‘A walking, talking maths textbook’

The students of Gloria Convent High School at Byculla remember Fatima Khatri (63), who died in the building collapse on Thursday, as a “walking, talking maths textbook”.

The students of Gloria Convent High School at Byculla remember Fatima Khatri (63), who died in the building collapse on Thursday, as a “walking, talking maths textbook”.

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According to them, even if they went to her without a textbook to clear their doubts, she would know exactly which problem they were referring to and provide instant help.

Fatima, who lived on the third floor of Rahim Manzil, used to teach maths and science in the school’s secondary section and had retired just four years ago.

“She was one of our seniormost faculty members. She was always willing to help the students, even if it meant waiting after school hours,” said a teacher who came to pay her condolences to Khatri’s family. She requested that her name be withheld.

Residents also said that she didn’t take tuitions but was willing to help their children with their studies.

“She was so upright that even if her brothers would ask her to recommend their children to Gloria Convent, she would refuse. She asked them to fill admissions forms like everyone else and get their children selected on merit,” said Farooq Khatri, her cousin.