God of the Agnostic...

I do not believe in God, but I can't deny the contribution of my teachers and then of my parents, in the making of what I am today. World Teachers' day is celebrated on 5th October of every year, but in India it is celebrated today(i.e. 5th September). Today is the birthday [5 September 1888 ], of the second President of India and academic philosopher Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. It is considered a "celebration" day, where teachers and students report to school as usual but the usual activities and classes are replaced by activities of celebration, thanks and remembrance. At some schools on this day, the responsibility of teaching is taken up by the senior students to show appreciation for their teachers.

I would like to start by dedicating a famous shloka from Guru Stotram(It's in Sanskrit followed by the translation) to all my teachers :

 

"Akhand-Mandalakaram vyaptam yena characharam.
Tatpadam darshitam yena tasmai Shri Gurave Namah."

"My Salutations to that Guru who revealed to me that Truth, which is unfragmented, infinite, timeless divinity, and which pervades the entire universe – movable or immovable."

Many of my fond memories are related to my interactions with my teachers. There were times when I used to fear a few of them and love and respect the others. Times when they used to reprimand me and then used to give me a positive criticism/feedback. Times when they have scolded me for my misdeeds and times when they've equally stood by and for me in my achievements. I wonder how their observant eyes saw my pain, their mere presence and a pat on shoulder made me feel stronger and more confident. How painstakingly they tried to help me learn things and cross hurdles in my Life.

Their patient listening and 'never giving up' attitude, their motherly care and friendly advice is what I might have left in my school and college, but it's actually some part of them, that I carried along and what makes the better part of my personality.

Many people might have their own opinions about the teachers and their profession, but the bottom line will always be as follows:

Though a teacher can only guide in developing one's intellect and character; ultimately one has to find for himself what is suitable and what is not.

In the end all that i would like to mention is:
All the teachers who enlightened my Life, (you) are my God.
ARA.