Classrooms in the Shade |

Classrooms in the Shade

Published by Tracy Scott October 31st, 2007 in General

After a great deal of time and effort, Shanthee’s lyrical memoir is about to be published. Shanthee says that although it sounds like it is all about school, we have many classrooms in our lives. Classrooms that are challenging, classrooms which bring us joy and sorrow, but which all serve to awaken the very core of us. Here is something to whet your appetite!

(This is Shanthee’s father, who was the greatest influence in her life. She describes him as a humble man with limited choices. “He worked so hard and gained so little, so that we his children could live a better life.” Shanthee vividly recalls the turban which he was photographed wearing. She took her Sari and folded it so that the silver and black embroidery border was showing on both sides. She soon created a really regal turban.)

Chapter 1

Pietermaritzburg 1932

Jai! Jai! Jai! Hanuman gosaai
Kripa karo gurudev kinhaai

His voice rose magnificently from the grapevine at the corner of the garden. Raising his right foot in the posture of Hanuman, he stood holding aloft a lota, the brass vessel from which water fell in a silvery arc. Water, Nourisher of man, Nourisher of the earth, falling to the ground in a gentle embrace. He was singing the Chalisa, a tribute to Hanuman, revered creature of God.

My fathers voice rose and reached the house in the east where Moulvi Aniff, the Muslim priest, awakening on time, was responding to the muezzins azan - the call to prayer from the minaret of the mosque. Allah ho Akbar!

Beads of water gleamed on his shoulders, water from the cold shower that began his day. There was a hush in the Maritzburg air. The sparrows, hidden in their leafy perches, had not taken flight. His approach and splendid voice did not startle them, for he began his song of praise long before their own joyous clamour heralded the dawn.

29 Responses to “Classrooms in the Shade”

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1 Mothusi Lepheana Oct 31st, 2007 at 2:17 pm

Dear “Mme” Shanthee

My grand father used to say that “it is not fair to curse a tree if you visit it in winter, curse it if it bears no fruits during its season”.

I have not read the book yet, I do not know the writer that much, but I know Her daughter, Shameme. If Shameme is such a sweet fruit then I need not meet or know the tree that produced this fruit to know that it is a good tree.

I might be too young to have met the you durign your long service to this nation, but through this book I and many others stand to reap from the fruits of this magnificent “tree”. The big “tree” might be appraoching its winter season but its fruits are safely canned in this book for all to taste, we thank you for that.

This book is an opportunity, not only to know Shameme, “the fruit”, but to also know the “tree”, that produced this “fruit”.

I cannot wait to get an opportunity to get to know Shameme’s mother through this book and probably to steal some of the secrets of bringing up such a productive hardworking person as Shameme.

You have already given us fruits through the hard work of your daughter Shameme, your book will be a bonus to us. Well-done.

Mothusi
2 Sherri Oct 31st, 2007 at 2:42 pm

Shanthee, you are a shining example and reminder to all of us of the power, compassion and ability of women. Your tenacity and vision have paid off - congratulations on being published.
3 Sagree Oct 31st, 2007 at 3:11 pm

My appetite is whet!!! Can’t wait for the book to be on sale!!! Congratulations on getting published Ms.Manjoo!
4 Carin Oct 31st, 2007 at 3:16 pm

Wow Shanthee, from the small extract that Tracy has posted, it sounds amazing!.
5 Primi Chetty Oct 31st, 2007 at 3:30 pm

Dear Mrs. Manjoo,

Congratulations on publishing your long cherished dream. Pity I came to Shuter’s too late to be your publisher of choice. I wish you great success with your story and maybe the next one can come to us.

Regards

Primi Chetty
Managing Director
Shuter and Shooter Publishers (Pty) Ltd
6 Bahia Sterris Oct 31st, 2007 at 4:18 pm

Dear Ms Manjoo

I have the pleasure of knowing your daughter Shameme. I hope I will be afforded the pleasure to meet someone as great as you. I am looking forward to read the book…the ist page is a great appetiser.

