An Ode to My Teachers

“A good teacher is like a candle that consumes itself to light the way for others.” ~ Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

I have had many teachers in life who have inspired me a lot. On the occasion of Guru Purnima today, I wish to offer my special thanks to the four teachers who have been great pillars of support to me in life and learning over the years.

1. Atit Sir – Atit Sir has been my Kathak teacher for the past four years and I’ve learned a lot of things from him. Be it Kathak or real-life lessons, there is nothing he has failed in teaching me. His trust in me and his expectations from me have helped me to bring out the best in myself.

He is very hard-working and kind and never ceases to help me in any ways. I am so grateful to have a teacher like him in my life.

2. Rupa Ma’am – Albert Einstein is quoted as saying, ‘I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.’ Rupa Ma’am fits this description perfectly. She was my Social Studies teacher in school and one of the best teachers I have ever had. Because of her and her teaching technique, I developed an interest in the subject.

When other teachers used to stick to only textbooks and complete chapter after chapter as to complete the portion as fast as they can, she used to take her own time and teach us in depth. For example, if she taught us about a particular state of India, she used to wear the sari from that state and showed us handicrafts of that state. She retired a few years back but is still the favourite of many of my schoolmates. She was a wonderful teacher and I miss her all the time.

3. My Parents – The two people I cannot live without and who have inspired me in a lot of ways are my parents. Whatever I am today, I am because of them.

Our parents love us unconditionally. They are the people who walk on the dangerous side of the road to keep us, their children, secure and protected. Even if we give up on ourselves, they will never give up on us and always motivate us. Their one smile and a word of advice is a boosting formula and brings out the positive in us. I love my parents very much. They have been wonderful teachers to me all the way. I look up to them.

I love you momma and pops!

Henry Adams said –

A teacher affects eternity: he can never tell where his influence stops.

I am so thankful to these and all my other teachers for always guiding me, and helping me move from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge and wisdom.

Happy Guru Purnima to all the teachers around the world!