Politicians lead the country on the path of progress. But these politicians also, were shown the light of day, by their respective teachers to whom they owe their present. Ashok Kumar of Expressindia.com talks to some of the politicians including the union ministers about their feelings for the Teacher?s Day, their favorite teachers and much more.
Shri Sis Ram Ola, Cabinet Minister: Mines, Government of India
It (Teacher?s Day) is a great occasion, which is related to great educationist Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and shows us the way to respect our teachers who light up our life.
I regard (Late) Shri Jawahar Lal Nehru as my teacher. He was not only my teacher but my leader too. He had his primary education at Khetri, the constituency represented by me. In my earlier days, he used to guide me whenever I used to approach him for his guidance. He was always available for me and asked me to approach whenever I was in the need.
I owe a lot to Nehru who was a god in disguise for me. Apart from his early education, it was Khetri where he learned horse riding. Nehru used to fondly say that I was from his (Nehru?s) city and always helped me out.
Dr Akhilesh Prasad Singh, Minister of State: Agriculture, Food & Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution.
Teachers have always played a role in building the nations in the entire world. Only that country which has good teachers, can progress very well. It is bad to note that today people respect politicians and bureaucrats instead of teachers.
I cannot forget my Gurus Shoukhin Singh, M P sharma who taught us at the Science College, Patna. Their character, which was very down to earth, fascinated me. But in the class too, they were equally competent, motivated and disciplined. Moreover, they were always available for us.
I cannot forget that incident when I was appearing for MSc exams in Science College, Patna. I never used to ?cheat? in my exams, but the invigilator that day (exam day) was keeping a constant eye on me, which I did not like. I stood on my seat and asked him (the invigilator) to frisk me, which he did not. After the exam was over he talked to me and gave me the reason behind his suspicion on me, which satisfied me and I realised my mistake.
Shri Manvendra Singh (MP, Loksabha) Barmer
I feel teaching is one of three most noble professions of our society. The other two are being a soldier and doctor. We should honour the profession for the good of the whole society. We should have the respect and the longing for our teachers, which this profession so rightly deserves.
My favaourite teacher was a history professor who taught me during my graduation. He taught us in the first year. I adore him not only because he loved us, but for his dedication towards his teaching. Though every teacher imparts education but he (my favourite teacher) used to teach by his soul. His (my favourite teacher) zeal was not limited to complete his service hours of teaching, but went far beyond that. Only if we honour all the three professions (teacher, soldier, and doctor) can we rise in our lives.
I cannot forget those moments, which I spent during my boarding education at Mayo College, Ajmer. We were taken for trekking on the weekends. Our teachers Ramesh Mathur and Sebastian John used to teach us during the trekking period in a wonderful way.
