“Hey, you don’t know the importance of linen!” There he was, Santosh Morajkar calling out to me as I rushed to catch the elevator to make it to yet another class on time. When the bell rings at the end of a class we surely bump into our colleagues shifting classes and it was in this hustle and bustle of a few minutes that I got to know Santosh over a period of 12 years.
A few exchanged words and then, a conversation. Then, a realisation that we share the same tastes and a love for everything simple. There he was a colleague, teaching Art in the Higher Secondary Section of Sharada Mandir School, Miramar, with pearls of wisdom to share.
And share, yes, we did!!
From tales of his daughter’s latest dance to boasting about his dear wife Chaitali or yet another beautiful painting sold. Somewhere down the line, one fine day it dawned on me that here is a gentleman who lives his life much like his art — honest, unpretentious, and quietly profound. As a colleague, I had the privilege of knowing a man whose presence was gentle yet deeply impactful.
A man who called a spade a spade Santosh sir believed that life, like art, must be lived truthfully and joyfully without ever, ever suppressing one’s thoughts. Through casual conversations, shared laughter, and moments of reflection, he constantly reminded those around him to choose honesty and happiness above all else. His funny quips and blunt humour always made my day, in the midst of a serious paper setting in what we call “Joe’s lab”. (The computer room used for setting question papers by teachers). That is the hub where he would often lighten the atmosphere, making even ordinary days feel meaningful for others around.
A gifted painter and sculptor, Santosh understood form, balance, and silence — not only on canvas or in clay, but in life itself. His creativity was rooted in simplicity, and his work carried a calm strength that mirrored his personality. The proof of his work stands not just at the Museum of Goa but right in front our Administrator’s office in the form of an enormous lobster!!
It was on Teachers’ Day, last year that we managed to get our hands on a snooker table and some of us had a firsthand ‘Snooker learning session’ from him. Santosh being extremely delicate at both art and snooker, I was scolded for scratching the table with the cue stick. But that was Santosh, disciplined whether work or fun even at the snooker table. His focus and finesse revealed the same quiet mastery — patient, precise, and graceful.
The sentiments I express here are not mine alone but of every colleague who came across Santosh Morajkar at Sharada Mandir School, Miramar. Ask the male professors and each member of the ‘guy gang’ will have numerous stories to tell. From football matches to ‘all boy’ picnic outings they could fill pages of memories in a fat novel.
At every PTA session each teacher would introduce oneself using a long string of words but for Santosh it was just one line, “My name is Santosh and I teach Art in the Higher secondary”. This would always send the hall roaring in laughter for we knew his work would do the talking.
For a man who never sought the spotlight, he left an indelible mark. His art remains, his lessons endure, and his spirit continues to inspire all who walked alongside him.
Santosh, you will forever be remembered by the Management, Principal, Vice Principal, teaching and non-teaching staff not only as a remarkable artist and teacher, but as a rare soul who showed us that a life lived without inhibitions and honesty is the greatest masterpiece of all.
Thank you, Santosh, for the memories, the laughter and for being you. Adeus!
(The author is a faculty at Sharada Mandir School, Miramar)
