To sir with love

Another Gandhi Jayanthi, same set of people paying tributes at Raj Ghat, another dry day, the same mundane yearly rituals repeated itself. However, what made mine special were the memories of one of the few persons who has influenced my life so much - my Gandhian Principal. 

During my school days, a few other school principals used to derive pleasure from flaunting their status through those big cars of those days. I remember my friend from a "leading" school of the city narrating me how his principal arrives in a Maruthi Esteem to his school, and all about his chamber and the aristocratic dressing. 

In contrast, I had a principal who used to cycle his way to school everyday. His dressing was simple yet neat- a well pressed white shirt with a black or a white trouser. He was in fact more approachable than most of the teaching staff. He had a passion for mathematics, and also for removing the prevalent fear for the subject. His idea of mathematics went far beyond the confines of the syllabus. For ex, on a fine day we were given the problem of making the horse pawn cover all the 64 squares on the chess board exactly once. 

He constantly engaged with the students to inspire them to read the daily newspapers. On most days, he would spend time with us asking questions on that day's newspaper. This brought in me the habit of reading newspaper everyday. I also overheard a teacher saying that he spent some part of his salary on rewarding students.

One the first day of the public exams, just as I was about to leave,  I got a call on the landline(obviously). On the other side was the principal speaking, wishing me good luck.Couldn't believe that the principal sir had called me personally to wish me good luck! Such a reassuring call it was! It boosted my confidence levels manifold.  

The last time I met him was when I learnt from the local newspaper that the Gandhian principal had retired. I was in +1 (I PUC) then. I was in two minds of whether to meet him or not. I wanted to, but was very uncomfortable. What would I tell him? It seems so simple now, but back then I was an extreme introvert, not those leaders kind. I eventually went to meet him on the last day of his service. He was busy packing up. I cooked up some story that I had come earlier and that he was not available. Looking back I am not sure why all this was needed. But he understood me like ever before and bailed me out of this embarrassing situation. I din't say anything and stood still. But he could read the emotions on my face. He gestured for a handshake and said, "Rajesh, good luck, do well in life".

As they say -
"The mediocre teacher tells. 

The good teacher explains.  

The superior teacher demonstrates.  

The great teacher inspires."

Dear Veeraraghavan sir, thank you so much.You are more than an inspiration to me!