The Memorable Teachers

I was going through a few posts today on Teachers’ Day, which is celebrated on 5th September to mark the birthday of the former President, scholar, philosopher and Bharat Ratna Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. This is an occasion for students to honour and pay tributes to their teachers.

Whenever I think of teachers, I can easily recall the characteristics and words spoken by some of them. They are select few out of hundreds of teachers who taught me at some point either at school, college or university.

There was an ingenious maths teacher, who had given us trigonometry formulae in verses to remember. Taking a cue from him, the chemistry teacher gave a mantra to remember the elements of the Periodic Table.

A physics teacher, who had written a book on the subject, used to compel us to attend his tutorial classes that were quite helpful in practical examinations.

A social science teacher used to carry his umbrella every time with a slogan written on it, “Don’t smoke, it’s injurious to health.”

Once I cut my own finger while dissecting a frog, as he suddenly jumped out of the tray. My zoology teacher while wrapping a bandage around my finger whispered in my ear, “Biology is not your cup of tea, my friend.”

One of Hindi teachers used to see romance even in devotional poems. His interpretations would floor and excite all of us for more reasons than one. His classes were the most likable ones.

There was a lecturer in Geophysics, who used to bring his notes on funny, coloured and wrinkled sheets of different sizes and shapes, but he was very comfortable while referring to them.

One of my inorganic chemistry teachers used to start his lecture simultaneously writing the points on the black board. When we asked questions, his simple retort would be, “I’m coming to that point.” But at the end of his lecture, we had no question to ask.

Today on the occasion of Happy Teachers’ Day, I salute all the teachers (gurus- गुरु), who enlightened my life in their own unique ways. No words can express my gratitude to them.

A big salute also to teachers on WhatsApp, YouTube and other social media, who impart their knowledge and wisdom free of cost.

–Kaushal Kishore

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