A tribute to teachers

Not to waste my precious morning, viewing mindless television, I decided to start my blog site on this auspicious “Teacher’s Day”. I was keen to record my respect and reverence not only to my teachers but also to the entire teaching profession.

I still remember vividly our head master asking our class students to think of the careers we might wish to pursue in life. Hands were raised and voices filled the room…..engineer, doctor, scientist, pilot, cricketer, nurse, ticket collector, bus conductor, singer, astronaut, etc…It was my turn. I was tempted to say: cricketer. I mumbled…teacher. There was an enigmatic look on the face of my head master. Little did I realize the reason for his reaction at that point of time? I didn’t have the gumption to elicit his reaction to my choice.

Now, when I look back at the event the stark reality emerges. Teaching has been, and will continue to be, all about being overworked, under-appreciated and under-paid.

My ambition was always to become a teacher. In fact it was my first career choice. Well, in India, you can’t have a career choice. You don’t have the luxury of choosing what you like. Employment is not by choice but by the opportunity if any that knocks at your door. It was a noble profession I thought.

By sheer chance, I had an impressive pedigree of pedagogues.
My grandfather was a teacher (and a head master too). My paternal uncle was a chemistry lecturer par excellence (and a well-known writer in Telugu) – Palagummi Padmaraju. Another paternal uncle of repute – Palagummi Viswanadham was a Veena vidwan and many budding singers and musicians graduated under his tutelage. My father was “Guru” in real sense and his acolytes were many. Another illustrious and multi-faceted uncle of mine: Chaganti Subba Rao was a Professor-turned-educationist. My brother's father-in-law: Dr. Krishnamurthy was the Principal and a well known Chemistry Professor at Venkateshwara College, New Delhi. Four of my aunts: Smt. Sarada, Smt. Jhansi, Smt. Sumathi and Smt. Girija were accomplished lecturers/teachers. Four of my cousins: Dr. Samba Murthy, Smt. Lakshmi, Smt. Sita and Smt. Ratna are lecturers by choice. Three of my sisters-in-laws: Smt. Hema, Smt. Annapurna and Smt. Satyavati are quality lecturers. The list is endless…

I had also a good mix of friend circle hailing from the teaching community. It is perhaps a natural proclivity to gravitate towards teaching profession.

Is teaching today a tougher job than ever before? Many believe that teaching is a ‘special calling’. I am not sure whether I could have done justice to the profession.

On this day, I recall with gratitude, the knowledge and guidance I received from some of my teachers who taught me in early part of my learning curve. This is the time my receptiveness and attentiveness are believed to be at their best. I am ever indebted to my mathematics teacher: Shri Samuel, my science teacher: Shri Sarma and my social science teacher: Smt. Sundari Reddy at schooling level. At college level, I can’t forget the remarkable teaching abilities of Dr. C.V. Ratnam, my chemistry professor, who taught me organic chemistry with such lucidity and clarity that even today the basics are so firmly ingrained in me. Another professor who helped me a great deal to stimulate my interest in physical chemistry is: Dr. Siddhanti, true to his name he was a scholar in every sense. I consider it as my great privilege to have pursued my Ph.D research under the two stalwarts: Dr. R. Pitchai and Shri R.V Amal Raj. I have learnt so much from them that if I can only achieve at least half what they could accomplish in their profession, I will be paying a rich tribute to them.

I offer my gratefulness to my parents in addition to their abundant love and affection; they have guided me on the right path throughout my life. They are my first and primary teachers.

I have great respect for the entire teaching community. Their role in shaping one’s life is remarkable and extraordinary. Many teachers have left a lasting impression on me though I was not taught by them. It doesn’t matter. In fact, some of them were my son’s teachers. I could see the involvement, application and dedication of these teachers towards their profession. A dedicated teacher is one of the world's most precious resource. I would like to recall their great services with deference. They are: Smt. Sarada Patnaik, Shri Padmanabhan, Shri Khanapure, Smt T.G.Geetha, Smt. Kalyani, Smt. Suchi Smita, Smt. Mahita, Smt. Amita Sethi, Smt. Jyotsna Lal, Smt. V. Rajyalakshmi, Smt. Sushma Nashine, Smt. Umapathy, Smt. Rajamani, Smt. Aruna, Shri Sasi Prasad, Shri Rammohan and Smt. Saroja Sundararajan.

I came across some individuals on professional front who have imparted their knowledge and experience to so many students in their spare time. Truly, a magnanimous gesture. They are: Smt. Uma Seshadri, Dr. B. Purniah, Dr. K.S. Viswanathan, Dr. S.V.M. Satyanarayana and Dr. Sengadir.

I would like to conclude my tribute with the mention of two individuals who impressed me. Firstly, I would like to mention the yeoman service rendered by Shri Johnson Mathews, Principal of one of our Kendriya Vidyalayas. He was instrumental in nurturing the overall development of a child. He did not focus his attention on only the brighter ones. I always found him inspirational and supportive to every student.

The other person being, Smt. Sherine Joy, who served in the capacity as Officer-in-Charge of Sankara College in our township. She has single handedly ran the institution with aplomb and composure in spite of intricate as well as complex difficulties. With her admirable qualities of sensitivity and kindness, has provided avenues to many economically weaker students to pursue their studies, at times paying from her own savings. Her involvement in future of students was holistic.

I strongly believe that from the efforts of teachers’ careers of many students soar. It helps not only students but also the nation. Few other professions have the opportunity to "touch the future" through their daily thoughts, attitudes and actions.

My tribute is incomplete if I don’t inform the readers that my wife - Smt. Seshamma is a teacher too. Thanks to such enlightened company at home, friends and rich pedigree, I became a good listener!

I compliment all the teaching community for making my learning experiences positive and for showing love and compassion in their chosen field.


Teaching, is not just a job. It is a human service, and it must be thought of as a mission

- Dr. Ralph Tyler