The AIS 'Proust Questionnaire': Shanta Kalyanasundaram Secondary School ESOL teacher

At the suggestion of a loyal parent reader, we invited teachers to respond to a modified version of the Proust Questionnaire (see http://perso.orange.fr/chabrieres/proustquestionnaire.html). We hope the responses, which will appear over the next few issues, will give readers an introduction to—and some insight into—their children's teachers. Here, Ms. Shanta tells us about Indian music, South African politics, and being outstanding in her field.

In your travels, what was the most interesting thing you saw or did?

In 1984, I taught Cambridge 'O' Level English to fifty three students three times a week in an open field in rural Swaziland.

Which person or event had the greatest influence on your life?

The event would have to be in 1956 when my mother, Dr. K. Goonam, was exiled from South Africa for being an active member of the African National Congress. She remained in exile for 34 years. Because of this event, family life as I knew it came to an end.

What do you most value in your friends?

Honesty and a sense of humor.

What natural gift would you most like to possess?

I would love to be able to play the piano.

Who is your hero and/or heroine in real life, living or dead?

My hero in real life is Mahatma Gandhi.

Who is your hero and/or heroine in fiction?

My hero in fiction is Reverend Khumalo in Alan Paton's "Cry, the Beloved Country."

Who is your favorite musician?

My favorite musician is the South Indian poet, song writer, and singer Thyagaraja Bhagavathar.

What do you see yourself doing ten years from now?

Running a not-for-profit organization that will serve to eliminate hardship for orphans of natural disasters and HIV/AIDS, and to educate and support carriers and children with hemophilia in Asia.