Today, the 122nd birth anniversary of Dr.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, celebrated all over India as TEACHERS' DAY. Without teachers at home, and in school I wonder if I would be writing this blog at the moment?! Where would I have been if not for them, if not for their moulding me from a mischievous little brat, to an urbane young lady...?!!
Thus, my day started off with a long list of messages that I had to send to all my teachers especially on this day, wishing them to have the best in life. Just one person I miss the most today is my own, sweet grandmother aka Nyanamma, a Maths teacher herself. Even at this time of the year, we hear about female infanticide, innumerable tortures against the girl child, dowry, social injustice, gender inequality.. the list is endless. But it sets me to think about the kind of calibre my grandmother must have possessed, to brave the hardships against women in society at her time, and to justify her responsibilities at home, as well as at work. Though I do not wish to delve into women's rights now, I would surely put my grandmother on top of everyone else in the world-an epitome of "women empowerment".
Last year this time, I remember wishing her a HAPPY TEACHERS' DAY, though I could get back only a weary smile...but that meant a lot to us. It takes me back to the times I spent with her, playing carrom and chess: the stats stand thus that I have not defeated her even in one game-such was her capabilities!! (Rather put, my inability). She was fond of reading Sundara kandam (episode in Ramayana,wherein Hanuman crosses the mighty ocean on the lookout for Sita), classic English novels, or any other book she could lay her hands on. Her day usually started off with religious hymns, and my favorite being Bhaja govindham, by M.S.Subbulakshmi (an epitome herself). She loved small treats in the evenings: chocolates, potato chips, biscuits and cakes. She must have been a big fan of Rajnikanth and Kamal, since those were the persons she always introduced us to, whenever she saw them on TV, and a special mention to Thenkinnam on Jaya TV: she could even miss a meal, than miss the chance to watch this show on yesteryear melodies. Her evening strolls in the terrace were always on the dot-emphasizing her virtues of punctuality and discipline.
Thinking about her, I am having a wild thought of having been her student in school, but destiny took me a step closer to her, right into her own home!!
So, on this day, I remember my grandmother-for the wonderful woman she was, and a great teacher too.
And to all those whose lives have been touched by her, be thankful for being so blessed and lucky to have been on earth while she was around.
