To Sir, with love

The recent death of a professor in Ujjain shook the nation and brought a shame to the nation where teachers are worshipped along with Gods. Today we celebrate teacher's day, I think such an event is celebrated only in India. I believe, there exist no nation where teachers get worshipped and also get killed.

The Indian media described the shameful event as "Death of a professor". I would say, it should have been "Death of the Student". The student has died, not the professor! Death of the student would mean, death of the learning attitude, therefore the respect for the teacher. There's no end to the ocean of knowledge. Given a piece of knowledge-there must be a teacher; there must be student. Once a teacher-always a teacher. Once a student-always a student.

Though I am a poor student, still I love to be a student always. I still remember some of the nicest lectures of my teachers, I still accompany certain virtues bestowed or inspired by some of my teachers, I still feel jealous about the popularity that some of my teachers enjoy. All the teachers, who have taught me-I have learnt at least a bit from them; some bad, some good but still I am forever grateful to them irrespective of what they were, what they are.

When we say we respect teachers, we respect them because of their knowledge and their attitude towards us. We love them; we hate them but always hold a mark of respect for them.
Sir, I still reminisce the smile you had when I gifted you something on teacher's day. I remember you said "this is not what I want, be studious, excel in your life, my blessings are always with you ". Today I still want to hear this from you though your blessings have really worked, and perhaps I have excelled a bit in my life.

To all my teachers, whom I love the most, my love and respect will never die for you. I know, a guru is just another struggling human being, and I know you are still struggling. And today on this day, far from you struggling with the basics that you taught me, all I can do for you is wish the best and pray to the almighty for your well being.

Thank you Sir, for just being my Sir.

~Swarup