Those who educate children well are more to be honored than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well.

- Aristotle

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I received the call and said,'Hello?'

A very warm but course voice said,'Hello, Is it Ms Prerna's number?'

'Yes, Prerna speaking. Your voice sounds familiar, son. May I know to whom I'm talking to?'

'Oh! Madam. I'm so pleased that finally I got your number. I'm your old student whom you inspired and moulded in a way no one could ever have done. During these past years, I remembered you each and everyday madam, for bringing a change in my life'

'Ah! I got it son. As a student remembers his favorite teacher so does the teacher. How can I forget you Manav, when you were the one who taught me the real meaning of a teacher. I am so glad to hear from you. How are you son?', i was so pleased to hear from him. He was the one who made me a teacher in a true sense.

'Ah! I am really touched mam. Thousands of students come and go from an educator's life and I'm really stunned mam that you actually remember me?', he said with a genuine surprise in his tone.

'Of course I do Manav. Congratulations on your achievement, son. I read about you in the newspapers and came to know about the citation you are going to get in the field of medicine. I am happy for you from the core of my heart.', I was actually pleased with his gesture of finding my number and contacting me.

'That is the reason of my call ma'am. I am in this town for the ceremony and I really want to get the award in your presence as you were the turning point in my life. Without you, this wouldn't have been possible.', he said with a hue of sentiments in his voice.

'Sure son. It would be an honor for me to attend your citation ceremony.', i assured him that I would come.

'Thank you so much mam. So I will personally come tomorrow at 11 to pick you up.', he informed.

'Sure son, I'll be ready.'

'Have a blissful day mam. Bye.', and he hung the phone.

Present Day

Manav came sharp at 11 to fetch me. He touched my feet as a respectful gesture. His eyes were wet and I too got emotional to see him after so many years. We sat in the car and started toward the venue.

We reached the auditorium at 11:30. The hall was crowded and chief guests had already presided. The ceremony commenced and Manav Kapoor was called on stage for the citation and a gratitude speech.

He reached near the dice for his speech. He took the mike, cleared his throat and continued with a warm smile,' Today is a glorious day for me, a day to cherish. Usually on such occasions, people begin there speech by thanking Almighty, there family, friends and people who supported them to achieve their goal and I am no different.
I too have a long list of people to whom I want to pay my gratitude but before reading that long list of my supporters, I want to thank that one person without whom, I actually wouldn't have been here in front of you receiving such honour.
My childhood memories are not the pleasant ones. I was always disturbed and supressed But then she came to my life.
When my tiny, wrecked boat couldn't find the shore, she became my light house.
When I thought I am stuck in a bog, she became a rope to drag me out of it.
When I was stuck into choppy waters, she guided me safely back to harbour.
She engaged me, inspired me, lead me, pushed me, provoked me and at times meddled, to turn me into who I am.
She is none other than my school teacher Ms Prerna and I would like to share this award with her.'

His words made me sentimental. My eyes were wet and mind absorbed in his speech that I didn't even realize that he has taken my hand in his and taking me on stage. He took the citation in his hands and came forward to present it to me.

I was really touched by his words . I patted his back and told him that I too want to say something. He took me near the podium and handed me the mike.

I smiled at him, cleaned my eyes and said,' Good afternoon everyone. I am overwhelmed today. It feels amazing to see that the sapling I planted years ago has grown into a huge, shady, fruitful tree.

But don't trust each and every word he said. He was just being humble. I just did what was required.

It was almost twenty years back when I started working as a teacher. Manav was a student in my class. A dull and shabby looking boy who was always lost in his own world.

Teachers always want their students to be perfect. Tidy clothes,Good in studies, positive behaviour and interactive. Manav was nothing like this so at first I detested him.

He always looked untidy, never completed his homework and never brought lunch. Students always complained that they will not share a seat with him. I was getting irritated at his conduct.

Even my colleagues would tell me to be strict with him so eventually he became the target. I waited for the parent teacher meet so I could meet his parents and ask them the matter and tell them to pay attention to him.

I waited and waited but his parents never showed on PTM. I was now fed up.

One day, I scolded him so much as he has failed his exams. I told him that he is dull, stupid and no good. I told him that he and his parents are careless as his mother never bothers to wash and iron his clothes and even pack his lunch. I asked him harshly that why is she so indifferent towards him. He didn't utter a word and cried silently for sometime.... and that was the first time that he actually replied,' Mam, I don't have a Mom

I don't have a mom to wash my clothes,so I can come in tidy dress like others do.

I don't have a mom to cook food for me so I can bring my lunchbox like others do.

I don't have a mom to assist me in my studies so I can get better grades ma'am.

I actually don't have a mom ma'am........ I don't have.......',he left his sentence mid way and burst into tears.

His words mutilated my heart and sealed my lips. I felt ashamed of myself and didn't realize when the tears started flowing down my cheeks. I hugged him tightly and we both cried.

That was the crux in my life. I realized that day that a teacher's role is not to judge or criticise the follies or weaknesses of a child but .... to comprehend that one strength in him which he possess and then to carve it from a stone to a beautiful and exclusive diamond.

I realized that a teacher plant the seeds of knowledge, sprinkles them with love, and patiently nurtures their growth to produce tomorrow's dreams.

So I decided that I have to get up, dust myself off and start again from a fresh perspective.

That day a strict, harsh and judgmental teacher died and a mature, thoughtful and caregiver was born.

So yes Manav you may be right when you say that I changed your life but for me you came to my life as a teacher and changed my perspective of being a teacher in a true sense.

So thank you Manav for being my anchor. You are and will always be my favourite student. I love you from the core of my heart son.

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True teachers use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own.

- Nikos Kazantzakis

Author's Note

Hey beautiful people!
Another update for you.

This one's is dedicated to all the teachers who actually are the true heroes of the society. Without them their would be no doctors, engineers, scientists, pilots (even teachers 😊) etc. and above all a good human being.

They are the NATION BUILDERS.
PROUD TO BE A TEACHER.

Please read, vote and comment. Love yaa all😘