The Enduring Impact of Teachers: Lessons Learned from Narasimha and Karuna

In 1964, Thippa Reddy placed his trust in my family and left his son, Narasimha, in our care. Narasimha was a bright, motivated young man who lived with us for four years. My father disciplined him with love and care. During his stay, he completed his BA examination and Postgraduate programme in liberal arts. It was clear that he would go on to achieve great things. Narasimha retired as a Chief Manager of a Public Sector Bank.
Recently, I was a spectator to Sucheta( Narasimha’s daughter-in-law) ‘s conversation with her daughter, Karuna, over her untidy books. She gave the example of the teacher, Lucy, and appreciated her approaches to correcting class behaviour. She mentioned the same to the Principal in a casual corridor conversation at the school. The Principal was unhappy with the observation and told Sucheta that a teacher could not be provided as an example as this would affect the teacher-student bonding.
This incident reminded me of the importance of teachers and their changing role in shaping their students’ lives. As a child, my teachers were my mentors and guides. They instilled values that have shaped my personal growth and success. While they loved me, I was afraid of them. As I reflect on my own experiences and the role of teachers in shaping my life, I am grateful to the teachers who have dedicated their lives to inspiring and guiding me. In my generation, Acharya Devobhava ( Teacher is a God) was very accurate.
Contrastingly, the contemporary educational landscape has witnessed a paradigm shift in the teacher-student dynamic. Today’s educators often adopt a more collegial approach, fostering a friendly atmosphere that encourages open dialogue and mutual respect. While this modern methodology is commendable, teachers must maintain their roles as mentors and disciplinarians. They play a critical role in imparting values and offering perspectives beyond the familial sphere, contributing significantly to the holistic development of their students. Through this balanced approach, teachers can truly fulfil their mission, shaping the minds and characters of the future generation. However, only a select few appear to embrace this comprehensive role, underscoring the need for a balanced approach to nurturing and guiding young minds.