This is a very old post repeated on Teacher's Day
I was in eighth grade when Mr. Govindarajan (whom we affectionately called GR Sir) became my class teacher. Despite my sieve-like memory, I vividly recall his short, frail figure, unkempt hair, and an appearance that belied his early fifties. Yet, what truly stood out were the twinkle in his kindly eyes and the ever-present mischievous smile that brightened his face.
GR
Sir had a unique gift for making even the dullest subjects fascinating. His
witty remarks and lively teaching style transformed our classroom into a place
of wonder and laughter. I remember one day while explaining a complex math
problem, he suddenly quipped, "Mathematics is like a detective story—full
of mysteries to solve!" His humour was infectious, making even the most
reluctant students sit up and take notice.
Despite
his humour and warmth, there was a certain aloofness that kept us from taking
undue liberties. He knew how to instill confidence in us, making us believe we
could achieve any goal we set. GR Sir never derided even the weakest students,
patiently explaining lessons over and over until everyone understood. The last
ten minutes of his class were always dedicated to broadening our minds,
discussing topics beyond the textbook, and kindling our curiosity.
One
day, GR Sir entered the classroom unusually late, looking distinctly fatigued
and distraught. He called me over and whispered, "Partha, I went to the
hospital this morning to admit my aged mother. She has acute asthma. It was an
emergency, and I am coming directly from the hospital after she stabilized. You
know my house. Can you please collect lunch from my wife? Tell her I was held
up and couldn’t come home as promised. Also, let her know that doctors are
attending to my mother and I’ll be going to the hospital directly after
school."
I
dashed to his house, a small, two-room side portion that was dark and dingy.
After conveying the message, I waited as his wife packed lunch. In the dim
hall, I noticed a boy my age huddled on a mat. He tried to get up but couldn't,
making unintelligible guttural noises. His mother hurried to his side.
"Lie
down quietly, Kanna. I will come to you in a minute after sending lunch to
appa," she said gently.
"Aunty,
is he not well?" I asked, concerned. "He is not getting up and is
making strange sounds."
She
turned to me, a tear glistening in her eye. "Yes, he is very unwell. He
cannot walk on his own. He cannot speak and is not a normal child."
It
struck me then that he was not only affected by polio but also mentally
challenged. What a cruel fate for my kind and dedicated teacher, who never let
his personal struggles show. An aged, sick mother, a disabled child, a small
decrepit home, and low income—such a burdensome combination for anyone to bear.
Yet,
GR Sir's devotion to his duty and his unwavering amiable disposition remained
unshaken. My admiration for him grew boundless as I recalled his natural
dignity, infectious warmth, and willingness to go the extra mile for his
students. He never allowed his private grief to intrude upon his professional
responsibilities.
For
GR Sir, education was more than just book learning. It was about igniting young
minds with the wonders of the world and life itself. The memory of such a
remarkable teacher lingers like a sweet fragrance, long after the years have
passed. His rich contentment and serene detachment are rare qualities, not
often found among ordinary mortals.
"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops." Henry Adams
What a poignant episode befitting the teachers day.
ReplyDeleteJanardhan N
Lovely story. I am sure you liked this "Govindarajan Sir" very much.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great teacher indeed! This kind of teacher is so rare now a days! Atin Biswas
ReplyDeleteRight on time for Teachers’ Day.
ReplyDeleteNice ЁЯСН
Applauding all the dedicated teachers who make a difference in students’ life ЁЯЩП
Chitra
Our teachers need to be applauded for their selfless service. Many a time people with most problems never remonstrate. Our interactions with such people make us more humane and realise how blessed we are. Partha was always a favourite I believe.
ReplyDeleteYes a teacher is really a God after mother and father. In this context I am reminiscent of an en glish class in my school days. Balgangadhar Tilak was a teacher as well as a freedom fighter. Once in the midst of his class teaching student he received a chit from a peon. He opened the chit to view the contents and there was a glimpse of emotions playing through his mind. But he regained his posture and went about teaching. After conclusion of his class he took permission from headmaster to visit his home. The reason being his wife passed away. Such was his steadfast devotion and dedication to his profession, he preferred teaching to personal agony. The motto is work is worship which we seldom come across.ЁЯЩП
ReplyDeleteRama Sampath Kumar : what a touching story on teacher’s day! Such dedicated teachers are rare indeed A special child, an aged mother and a small home with insufficient resources, hats off to men like him.Such teachers are rare these days. Today many have become so commercial and private tuitions are the order of the day.Yet there are gems among the stones and lucky are the students to find such dedicated teachers.
ReplyDeleteHave we forgotten the old saying: Mata , Pita, Guru, Daivam ? Of course most teachers are full of knowledge but where has the wisdom gone for some.Certainly wrong to classify all into one group as there are a few rotten apples in all professions. .. Many parents are teachers too . Why have we forgotten the old adage Spare the rod and spoil the child? Sorry for the digression Athimber : but just penned my thoughts.
Unionism and societal pressures have spoiled the system and Teachers' in general are no exception. Yet, we can see dedicated and devoted teachers' in every school who has taken to teaching as a true profession. Happy Teacher's
ReplyDeleteDay ! Indeed a poignant story forever to remember !.
Real teacher ЁЯТРЁЯЩПЁЯП╗ PKR
ReplyDeleteA lesson to all, to keep personal problems out of workplace.. very difficult indeed.
ReplyDeleteWonderful story-telling. That's a teacher we can all learn from. (JJ)
ReplyDeleteA diminishing tribe today just like the diminishing tribe of good humans
ReplyDeleteIt is teachers like GR Sir who make teaching a noble profession.
ReplyDeleteЁЯЩП
ReplyDeleteBest wishes and warm regards
Hemantha Kumar Pamarthy
Exemplary teacher...we come across teachers like him very rarely. This quality of his has influenced you too! Very good story!....Sandhya
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing teacher! :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome.
ReplyDeleteApt Title Lingering Fragrance.
Teacher's like Him Spread Fragrance which engulfs the students ЁЯЩП
What an amazing teacher. Embodiment of dedication, hard work and exemplary service. Despite the problems he had at home, his concentration in school was only to impart education and make his students better beings which is the crux of life. Teachers play a major role in every child’s life. We are what we are because of the guidance of teachers besides other factors too. Lovely inspiring story.
ReplyDelete