The word ‘mentor’ is now commonly used in academic, professional and entrepreneurial domains. It is especially pivotal in the education system, and the teacher today is expected to assume the role of the mentor. So complex the part played that it’s often depicted in quintuple roles of Aide, Monitor, Motivator, Leader and Counsellor.
To fathom the true meaning of the word, let’s take a look into the origin of the word ‘mentor’.
Odyssey: The origin of the word ‘mentor’ can be traced to the Greek mythology described by Homer in Odyssey. It is the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, who leaves for the Trojan War leaving behind his wife Penelope and son Telemachus. He entrusts his old age friend ‘Mentor’ to look after Telemachus.
The Trojan War gets extended for several years due to various impediments. Meanwhile in Ithaca many noblemen attempt to win over Penelope, marry her and takeover the kingdom in the absence of Odysseus.
The gods decide to intervene and the goddess of wisdom Athena visited and found the young Telemachus to be indecisive, insecure and non-confident. Athena took the disguise of mentor to hide herself from the suitors of Penelope. Mentor (Athena) guided and encouraged Telemachus to stand up against the suitors and to go in search of his father. Thanks to Telemachus empowerment, Odysseus returns to Ithaca as King after nearly ten years.
The mythology makes us realise the real worth of mentoring – who mentor and mentee are, and also the outcome expected of mentoring.
Mentee, like Telemachus the prince, is a person who has birth rights, inheritances, the potential to take the lead, and likely to control / influence the nation and the world.
Mentor, like old man and goddess, has a dual personality both human and godly; Old man’s experience and acumen, and goddess’ wisdom and influence.
Mentoring Outcome: mentee realises and rises up to his/her true potential, becomes knowledgeable, decisive, secure and confident, gains in wisdom and takes control of himself/herself, lead /influence the organisation and the community.
Mentors at the educational and professional / business institutions, have a crucial role in moulding the future.
Prelude: I was fortunate to have had more than one mentor at S B College when I joined as a teacher in 1977. I am indebted to each of them for what I am today. I will dedicate one of my future blogs for them. This may be considered to be it’s prelude.
The statue: Telemachus and Mentor. 1770. Made by Royal Fabric “”BuenRetiro”” from Madrid. Neoclassicism. China / Porcelain. SPAIN. Madrid. National Museum of Archaeology
Stephen Musings 
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