History never seemed more alive, topical DNA profiles some of city’s most outstanding college teachers in the run-up to Teachers’ Day. Today, meet Fleur D’Souza, professor and HOD, history, at St Xavier’s College

History never seemed more alive, topical

DNA profiles some of city’s most outstanding college teachers in the run-up to Teachers’ Day. Today, meet Fleur D’Souza, professor and HOD, history, at St Xavier’s College

Modesty could almost be Fleur D’Souza’s middle name. When DNA approached her to fix up a meeting with her, the professor and head of the department of history at St Xavier’s College, politely turned down the request. “Why me? There are so many good teachers in the college and the city? I am just doing my job. Also, I don’t think I am a good teacher,” she argues. She was won over after much persuasion. D’Souza is an old hand at the college, having taught there for over three decades now (but she shied away from revealing her age). Her methods of teaching, though, are anything but old. Conscious of an arts course like history running the risk of being pigeonholed as boring and non-glamorous, D’Souza is constantly innovating in the classroom. “She knows what students want and tries new things accordingly. Unlike other teachers, she never insists that we take down notes. Instead, she explains everything while giving outlines and asks us to independently research for notes,” says Devaki Dhulbhoya, a third-year BA student. Recently, adds Dhulbhoya, she asked her students to put up a performance based on the My Lai Massacre of 1968 in Vietnam. How’s that for taking a leaf out of history books and livening up a class? Students also gush about the film screenings, heritage walks and museum visits occasionally organised by D’Souza. “Simplicity and friendliness are her best assets. Instead of lecturing us, she starts each class with a story and we enjoy it a lot. She also tries to make historical issues more topical by drawing an analogy with the present times,” explains Kaizeen Jehangir, another third-year student. But her versatility is her trump card. “She keeps herself abreast of everything and is approachable. Anyone can meet her any time to discuss a topic. I remember couple of weeks ago, she skipped her lunch just to help us meet our deadline for submission of an assignment,” says Dhulbhoya. Manuela Braganza, another BA student, admires her ability to click so well with students, “Even if she is busy, she never says no or tells us to come the next day. She asks us to wait for some time and tries to address our issues.” Humble D’Souza, who is also an alumna of St Xavier’s College, insists that she is, in fact, learning from her students. “I am happy to have been paid for years for this awesome journey of practical learning,” she quips with a glint in her eyes. She says the thought of pursuing another career had never crossed her mind. “I love teaching and I always wanted to be a teacher.”