Thanks

Bahia
7 Rea Simigiannis Oct 31st, 2007 at 4:21 pm

Greetings Shanthee (daughter of Shameme)

The extract that I read brings a scent of the East which I absolutely love and seems quite intoxicating. I look forward to reading the book.
Congratulations and best of lack
warm regards

Rea
8 Kobashini Stone Nov 1st, 2007 at 9:02 am

I was deeply moved reading and absorbing the emotion of the humility of a man expressing his devotions in the stillness of the morning - I couldn’t help being mesmerised; caught up in the moment of feeling exactly the same spiritual connection that he felt at the time. Him praying to his God while at the same time some other faithful responding to praying to his God while nature paused until they rose from their spiritual realm. Chapter 1 is already etched in my mind and I await the release of your book.

Dear Mrs Manjoo, your daughter Shameme is a tribute to your dreams and you must be a very special person for presenting such a profound message; something that signifies who you are and although you may have journeyed a long way on life’s highway, may you be blessed for all the lives that will undoubtedly be touched in the process.
9 Michelle Odayan Nov 1st, 2007 at 9:52 am

Dear Mrs Manjoo

I remember you fondly from PMB.As as young woman back in the 80’s I admired your strength and boldness…you stood out as one of the women that I wished to be!I am awed and inspired by your writing and wish you the very best as you near publication. I do hope that I have opportunity to see you when your book is launched.

Shameme, thank you for sending me the blog.Hope to see you soon too.

Warmest Regards
Michelle
10 Nadira Omarjee Nov 1st, 2007 at 10:02 am

Shanthee Bhen,
I am so glad that this process is on its last leg. I love your book; the vibrancy and playfulness that is so you and which serves as a reminder that life is play.
I wish you all the success and look forward to seeing the book on the shelves.
May you stay forever young and beautiful Shanthee Bhen!
11 Joyce Tlou Nov 1st, 2007 at 10:26 am

My interest is piqued by the assertion that “we have many classrooms in our lives.” As an avid reader, I look forward to reading your book and to learn from “your classroom”.
12 Qurashia Nov 2nd, 2007 at 1:41 am

Here I go again. Can’t wait for the book to be published!!! and to help sell it in the States. Way to go Mummy! This has been a long time coming. Wish I could be there more to help you with this. Good job Mother!! and Sister!! And hello everyone I know on this blog. Thanks Tracy.
13 Sindy Mathiso Nov 2nd, 2007 at 9:19 am

Dear Mrs. Manjoo

I must say I’m deeply moved by the fact that in your 80’s, your book will be published.This is an indication that there is a lot that we can learn from our older persons. Shameme told me about you and I was hoping to see you in our Older Persons Forum AGM in September.

I would love to attend the launch and I also can’t wait to learn from your wisdom.

Thanks
Sindy
14 Mankese Nov 2nd, 2007 at 10:30 am

This extract really moves - I can’t wait to learn more from the book. Congratulations
15 Said Karodia Nov 3rd, 2007 at 7:44 pm

As we move towards collapsing the distinction between personal history and epic tales, it is good to have another personal story that touches on the lives of people and communities. And I sense that somewhere in the midst of this triumph is the unfolding of the other account, contested as always, of parents and their children, of mother and daughters. Good luck with that one too.
16 isabelle michetti Nov 5th, 2007 at 12:44 am

Dearest Shantee,

The last time I saw you back in Pittsburgh, you were looking for a publisher. How long ago was that ? I’ve been missing not getting anymore of your beautiful letters with their envelops covered with your drawings. But Corrie kept giving me news from you and I was in peace knowing your were fine.
And finally your life long dream has become reality. I am so happy for you as you deserve it so much. I hopefully will find a copy of your book in France as I absolutly want to read it as I can imagine it is the reflection of your life around you as a teacher. I just remember the first few pages I had the honor to read while you were in Pittsbrugh.
You were an inspiration and still are from the first time we met. If our paths don’t cross again I want you to know that I always will keep you in my heart.
Again congratulations on the publishing of your book.
Love always
Isabelle

Thank you Corrie for sending me the blog.
17 Jabulani Phakoe Nov 5th, 2007 at 10:39 am

I am encouraged by the fact that at your age your book will be published. As a person working with older persons I’ve got something to share with other older persons with the view to motivate.

