The Actors Within Us

By Usha William Banerjee

Why should they read this book?

The writer raises an alarm, after 4 decades as an Educationist, wondering, if the Aspirations of the Founding Fathers are realized, by those to whom authority has been entrusted for the Divine purpose. Or have there been subtle shifts and switches that are neither Transparent nor Accountable.


A tale of two women, the teacher and the taught.
The one who paved the way, the direction of which she lost herself.
Was this then a journey a transgression in transition.
The water in a glass can quench your thirst, provided you have it.
The water in the deep sea, can drown you, unless you can swim
The water in the glass, cannot drown you, and the water in the deep sea cannot quench your thirst .
Such is the complexity of life, what can save you, can also drown you, and what drowns you can also save you.
What are we trained with, and what is ingrained in us.
In our weakness is there strength, and in our strength is there a weakness.
When does the actor within us become an audience, and when from the audience emerges an actor

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing India
• Release date: Apr 27, 2016
• ISBN: 9781482873696

Usha William Banerjee

Born to Lily and Aziz (Bishop) William, in the beautiful city of Jammu (J&k). The exemplary life of her late parents, have left lasting impressions, of what Sacrifice Service, Dedication commitment Faith and Hope is all about. Early childhood gave opportunities to meet people from different Countries and Cultures, helping in broadening of outlook and narrowing of reservations. Completed Graduation, Teachers Training, and Masters from Jammu University, and Diploma in Administration, Counseling and Graphology amongst other Certificates from Kolkata,(West Bengal). Served in the Educational Fraternity, both as a teacher and as a head. Used every opportunity to fight social Injustice, especially for women and children, and recently the cause of Senior Citizens, who become victims of neglect by making those responsible accountable. Based now in Kolkata, Free Lancing in the many interests, that had been long overlooked.

Book preview

CINDI CLIPPER

C indi was sitting on this beautiful comfortable steel grey chair, and eyes resting on the equally classy table. What a wonderful way to get one's work done, if you wish to get work done. She looked at the ornate intricate ostentatious designs, that the huge space was modeled on, her office.

There were many reminders required to convince her that she indeed was heading the most prestigious Institutes of Gyanpur, known for its high standards in the field of education. Because she was extremely well organized, with a clarity of thought, that allowed no clutters, she was able to do much more than anyone else.

Before she embarked in the day's plan of action, she relied on the system she had devised to detect the slightest deviation, from the whole years Annual project or progress that could be ascertained by a single glance. The work sheets of the teaching fraternity was prepared in a manner, that daily updating, reflected there capability, and understanding of the subject and requirement of the skills that help one to achieve targets. It was like a black spot on a white wall. Not difficult to spot, easy to stop. Cindi suffered no mediocrity, and no allowances were made for non- performers.

So intense was the fear of being pulled up that almost all of them were on their toes. Much to, Cindi's delight. Access to her office was limited, unless there was a clearance, that the three lights indicated, none was allowed in. Least of all those sneaky sly suspicious daily opportunists, wanting to appear for a glimpse as if, we are at your service, place an order, we will move mountains, swim the deepest seas, and even crawl the stoniest of roads, to make it possible. Please, please, only an order that is all we desire. One would suggest the fanciest of sarees, the other a unique gadget, or a cuisine requiring the rarest ingredients, or even antiques, long tempting lists, more imaginative each time. Cindi's response to them was always an icy cold stare, Go back to work. Yet they would come back the next day, hoping she would relent, and give them the long awaited order. It was difficult for Cindi to accept that people could go down to such depths for an undeserving favor.

They could be so charming, so sincere, and at that moment ready to do anything to prove their allegiance. She had not forgotten those very people, who had made her life miserable, in the 25 yrs. she had worked as the teacher. Had also been witness, to their betrayal to the previous Head. now, they try to fool her, to think she would fall for their antics, or be charmed. Cindi was on a mission, addicted to Glory, anything and everything to strengthen her position, consolidate her forces, and build up her image.

There was a long list of celebrities requests, to meet famous renowned Educationists and interviews with students to be telecast, chief guest for inaugurals, a Key note speaker at the cultural Seminar, where distinguished guests would be present. Cindi enjoyed the attention she now got, her looks, her style, her confidence, her fluency, her intelligence, her almost everything. Something she never was aware of or dependent on. She had olive brown eyes, long curly eye lashes, a perfect face, dusky complexion, beautiful sarees, a photographers dream. Her style was subtle and simple, even in the earlier days, she wore only sarees, but the difference was made by the well stitched saree cholees, and the way the saree draped on her slender figure, made her look stunning in anything.

Now that the best of designer or even customized sarees were available, she lacked nothing, best of shoes bags, and especially ordered jewelry to go with each outfit; she was the envy of any fashion conscious aspirant. Her new wardrobe could offer at least one year supply, without having to repeat a single piece, both for casual and formal occasions. Sofee was her designer, her trainer, who ensured that her diet and exercise did not create an excess that would be difficult to dispense.

Her disciplined life style permitted no such exception. There was one thing Cindi had learnt and that was not to let anyone get the better of her. If she was distant, that meant no one could get close to her. She was politically so correct, that in spite of making minimum conversation, she couldn't be accused of being abrupt. She knew the most intricate of details, none could surprise her with any question or query.

In the few months she had occupied the chair, she was going to make up for the lost time. It was a difficult time a difficult place to be in. Though she was on a firm footing there was every possibility of surprises, and needed to be vigilant all the time. She knew the role played by each member in the Institute, the active, the passive, the silent sympathizers, and those who preferred to be away from everything. There had to be a system to deal with each. There was to be no comprise on the work, and, that each was aware of, and that would be her shield, the cover, that will give them no strength. It was also necessary to thwart any effort of outsiders to interfere. She had a fair idea of the outsiders, and how to straighten them too.

As a precautionary measure, an eye was kept on the close proximity of those she suspected the most. If you come from the backdoor, special vigilance on the front door was not enough, there had to be a guard on all fronts, she had to be alert all the time.

Cindi was building a strong public image, the media loved her, she was well read, and spoke like an intellectual, who had an In depth understanding. This gave her an edge over others who could only plan and plot, but nothing to project about themselves. Famous for backstabbing, hidden cowardly attacks, had made them totally unprepared for combats or Confrontations Cindi met challenges with courage and a rare confidence. She made others feel incompetent and intimidated, because they were guilty, none could challenge her. She could be tough, could be uncaring, could be unrelenting. But if there was one weakness that she could not camouflage, it was her love for the children. There was nothing she would allow, that children would suffer the consequences.

She knew enough, the harm, the damage, the adults could cause to the most defenseless vulnerable little ones. If Cindi in any moment of weakness thought it was going to be an easy ride, it wasn't, and she had to be well prepared. Whatever she did, it had to be connected to the big