I happened to meet Jay Patel some time ago after a long gap of several years. A naughty, smiling but caring Jay Patel was in my memory from the school days. When he started speaking now when we met, stunned me.
We teachers often underestimate the loyalty and ability of our students. The ones who are not very outspoken or good in expressing themselves remain silent like stars in the sky. We know about the light they can spread or they have within them later. I remember the smiling face of Jay when I recollect time spend with him. He was no doubt a naughty child, but the naughtiness that generation students had was full of certain innocence and truth. They knew the purity of the relationship between a teacher and a student. Not even in dreams, any student would cross the sanctity of the same.
Jay showed
the same dutifulness of the students of that golden era when he came to meet me. I was touched by the way he spoke, the words he said. First of all he looked up to me like a child looks upon his mother, innocently, with warmth. I experienced the feelings of happiness along with being emotional, at the same time.
He said whatever instructions he had got from me, is helping him in his life today. That includes the scoldings too which I had given him back in school days. Yes, I was a very strict teacher. I am . . . actually.
He said humbly, now we come to know the depth of the advices and instructions you gave us in our school days . . . He said further. I was touched by his gesture and the gratitude in his words. After a person starts earning, he is exposed to the outside world which is much practical and rational. Remaining humble and grateful in the fast paced life of today, is rare.
I am happy that Jay is still the same he was back in school . . . Carefree, naughty, smiling but caring.
I wish him success in all his future edeavours. May God bless him and grant whatever his heat asks for.
https://pieces-of-life.com/2021/02/21/a-teacher-meets-many-students/