Congratulations. All the best.

Jabulani
18 Jashwin Nov 5th, 2007 at 8:26 pm

Good Luck. You deserve it !!
19 Alice Nov 6th, 2007 at 1:27 pm

Dear Mama

Congratulations in realising your dream - the publication of your memoirs! May God Bless You and give you many more years to impart your wisdom. all the best
20 Cindy (Corrie's friend) Nov 7th, 2007 at 1:16 am

Dearest Corrie’s Mummy-
Congratulations! I have heard so much about your book from your very proud daughter that I am excited to be able to finally enjoy reading it. You are an inspiration to us all in creating this loving legacy to your family.
Much fondness-
Cindy Tilson
21 Mahat Vather Nov 7th, 2007 at 4:20 am

Dear Mrs Manjoo

Congratulations on your achievement.
I have beautiful memories of our long association and look forward to your book.
With fondest regards

Mahat
22 Penny Law Nov 8th, 2007 at 10:50 am

I think that you are an amazing woman and so is your writing. Best wishes from a friend of your special daughter.
23 Aurelia Nov 9th, 2007 at 2:52 pm

My Dear Shanthee,
Cannot wait to read your book…what a treat it is going to be. Look forward to seeing you soon…you still owe Karl a dance or two…
Got to voetsak now,
Love and Smiles to a very special Lady,
Aurelia
24 luc simoens Nov 10th, 2007 at 1:12 am

Hi Shan, Corrie,

After all those years of waiting, we`re finally going to see the fruit of all the labour. I couldn`t be any prouder and can`t wait to have the book in my hands. I`m grateful to know that Shan believed that I was not going to lose my faith in her to finish the book. And she DID.
Later, much more.
Love you,

Luc
25 Veruschka Rugbeer Dec 6th, 2007 at 3:48 pm

Dear Shanthee

Being a former Maritzburg, hindu woman myself, I totally relate to the offering of the water and singing of the Hanuman Chalisa on a cold winter’s morning. Thank you for that brief moment touching base with our culture. Congratulations on this achievement. It is most inspiring to note that “it’s never to late to achieve our dream!”

Thank you, and GOD BLESS!
Veruschka
26 corrie Jul 9th, 2008 at 2:32 am

well folks, it’s done. the eagle has landed! we have a book. we have launches planned. in a few weeks ‘classrooms…’ will be available on line for those of us accustomed to borders and barnes and nobles instead of exclusive books and cna. congratulations mummy, and i know you share a big thank you to all the people who made this happen.
xxx corrie
27 yojules Jul 9th, 2008 at 9:54 am

How exciting! It’s been a long time coming!!!! COngratulations everyone!
28 Ranitha Kaloo Aug 14th, 2008 at 1:30 pm

Congratulations Shantee Poowa,

You are truly an amazing woman. Many thanks for your memoir.

Love, Ranitha
29 Pat Naidoo May 30th, 2009 at 11:04 am

My Dear Aunty Shantee (of Course Shameme’s mum whom I never met but talked to extensively on the telephone),

An absolute inspiration, a fount of love, kindness, gentleness and above all a strength that drives you forward in the face of adversity. You are my inspiration, a role model for all (young and old), a woman of courage whom I admire with the utmost respect who I carry in my heart. ‘Classrooms in the shade’ will be on my must read list for all young people from all walks of life as it is a true reflection of diversity and the challenges surrounding it and how exclusion in the end results in inclusion - the ultimate goal for all societies.

much love
Pat (UK - Leeds)

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