THE SUNDAY GLEANER, MARCH 6, 2022 | ARTS & EDUCATION F10 JOHN JAMES Mills, OBE, MBE, M.R.S.T, JP, known as J.J. Mills, was a dedicated educator, contributing to the advancement of education in Jamaica as the country moved to self-government and independence. For J.J. Mills, education was the pathway to success and development. He was a proud Mico man like Arthur Thelwell. J.J.Mills was born in Penshurst, St Ann, on January 9, 1888. He was the son of John Mills, a farmer, and his wife, Laura Ada Maxwell Mills. He attended Sturge Town Government Elementary School. In 1906, he received a Government Exhibition Scholarship to attend the Mico Teachers’ Training College. He graduated with honours in 1908, embarking on his career in education. It appears that J.J. Mills was an ardent music lover, and among other things, was a teacher of classical music at Mico, his alma mater. By 1920, he was a senior tutor. He was appointed vice-principal in 1940, becoming acting principal in about 1943. He was appointed principal by 1945 and would retain this position until his retirement in 1948 after 40 years of service. J.J. Mills was regarded as the spirit of Mico, active in everything pertaining to its advancement. He was honoured for his contribution to education in Jamaica, being considered the godfather of the teaching profession. He received the compliment of being considered a very useful citizen. It was said that he put country first in all his actions. INVOLVED IN ORGANISATIONS Mills was a very busy man involved in various organisations at home and abroad and in various committees and projects. He was a leader of the Kingston Teachers’ Association and the Jamaica Union of Teachers. Despite his busy schedule, he was interested in adult education and found time to teach people who were illiterate. In his retirement, he continued his contribution to education and social welfare. He volunteered to serve several organisations. John James Mills departed life on May 7, 1966. There were many tributes to him, which are recorded in The Gleaner. They are an indication of the high esteem in which he was held in his lifetime. In 1969, his autobiography, titled J.J. Mills: His Own Account of His life and Times, was published. It was edited by R.N. Murray. Copies of this autobiography are at the National Library of Jamaica. A profile of J.J. Mills, written by Inez K. Sibley, also appeared in The Gleaner of January 31, 1969. His legacy is clearly his sterling contribution to the development of Mico and to education in Jamaica. At Mico, a residence hall bears his name. In 1966, the Government thought it fitting to name a school in his honour. This is the John Mills Primary and Junior High School. J.J. Mills is another Jamaican whose life provides an example to be emulated by our younger generations, who should strive to be useful citizens. Contributed by Marcia E. Thomas. John James (J.J.) Mills, 1888-1966 GLEANER ARCHIVES J. J. Mills REMEMBERING DISTINGUISHED JAMAICANS STUDENTS! IT is not enough to know what inner and external right conduct is. It is vital that both inner and external right conduct is practised. The ancient scriptures, the Vedas, declare ‘Speak Truth and Live according to Right Conduct’. Right conduct is not a matter of scholarship and knowledge. It is the practice of human values in everyday life. Theoretical or bookish knowledge, scholarship in the scriptures do not lead to purity but good actions, good thoughts, and good feelings do. What are the divine human values? These may be stated as comprising a) Love of God – When there is love of God, one will have all the peace and truth within; b) Fear of sin – When there is fear of sin, there will be love and you will remain peaceful; c) Morality – It is the morality in society. There, you will find the principle of non-violence. Therefore, if you develop this love for God, you will have all the peace, truth, and right conduct. The one who has love for God will never resort to violence. The one with love for God will never be unrighteous. He will ever remain peaceful. Therefore, this love is our very life. We think the human values are truth, righteousness, peace, and love. But all of them are contained in this love. This love directs you towards God. Love is like a compass that points towards the north wherever you keep it. So love, wherever it is, will direct you towards God. Therefore, this compass of love is special grace given to mankind. The human value in this world is love. Love is present in every person. The Vedas speak of the Divine who is present in all. God is present in everything. Who is God? Love is God. God is present in all. Love is God. Live in love. At one time, Jesus took the permission of his mother and observed penance in the desert for 42 days. When he gained knowledge of His true self, He asked for three boons to be granted to Him. He said, “My Father I ask you for three boons.” The first one: You have given me this life; may I never hurt anyone, may I serve all. May I be ever ready to accept my mistake, may I never utter a lie. May I always tread the path of truth. The Second one: “Oh God give me a heart capable of bearing all the suffering put to me by jealous people, by those who will hurt me, those who will accuse and criticise me.” Jealous people always watch the good. As you progress in life, there are people who will feel jealous of you. When you are happy, there are people who will feel envious. As people become more and more selfish, they become more and more jealous, so Jesus asked. “Oh God! The jealous people may cause me to suffer, but please grant me a state of mind that will always remain peace.” The Third one: “May I never give my love to anybody but You. May I surrender all my love totally at your feet. Let me spend all my time serving You. May your bliss become my bliss. You are the very embodiment of love. Help me to become so. God is ever total and wholesome. May I surrender to the wholesome God.” He wanted these three boons. Courtesy Sai Institute of Education West Indies, St Michael, Barbados. Visit them at www.siewi.org or https://www.sathyasai.org/ about-us/education or email siewibb@saibarbados.org. Practice of right conduct not theoretical knowledge EDUCARE
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