Introduction of Guest Speaker – Mr. S. Mari

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, esteemed classmates, and honoured guests. It is my privilege tonight to introduce our guest speaker—a man whose influence has rippled far beyond the walls of the classroom. A mentor, a leader, and an exemplar of compassionate discipline: Mr. S. Mari.

Some ground rules: The formal part of the programme is short. We should finish in around an hour. Please be silent when our class mates are speaking at the podium. Thereafter we will have dinner, during which there would be a roving mic for all of you to have your say and briefly share your life's journey since we last met. Please sit in your allocated seat. You may change your seats and sit with your long lost friends or besties. You have the whole evening to chill under wind and dance with whomever you wish. I introduce the speakers throughout the evening - and in particular , Mr. Mari : Our Guest of Honour.

Introduction of Mr. Mari.

Township life presents its own unique challenges. Many of us experienced the weight of single-parent households, economic insecurity, and the trials of unemployment. As social scientists often note, such conditions can give rise to behavioural challenges. But where others may have seen statistics or disciplinary cases, Mr. Mari saw us as people—his people.

A true Professional ...

He was not a distant authority. He was part of our community. He understood our environment, our struggles, our humanity. I recall instances—shared by many here—where boys, experimenting and erring as youth often do, found themselves reprimanded in a way that restored dignity, not eroded it. No harsh punishments, no police interventions. Just a firm voice, an empathetic heart, and an enduring lesson. Sir, many of those boys are present tonight—and they remember, and they are grateful.

There are countless stories we could tell of the impact you had on our lives, Mr. Mari—time, unfortunately, does not allow the full anthology.

Parents, Teacher, God ...

Mr. Mari’s path began with an aspiration to study medicine—a dream deferred, not for lack of merit, but for lack of means. Instead, he pursued teaching, a vocation for which he proved eminently suited. Coming from a family of educators, he and his brothers would go on to receive national awards for their contributions to education. His impact extended beyond the classroom, as he served with distinction in the highest office at school before his retirement.

In our tradition, there exists an ancient axiom: *Mata, Pita, Guru, Deva*—Mother, Father, Teacher, God. A teacher is revered as second only to one’s parents and before the divine. Today, we live out that belief, standing in respect and offering full obeisance to the man who shaped our minds and nurtured our spirit. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming a true educator, a guiding presence, and a lifelong inspiration—Mr. S. Mari.