Sri Aurobindo

Early Cultural Writings

(1890 — 1910)

Appendix One
Opinions. Written as
Acting Principal, Baroda College. 1905

On a Head Assistant for the High School

Concise History

History in short

The Baroda High School has for some time been increasing in numbers, until now it has reached the very large number of 750. It is high time therefore that in view of this immense increase, which renders the discipline of the School unmanageable by a single man, however active or able, some better arrangement should be made for the proper management of the School. A Head Master has to attend not only to the scholastic efficiency but to discipline and, so far as is possible under the conditions of Indian School life, to the life of the boys outside school-hours, especially to the physical education. The first object is fulfilled well enough under present circumstances, the second with but moderate success, the third hardly at all. The scholastic efficiency of the School is on the whole admirable and the present Head Master and his staff deserve every credit for it. There are certain inconveniences resulting from the large number of classes which have to be maintained but at present these can be met.

Difficulty of the Head Master Baroda High School

2 Mr. G. M. Hasabnis wishes that an additional Teacher should be appointed, as he finds great difficulty in arranging for the classes when several teachers happen to be ill or on leave at one time. The undersigned acknowledges the difficulty but he is inclined to think it has been more acutely felt this year owing to exceptional circumstances and would like to wait for some time and see whether it is so or not, before making any proposal.

The circumstances which make discipline burdensome to maintain

3 The discipline of the School is maintained as well as possible under the circumstances, but marked signs are not wanting that the task has become too much for any single man to cope with. The circumstances which have brought about this state of things are as follows: —

(1) The very large increase in the number of students from 400 when Mr. Hasabnis took charge to 750 now.

(2) The consequent increase in the number of classes for each standard; formerly no standard had more than two divisions; now each standard has five classes with three very large Matriculation Classes.

(3) The increase of the Drawing, Writing, Gymnasium and second language classes.

(4) The addition of new buildings for the accommodation of the increased number.

(5) The office work has much increased.

(6) The teaching work of certain classes takes up much of the Head Master’s time and the area over which the classes are spread is large; merely going round for inspection, surprise visits and general supervision takes up a great deal of his time.

(7) The work of new admissions every fortnight is heavy; then the various examinations are a great tax on the Head Master’s energy.

Importance of physical education

4 To see to the proper efficiency and progress of the physical education is under the circumstances a task beyond his energies; yet this is a side of Education the importance of which is being more and more recognised. The High School has much way to make up in this respect.

The views of the Ag. Principal

5 The one fully effective remedy would be to increase the High School staff by the appointment of an Assistant Head Master. This would relieve the Head Master of much of his teaching work and give him both leisure and efficient assistance in the two other matters. This would not be an excessive allowance for so large a school. In the Elphinstone High School which is smaller in size two Head Assistants are, I believe, allowed.

Converting one of the Matriculation Teachers’ posts into one of a Head Assistant

6 Having consideration however to the many calls on the State and the financial position, I am content to make a very modest proposal, viz. that one of the Matriculation Class Teachers’ posts the maximum salary of which is Rs 125/- should be converted into a post of Head Assistant, salary rising from Rs 160/- to Rs 200/- in 8 years. The duties of the incumbent will be, in addition to his teaching work, to help the Head Master in maintaining the discipline of the School and give special attention to promoting the physical side etc. This appointment will not disturb matters in any way and will probably not really add to the expense of the School, as the slight excess will soon be made up by the increasing number of students. In any case the arrangement seems to the undersigned imperatively necessary.

Mr. Dorabji M. Patel recommended to the post

7 Should the proposal be sanctioned, I propose for the post Mr. Dorabji M. Patel, Head Master Amreli High School (whose present salary is Rs 150/-) who adds conspicuous ability and intelligence to his long and meritorious service and is likely to carry weight with both teachers and students.

Points for decision

(1) Whether it is necessary to convert one of the Matriculation Class Teachers’ posts, the maximum salary of which is Rs 125/- into Head Assistant’s post — salary Rs 160/ – to Rs 200/ – for the efficient management and discipline of the Baroda High School?

(2) If so, should Mr. D. M. Patel be appointed to that post?