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
I really enjoyed this blog about teachers. Colleges days were so much fun. Yes we too had some good looking Professors, on whom many of us had crushes.
And some of the school teachers who were Punjabis and Anglo- Indians were so good looking and would also smell wonderful. They would wear pointed shoes with heels and in those days watching them walk in them was really fascinating. Their tight chudidar kameez/ tight skirts and their lipsticks: Oh God it used to leave us speechless.
Our South Indian and Hindi Teachers always looked like Behanjis.
You are right Rachna, teachers stay with us. I too have fond memories of my school teachers.
ANd i wonder why school teachers are so poorly remunerated becuase after all they are the ones who shape the future of the children
wonderful memories about ur school n college days..and very funny and nice description..i am surprised seeing u still keep such nice memories about ur teachers..i too have written something about my study times….this is one such an experience
http://myvanitymoments.blogspot.com/2010/05/catching-copybook-crook.html
How nice it is to remember our school and college teachers.
College days are really so good and at this juncture in life this missing of those wonderful days really makes me happy at the thought of it…
Nice post…remembering:)
Rachna, wish you a Happy New Year.
@rama Thanks :). Oh yes, teachers were our first crushes. I am sure they must be knowing that. Interesting to read your account of your teachers. In Bombay, where we studied, I don’t remember any behenji looking teachers. Most were decently turned, but some do stand out!
@bbsearchingself It is sad. The schools charge us huge fees and pay so little to the teachers who are actually responsible for creating their reputation.
@Tomz thanks and don’t be surprised, I’m sure they will stay sharp in my memories forever. Sure, I will read your post.
@Gouri Thanks and wish you a very happy new year too! Always fun remembering good memories.
brought back the memories of school and college .. SOOOOOOOOOOOPER ARTICLE.. i did not have a good time in school but college WE had such a great time doubt if many have had that sort of time .. for 5 year it was blisss…
My biology teacher was very good too and she was beautifull 🙂 most kids had a crush on her
Took me years back this article and hey the film you mentioned that was lovely movie i loved it toooo 🙂
Bikram’s
Rachna, enjoyed reading what u remember of your teachers. They are people who leave a life long memory in the minds of children and youngsters(what ever the case)..Good ones are always cherished and their ways are imbibed for life by most of their students. I wonder if a teacher realizes how much they influence a kid!
Really sad that a profession that is shaping the tomorrow of our world is so low paid. 🙁
I just loved this post! It brought back memories of all those teachers who have inspired and encouraged me. Thank you! 🙂
Even I was watching Do Dooni Char! Liked the movie too. Rishi Kapoor was cho-chweet in his chubby avatar as the harassed teacher/parent. And I thought their portrayal of school kids was rather good.
Teachers are a fav subject to write about no? Everybody has or other memory to share – good or bad. Do check out my previous posts on teachers under the label ‘purani jeans’
the header of your blog is wonderful! lovely greetings from Bulgaria
http://design-elements-blog.com/
@Bikram Thank you for the warm words :). Yeah, college days are fun more because of friends I think. When I was doing my MBA, I stayed at a PG, and those were some wonderful days spent with wonderful friends! Ah, all students have their first crushes on teachers :).
I loved the movie too. So simple and down to earth and not preachy yet showed reality. Loved Rishi and Neetu too!
@Gayatri Didi, you are right. I think with experience good teachers understand how much kids idolize them.
@Deepa Yes, chubby Rishi is so adorable, and the kids and their demands are so realistically shown in the movie. Yes, teachers and college life always bring back warm memories. Will surely read your post soon. BTW, I am planning to watch Nobody killed Jessica with some girlfriends, you must do the same :).
@Maria Hey Maria, Welcome to my blog. Thank you, the header was a pic of Grand Canyon, USA clicked by us many years ago. Hope to see you here more often.
At no age does one forget the teachers. The real wealth we ever can get.
I just completed my college life and you made me recall great moments. Its very difficult to forget that wonderful era of time..
@BKChowla Very true!
@sushant That’s wonderful, Sushant! You would remember these moments even more fondly after some years lapse.
I had written a blog some time back” Who is your teacher”.It was a tribute to some of my teachers who taught me the values I keep.I have studied in different parts of world and in famous institutions,but still,my best teachers were at the governmental school I studied.There was not much money in teaching those days.But their commitment was unbelievable.
Good to remember them.it will bring you their blessings.
Chemistry teacher and good looking? Rare combo…I had the worst ones, both looks wise and knowledge wise…
This Sir was good looking and younger, our age; he was loads of fun to be around :). The other profs were pretty good in the subject so Chemistry was fun!