People’s President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (1931-2015), the nation’s President during 2002 - 2007, known for his humility, had expressed a wish to be remembered as a teacher. The distant past era, marked by the feature of schooling and education as synonymous, unlike in our times, hosted teachers fondly remembered by their wards as friends, philosophers, guides and mentors, if not as role models. The teachers on their part had no problem in remembering their pupils more fondly, both for their exemplary conduct and playful pranks.
Their relationship made light of various socio-economic barriers with the teacher always remaining a teacher and the student as a student. Mysureans in their eighties and beyond can effortlessly recount episodes in which their teachers shone like epitome of kindness and selfless service to the family of their respective pupils lifelong.
