In this conversation with Janina Gomes, Mrs. Rita Luther shares how her journey within Catholic institutions not only shaped her character into one of resilience but also empowered her to actively contribute to righteous and just causes. She firmly believes that her experiences within these institutions were instrumental in nurturing her sense of purpose and driving her commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
- Your early education was in a Catholic school in Jamshedpur. What values do you think you picked up there?
I believe that who we become in our adult lives is the result of the seeds sown when we are children. As such, I am who my school and my home taught me to be, both specifically and spontaneously. Sacred Heart, where I was blessed to study right through my school days, gave me security, a strong sense of values and fair play, an all-round education and much joy!
- You worked in Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI) in Jamshedpur. Considering you were then still in your formative years, how did that equip you for life?
I worked in the Research Department of XLRI for two years. I was hired for secretarial and administrative work; however, my seniors, American Jesuit priests, didn’t hesitate to use my skills in areas where I could be put to better use. As a result, I soon started editing and proofreading Fr. McGrath’s labour law journals, Fr. Dawson’s book as well, even transcribing important interviews. I was treated with respect, age no bar! (I was 22 then.)
- How would you sum up your learning at XLRI?
Working at XLRI was a happy time for me. I was earning (it was my first job) and learning at the same time, a double whammy! Constant work-related learning, positive attitudes, and a great work environment, all have served me in good stead for later.
I learnt that one could work hard and really well when the work environment was conducive to its being so; I learnt that I could deal with stress simply by going to the root cause and asking for help where needed, that small differences existed but were not important in the larger scheme of things in life. I also learnt that fun and laughter didn’t mean one wasn’t serious, but rather that the lightness they brought to life was something like baking powder to a cake, improving the final result of things!
- What is the general impression you have of Christians and Christianity?
Christians and Christianity were not distinct nor different in my book when I was growing up; nor are they now. Ours was a peace-loving school where the religion of principles, discipline and excellence was taught. We studied Moral Science as a subject in school, our Catholic friends studied Catechism. We visited the school chapel of our own accord, not forced and never disallowed. All respect also to my grandparents who, even being Arya Samaj Hindus, taught us that the focus needed to be on inherent goodness, fair play and integrity, rather than on outward differences.
Where I lived, our neighbours were from different communities – Bengali, Tamilian, Goan, Punjabi; different religions – Christian, Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and I can’t even remember how many others. We were there for one another, and while we had our own religious beliefs, they neither affected our relationships nor our friendships.
I find it sad that we compartmentalise our preferences, likes and dislikes now on the basis of religion. Humans are not made that way – that one kind is good, another evil, yet another cruel, etc. It’s the qualities we need to identify and correct.
- You have worked for the corporate world for over 30 years, in leading positions of responsibility. In what way have you contributed to making the corporate world more humane?
My contribution is not even a tiny drop in the ocean; however, there is a thread of goodness and ethics woven into what we teach and the way we, as trainers, behave and train. Making ‘being humane’ a way of life is more how I would put it.
- You also have vast teaching experience. How much did you and your students gain from your teaching experience, in the American Embassy school in New Delhi and as headmistress of the De Nobili Hostel School run by the American Jesuits in Dhanbad, Jharkhand?
It’s been decades since both of the above took place, but I still treasure the happy feedback and many testimonials received, most often relating to excellence of work, and the qualities of creativity and fun.
At the American Embassy School, for instance, when I wanted to resign because I needed to be home when my daughters came back from school in the afternoons, the Principal asked if I could consider working half days. I gladly agreed and he was glad too, saying that the students needed me for the balance of good study and ethical well-being that I provided them. This was a powerful comment because the very same person had reservations about hiring someone non-American (when I was interviewed for the position), saying then that they needed someone with a strong sense of American values and culture.
De Nobili Hostel School was set up for Catholic children from homes with difficulties of some kind; a fully-fledged school with Matriculation and ICSE options. When the Jesuit head moved, the selection committee, from a candidate panel of three, selected me to take over. While I was honoured to be considered for the post, I put across my concerns regarding working on weekends and school holidays (having little children of my own), but the Jesuits were considerate, very sure I was the right person for the job! The school kids grew as all-rounders (they were already very talented), realised that study was important too, and learnt that they had the support of a headmistress who would fight for their rights.
On my part, I learnt that even as a woman, it was okay to fight, as long as the cause was right and the means used, acceptable! This was a huge learning experience.
- Describe in a few words your spiritual journey from when you were born till today.
I’m glad the word you use is ‘spiritual’ because that’s really what I am, not too overtly religious. I was born an Arya Samaj Hindu, studied in a Catholic school, married a Christian, and worked in Catholic institutions of repute in various positions. Very happily, I might add! (In fact, an American boss of mine, a Jesuit priest, sometimes jokingly referred to me as ‘half a priest’!)
I am open to receiving learning from all faiths, respect all religions and spiritual ways of life – qualities that allow me to absorb goodness freely.
- You now head a team of trainers for training the corporate world. Do you also teach moral values and ethical conduct to your clients?
We run a training company where organisations ask for training on subjects that their employees need; when asked, we train corporate houses on ethics and on adhering to codes of right conduct. Our behaviour – the way we professionally conduct ourselves in our interactions and various assignments – is the value-based training we do.
- What would you tell businesspersons about what is most important for the corporate world today?
Work for organisations where you respect, or at least agree with company values. In the long term, one cannot be at peace working where one may be asked to do what one feels is wrong or unfair. Money and material success is good, undoubtedly, but it isn’t everything and doesn’t beat peace of mind!
- Do you think the work done by Christian institutions for the people is sufficiently recognised in India today?
No, it isn’t, definitely not enough, anyway. We’re all quick to lap up the accolades showered upon us for the way we speak, carry ourselves, work and behave, without consciously realising and acknowledging that our academic backgrounds were actually our take-off points towards that success.
- In your opinion, what can the Church do to better serve the needs of a changing world?
Nobody, and definitely not I, can even dare have an opinion on the sacred Church, or any other religion, for that matter. Having said that, I would like to add that religions (like parents), need to grow with the changing times, not to go against their principles, but to bring in flexibility, where it is at all possible. This will benefit followers and religious authorities alike.
- Is there anything else you would like to add?
‘To thine own self be true’
This learning has come to me late in life – and I’m still learning! Earlier I would worry about what others thought, how I appeared to others, even how I looked. It’s so much easier and definitely more worthwhile to work towards being the best that God wants me to be and live life a day at a time.
Mrs Rita Luther Speaks
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