Page 47 - Memorial Book Thilaga Mylvaganam

Not just my class teacher; A respected leader,

at the Royal Primary School, Colombo.

I was pleasantly surprised and thrilled, when I ran into Mrs
Mylvaganam; my favourite class teacher in Sydney in 1984!

Miss, as we called her, (and Myl, behind her back) was my class
teacher in years 6 and 9. She remembered me after all those
years, when I mentioned my name!

On hearing that I was on my own as an exchange student in
Sydney at that time, she rolled out the welcome mat to her home
for the many dinners that I had with her and her family during
my exchange program and after my migration as a student at
University. This led to a very close bond and friendship with her,
Uncle Mylvaganam, and her adult children. We have remained
close and in touch ever since.

The Teacher
What stood out in her teaching style and method was her keen
interest in each student’s individual learning in the class and her
ability to bring out the best through her encouragement,
motivation and positive feedback.

If students misbehaved though, one would get a good scolding.
This was still a welcome change to many of us, from the more
direct and aggressive caning used by some of the other teachers
in school at that time! I certainly took a great interest and care
in my studies during the years that she was my class teacher!

The Leader
Mrs Mylvaganam’s, polish and her ability to interact easily with
teachers from the other ethnic communities won trust and

Late Mrs. Tilakavati Mylvaganam 39