Teacher's Day

Today is teacher’s day, celebrated on the birthday of the great philosopher and teacher Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan a former President of India. It is unfortunate that in a Nation which traditionally revers the gurus, the teacher today does not get deserved reverence. The causes are many leading to a situation much like the chicken and egg story.

On this day I remember sekharan maash (maash in Malayalam = teacher) (SM) my mathematics teacher at school. In his fifties even then, he was the first recipient of Presidents Medal from Kerala, in the early 1960s. Everyday he came to school in spotless white, trousers, full sleeved shirt and black shoes. He wore no belt. In those days all of us wore designer clothes. Readymade dresses were in the market only for children. Hence the tailored trousers fitted well around the waist. A belt was not required to hold it up.  In those days when even calculators were unavailable he taught us the mysterious ways with numbers and formulae showing us how uncomplicated mathematics can be. All great teachers are good human beings too.

SM’s house was located bang opposite the best theatre in town, which screened Hinidi movies in Kannur. (Umayal theatre in Kannur (Cannanore, then)).  He knew when some of us sneaked out from the hostel for night shows. He would confront us the next day one on one. No complaints no complications; only some extra sums as homework. He had a class room set up in his garden at home. All weak students reported there soon after school for some extra coaching. He never ever charged for these tuitions!!!!! He had the best rose garden in town with many varieties of roses in different colours and hues.  Not once would he pick even one rose. He let them blossom, bloom and wither in the bush. But any day he would give away a cutting of even the rarest of rare variety with a smile. Yes, he always had a smile to give away. These two hobbies of SM then are big business today – Therein lies a lacuna.

 A cynic will say, they never make them like that these days – but I say teaching is the noblest profession ever…..teachers are not made they are born to be teachers….On teachers'  day I pay my respects to all those who were, are and will be teachers.