Mama’s montessori

Died: Yasmine Ratan Mama, 78, founder and directress of Casa Bambino Montessori, on January 4, 2010 at the B. D. Petit Parsee General Hospital in Bombay following complications arising from diabetes and lymphoma.

Every child was a winner in Mama’s eyes. Therefore at the annual sports organized for the children of Casa Bambino, all children would be presented medals on the rationale: "We encourage the spirit of healthy participation and do not want to make it a competitive event.”

It was not uncommon to see her sitting down at the floor level interacting with children. When teaching children she practiced the philosophy of "If you tell me, I forget. If you show me, I remember. If you let me do it, I understand.” Lessons in discipline were imparted early in life and so too in cooperation, consideration and confidence. Only car pools carrying four or more children were permitted to enter Oomer Park on Bhulabhai Desai Road — where she had her school premises — to minimize disturbance to the neighbors and in the interests of a healthier environment.

Currently Casa Bambino admits children from 18 months to five years but, as recalls a parent, Mama was initially aghast that even non-working parents wanted to start their children in playgroups as early as 18 months when they could, and should have been looking after their toddlers.

Yasmine Mama: consideration for children

On open/concert day, parents and children looked forward to the cakes she baked. "She excelled at cake making although she never made cakes professionally,” mentions her son Reyaz. Jamshedi Navroz every year was reserved for the staff members of her school who would be invited to her residence for a hearty lunch and sent home with a cash envelope! "Cordiality and respect were accorded to every staff member, whe­ther it was one of her senior trained teachers or a junior apprentice. Never would she belittle anyone’s efforts nor make the staff member feel that her service could be dispensed with,” recalls Shehnaz Pardiwalla who was a novice at Casa Bam­bi­no in 1977. Mama valued those who had the flair and ability to patiently deal with children under their care. Particular about the nutritional value of the refreshments and drinks served to children, she was equally fastidious about maintaining the play area and equipment in impeccable condition.

Convinced that every individual has an artistic streak which can blossom with a little nurturing, one of her assistants remembers how the directress specifically created time for an individual art session with her one day after school and taught her the nuances of creating an artwork.

The thousands of students who have passed through the portals of her institution she considered her "legacy.” As her students advanced to leading schools and thereafter to some of the best universities throughout the world she took pride in their accomplishments.

Riding was another passion for Mama who was a regular at the Amateur Riders Club. "Over the years both her riding skills (rough and tough) and her delicious Sunday breakfasts became legendary within the riding fraternity,” conveys Reyaz.

Blessed with a wide circle of friends from all walks of life in various countries, she spent many happy holidays trotting around the globe with her husband Ratan, and even subsequently after his demise. She was "extremely international in her outlook,” observes Reyaz, recalling how her friends enjoyed staying with her in Bombay or joining her in Khandala where she loved spending weekends. These friends, jokingly referred to as the "Merry Widow Gang,” took great care of her when her health failed her, acknowledges Reyaz. Surrounded by dachshunds throughout her life, she enjoyed a loving relationship with her dogs.

Born in Karachi to Mehra and Piloos Kavasji, Yasmine retained her ties with her friends from Pakistan even after marriage brought her to Bombay in 1961. She had studied in Karachi, later at a boarding school in Mussoorie and then went to London in the 1950s for her Montessori training. Within three years of marriage she started Casa Bambino in a small property on Nepean Sea Road and moved to the present premises in 1968. Over the last 45 years Casa Bambino has been a training ground for not only the children but also the teachers whom she groomed. She was delighted when her daughter-in-law Helena evinced equal enthusiasm in the running of the Montessori. Whilst she delighted in the company of all children, her grandchildren Kyrus and Rayan were naturally her favorites.

Her involvement with the Parsi community was through her silent charity. She preferred too to give preference to Parsi children seeking admission to Casa Bambino and would even condone the fees if she knew the parents were unable to afford, mentions Reyaz. Weekly visits to the agiary and attendance at talks on religious matters were also a priority with her. Besides the advancement of children under her care she was also keen to see progress in the community.

The enthusiastic educator is survived by her daughter Dr Khursheed Mama, son Reyaz and brother Behram Kavasji.