Day 280 of facts of pride about India giving smiles – Remembering our teachers.
In Indian culture, we look up to our teachers with a sense of awe and respect. Having crossed the half century mark in real life, I still feel cozy like a kid when I get vivid memories of the many teachers of my formal educative years. I would like to you to go down your thrilling memory lane along with me, as I acknowledge the many school class teachers and college professors who have contributed in our lives.
You are what you are because of your many teachers. Without realizing it, their good nature must have made an impression on you during your growing years. What they showed as important to me during my formative years must have become part of adult personality too!
Here is an attempt to recall memories and give an acknowledgement of the many teachers in my life till my formal post graduation education days…
1968 – KG. My Canossa class teacher pacifying me as I cry, when I spot my mother outside the window. (I learnt the importance of compassion)
1969 – Std. I. My Carmel school Mangalore class teacher appreciating me with a fireman painting book prize for getting 1st rank in class (I learnt the importance of giving appreciation to others)
1970 – Std.II. My long plaited Canossa class teacher Miss Bridgette, visiting me at home and allowing me to sit on her lap when I asked her this to the surprise of my mother. (I learnt the importance of being self expressed)
1971 – Std.III. My kind Canossa class teacher Miss Beryl smiling at me, when I walk up to her and tell her that God should also be written with a capital G when she was teaching us Proper Nouns in Grammar.( I learnt the importance of a kind smile and of allowing other views to be also expressed)
1972 – Std.IV. My fair, Iranian Canossa class teacher Miss Farida complimenting me on my lemon yellow ‘foreign’ cloth stitched dress that I wore on my birthday.(I learnt the importance of motivating others to get their self-confidence, especially on their special days)
1973 – Std.V. My old Canossa class teacher Miss Monterio, who taught us English so perfectly, that I first promised myself that I would grow up to become a teacher like her.(I learnt the importance of doing a work so well, that you become a role model for others)
1974 – Std.VI. My short Canossa class teacher Miss Siglyn, who would let me carry notebooks for her as I proudly walked together with her upto her home. (I learnt the importance of giving an opportunity to others to make them feel proud to be needed)
1975 – Std.VII. My young Canossa class teacher Miss Thomas who fascinated me with her broad thick lipped smile as she demonstrated test tube experiments in class. (I learnt that practical demonstration is a much better way to put across a message, than just giving a theoretical concept)
1976 – Std.VIII. My popular Canossa class teacher Miss Eleanor who insisted that I ask my parents to take me for an eye checkup because I couldn’t see the blackboard clearly from the last bench. (I learnt the importance of not postponing matters that may at first seem unpleasant to do)
1977 – Std.IX. My spiritual Canossa class teacher Sister Margaret who would make us say long prayers again and again before any lessons. ( I learnt the importance of including spiritual power for day to day matters)
1978 – Std.X. My smart and capable Canossa class teacher Miss Oephelia who also was a compere for housie in the weekends at the Mahim Gymkhana.(I learnt the importance of being an all-rounder and taking part in extra-curricular activities also)
1979 – First Year Junior College- My Professor Luku Sanyal with her impeccable English who was also a Doordarshan news reader and made me fantasize about talking boldly in front of big groups.(I learnt the importance of how leadership qualities could be demonstrated by good public speaking skills0.
1980 – Second Year Junior College – My Strict Professor Henry Desai who admired my stand about scrapping of reservations of the scheduled caste quota in the debate that I had in the Leslie Sawney forum.( I learnt the importance of taking up a stand for a cause I strongly believe in even though I may seem alone in the beginning).
1981 – First Year B.com – My Eccentric yet brilliant Professor Iyengar whose kept delivering his first lecture of his accounts teaching career with our class, even though we were uncontrollable, unruly, and noisy . (I learnt the importance of doing what needs to be done and taking action in the outside world in spite of the fear factor going on inside the mind. )
1982 – Second year B.com – My professor Iyer who made a boring Commerce subject interesting and who later helped my maid servant by organizing free textbooks for her.( I learnt the importance of bringing passion in whatever you do).
1983 – Third Year B.Com – My unassuming, timid and straightforward, accounts Professor Deshpande who went on to become the Vice principal of MMK College, much to my surprise and admiration.(I learnt the importance of never having pre-judgements about anybody because of my first impressions)
1984 – First year Law –My Savvy Corporate law Professor Pithavala who encouraged me to take part in Moot court competitions at Government law College.( learnt the true meaning of what kind of personality it takes to become a professional in the corporate world)
1985 – Second year Law –My Blind labour Law Professor who always called out my roll number because I would be the only one saying ‘Present’ instead of ‘Yes sir’.(I learnt that there are so many ways to still utilize my potential and am blessed to be able-bodied)
1989 – Third Year Law – My young professor of Insolvency, who effortlessly finished the whole years portion in just 2 months, so that we could have time to concentrate on other law subjects.( realized the importance of managing time constructively)
Thank You All Teachers and Professors of my formal education for making us who we are today!!!
So which fact about India gave you a smile today?
Please share your experience of facts about India that made you smile.
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