This is something I have always wanted to do – remember the spirit of individuals who have had an impact on my life. It may sound a bit like eulogizing about someone dead and gone or something, but I actually feel it is about remembering the spirit of the person and remembering the learnings..
RCS Sir or Ramachandrasekhar sir was my Sanskrit teacher for 3 years at DAV Mogappair (I switched schools 8 times.. so there are going to be many). I was fortunate to be taught by many an exceptional teacher and RCS sir was right up there on that list..
He had a deep impact over those years. A few of the most memorable ones are –
1) The Mahabharata – The Mahabharata is a Hindu epic story. Very basically put, it is a story where 5 brothers are wronged by their cousins time after time and finally decide to fight for their right and against all odds, triumph in an 18 day battle. We once had a lesson about an incident in the war and I can still remember the way he brought it to life with his many stories. He inspired me to buy a 850 page version of the Mahabharata (by Kamala Subramaniam). That is a book I’ve read many many times despite the large size and learnt so much from it..
2) Talking in stories: Sir’s classes were lots and lots of fun because of his ability to talk in stories. This is a lesson that is basic in every presentation skill lesson.. yet I had the privelege of seeing it in action for 3 years. Sudarshan (also a student of Sir’s and friend here) and I still recall the fascinating tales.. Years since, I’ve forgotten the Sanskrit.. but I still remember the stories. :)
3) Treating us as adults: RCS sir was very feared in the early days because he wholly believed in ‘Spare the rod and spoil the child’.. but as we grew up and reached our 9th grade(/Sec4 I think..), he began treating us as adults with no policing whatsoever. He was probably the only teacher who trusted us. And sure, there may have been times when the trust was misplaced (as we were a crazy bunch of 30 boys), but I sure am better for it..
I visit all my 3 schools at home every time I visit and it is a pleasure to go back and just catch up with Sir. And of course, being very modern, we are obviously in touch via email. I just felt today should be a day I remember the many things I learnt from RCS sir. The 3 listed above are just the tip of the iceberg..
Phenomenal teacher, wonderful person.. Our RCS Sir.. I know this little note probably doesn’t do him enough justice, still, it’s an attempt. And with every attempt I’ll get better I guess..haha
Thank you Sir.. I shalt never forget.. :)
A Learning a Day 