In this week's ‘A Conversation with…’ we caught up with Head of Chemistry, Dr Ashok Khare, an active member of the Reading Hindu Centre whose passion for his pupils and his community is an inspiration to all…
What inspired you to be a teacher?
In Mumbai, I started teaching science and maths at the age of 14 to fulfil the financial needs of my family. Within a few years I realised that earning and disseminating knowledge is a noble cause. So I went on to achieve a doctorate in chemical sciences, and then taught at university, higher education and secondary levels. Playing cricket has helped me to create a rationale in my teaching “you need to manage your bowling (teaching) based on the condition of the wicket and skills of a batsman…”
What is your most interesting Chemistry fact?
“Obtaining a specific product from a chemical reaction is not by chance.” It is based on what reactants you choose, and what conditions you apply - for making sodium chloride, your reactants should be sodium and chlorine, not potassium and bromine. In short, if your reactants are right, your product will be right… if humanity understands this, there will be no blame game!
Tell us about your role as Chairman of the Reading Hindu Centre, what does that involve?
It is my privilege that for the past 18 years I have been serving the community in this role. The tasks involved are varied: developing and managing the charity's vision on the short, medium and long term levels, conducting meetings, and planning religious, social and cultural events. I also deliver sessions on Hinduism in local schools, Scout groups, prisons, churches and other religious organisations for enhancing their understanding of Hinduism, and act as a representative of Hindu faith with local Councillors, MPs, public services and interfaith organisations.
You were invited to Buckingham Palace in 2019 in recognition of your community work. Can you tell us a little more about that?
In May 2019, I was invited to attend a garden party. When I received the invitation, I felt extremely humble and fortunate, because “every deserving individual may not be able to get what he/she deserves.” So I was extremely thankful to Mr Puxley, Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, who nominated me for this honour in recognition of my community service and my role as a school governor for 18 years. Attending a garden party and being able to see Her Majesty the Queen from a distance of merely four feet was a once in a lifetime experience!
What have you missed the most throughout lockdown?
Undoubtedly my drama theatre classroom, Bevan 5, where I produce, direct, write and act for the audience – my boys and girls!
What are you looking forward to the most once the various restrictions have been fully lifted?
I will take a flight to Mumbai at the first opportunity – a big hug to parents and take blessings by touching their feet!
What does the future hold for Dr Ashok Khare?
Keep teaching… though saying goodbye to boys and girls bring tears to my eyes, their appreciation gives a satisfaction of life! Maybe do a last few innings of teaching at an overseas pitch, somewhere such as Dubai - I like the city and it was the destination of our 25th wedding anniversary. God has given me opportunities to see more of the world than India… so I must discover India, by travelling from east to west and south to north!
