On Sunday, I watched this movie “Do Dooni Char” about a teacher’s story. The story skims in a very realistic way, the problems of low salary for a teacher who has the biggest job in the world — nurturing the future of our country. That set me reminiscing about my own favorite teachers.
School days were wonderful despite the horrendous discipline. I remember very clearly, Maths teacher B Sir. He called me his six-star student. A strict teacher, he always emphasized the importance of sequential thinking — step-by-step approach. My English teacher, Ms. S, was a very tough cookie. She was very strict and never one we could fool around with. I owe my love and detail for English language to her. She was very particular about correct grammar, punctuation and pronunciation. It held us in good stead all these years. Then, our Science teacher, J ma’am. She wore the best and the most beautiful starched cotton saris; she always looked impeccable, and even at the end of the day, her sari looked fresh. despite the humid Bombay weather. She took our Biology class, taught beautifully and warned us before teaching the chapter on Reproductive Systems that any snickers or giggles would be dealt with severely. No one dared ask any questions for this chapter for fear of being teased to death later :). Mrs. M, our Social Studies teacher, an excellent teacher, explained so well, I can still see the maps in front of my eyes. She died tragically due to cancer while we had not yet passed out of school.
College days — the freedom, the bunking, the time with friends — extraordinary. While graduating in Chemistry, I have to talk about our Organic Chemistry Prof — fun, smart, good looking 🙂 and very friendly. I remember once he told us that oxidation of oil during frying renders it unfit for reuse. But, when he tried telling his wife this, she told him to buzz off and leave his Chemistry behind in college :). We almost set the Lab on fire on 2 occasions during our 6-hour long marathon practicals. He handled it so calmly. I guess, he was used to a bunch of mad youngsters. Then there was S sir, who started the iconic CEP program at Wilson College. Approachable and warm, he was a darling of all students. My love for Chemistry and eventual graduation in that subject stems from the fact that the Professors teaching the subject were so wonderful. I still remember Mrs. I who was stunning looking. Her class got good attendance especially from the males. All our male friends would desert us and crowd the first few benches to look studious and also to get a better look at her :). What can you say; she had a teenaged daughter at that time and still looked so gorgeous!
Teachers never leave us, and good teachers stay with us for life. I just wish that those employing them would know how to respect quality and suitably reward the most noble profession on earth.
PS: Pic courtesy: jscreationsz’s
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