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To Sir, with love

Isaac Sequeira's zest for life was an inspiration to his students and friends

Actor, director, musician, teacher, mentor , exponent of popular culture and bon vivant, Isaac Sequeira passed away on September 7, 2006, after an eventful and distinguished career spanning four decades in India and abroad. He was the doyen of American Studies in the country and helped save the A.S.R.C. (now renamed IACIS) and its priceless collection. He will be remembered as a man whose love for literature matched his zest for life.

An alumnus of All Saints School, and later the Nizam College, young Isaac's mind was not in the sciences: he excelled in dramatics, music and long distance swimming. He represented Osmania University several times as a long-distance swimmer and habitually swum around the five kilometer stretch of Hussain Sagar. At the Higher Secondary, he stood first in English throughout the state and after graduation, he taught at the Little Flower High School. As a private candidate, he earned the unusual distinction of topping the university in M.A. English literature.

Sequeira picked up an early interest in music from his mother who was a singer in the church. He studied a difficult instrument like violin and became fond of the harmonica.

Joining the faculty of the English department of Osmania University, Sequeira quietly proved his mettle as a teacher and endeared himself to his colleagues and students. Laurels and awards quickly followed. He was the Fulbright Smith-Mundt scholar at the University of Utah in 1966-67; Ph.D. from the same university 1967-1970; Academic Associate at the America studies Research Centre, Hyderabad, 1973-1975; Professor in 1982, UGC National Lecturer 2985-86; Dean, faculty of Arts, Osmania University 1986; Visiting Professor at Bowling Green University, Ohio and finally, the American Studies Research Fellow in the USA in 1989.

A widely travelled man, with more than four books and over 80 research papers to his credit, Dr. Sequeira covered many disciplines such as music, literature and the visual arts. An active member of Hyderabad's cultural circuit, he was closely linked with a number of institutions such as Max Muller Bhavan, Alliance Francaise, Poetry Society of Hyderabad, and Dramatic circle of Hyderabad. He took an avid interest in Urdu Literature as well.

It's his wide range of interests that made his lectures so engrossing. "A good teacher" felt Sequeira, "is like an acteur manqué" and should basically function as an actor. Unfortunately, he found today's teaching "too jargon-ridden, too cerebral." A good teacher ought to be "interested in

people." "I like being a student of my students." More than the subject matter, it's important "to convey the enthusiasm for the subject. In my lectures, I bring in, whenever I can the visual arts and music."

What was the key to Professor Sequeira's success? I was fortunate to have been his student and knew him since 1977. I believe he had peace of mind, faith in his convictions, an innate love of humanity, a sense of optimism, inner strength and good will towards all. Above all, he cherished high values of life, had an infectious joie de vivre and was unfailingly gracious towards all.

Isaac Sequeira was more than a great professional. He was a rare human being.

SACHIDANANDA MOHANTY

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