitedly, “Where is Jagat? Where is Jagat?” That moment was a testament to the bond we shared—a bond that time and distance could not diminish.

A Legacy of Love

In 2005, some of us from the Class of 1971 revisited our alma mater. The school welcomed us with a cultural programme and even organised a cricket match. At this reunion, I learned from the Brother Principal that Brother Frederick had passed away. The news hit me hard, but in my heart, he remains alive—his wisdom and kindness still guide me whenever life feels uncertain.

For me, Brother Frederick was more than a teacher. He was an alchemist who turned Chemistry into a way of life, a magician who made science enchanting, and a mentor who believed in the power of dreams. His lessons went far beyond the periodic table; they were about curiosity, resilience, and the joy of lifelong learning.

Even now, when I think of him, I see a gentle figure in the lab, patiently explaining concepts, his eyes twinkling with passion. And I smile, knowing that his legacy lives on—not just in me, but in every student whose life he touched.

♥♥♥♥

© Jagat Singh Bisht