गुरु साक्षात परं ब्रह्म तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः ॥ Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnuhu Guru Devo Maheswaraha
Guru Saakshaat Parabhrahma Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha ||
A timeless chant that pays wholesome
tribute to all Teachers. Gurus. Who is a Guru? Derived from Sanskrit, Guru means
teacher or a preceptor. The word comprises two syllables – Gu + Ru. Gu denotes
the ignorance in the learner and Ru refers to the radiance of knowledge that
dispels the darkness of ignorance in the learner. One who thus dispels the
darkness of ignorance and brings in the light of knowledge is the Guru, the
Teacher.
Hindus all over celebrate the full
moon day of the lunar month Ashaada (Karkadakom in Malayalam, Aadi in Tamil) as
Guru Poornima. It is also called Vyasa Poornima because it is the birthday of
Sage Veda Vyasa to whom we owe the codification of the Vedas. He also wrote the
Brahma Sutra, the Mahabharatha, the 17 Puranas and 18 upanishads and the Sreemad
Bhagavatham. The Bhagavad Gita, a small part of the Mahabharatha has been a
beacon to believers as well as seekers and management experts who look at it as
an ultimate source of inspiration to handle the day to day problems in life.
Having said this to me who is a Guru?
Anyone who has taught me valuable lessons to enhance the quality of life, And
where else will I begin? Well, the age old adage says, “Matha Pitha Guru Daivam”
– i.e. the order of respect is first to the mother, then the father, followed by
the Teacher and at last God. So on this Guru Poornima day I pay obeisance to my
mother and father. A wonderful couple, who are celebrating their 56th wedding
anniversary this year, they have been instrumental in giving us, their children
and grandchildren, the right kind of values to live by. Thank you will be an
oversimplified phrase; nevertheless let me use it to show my eternal gratitude
to them. On this day of reflection and thanksgiving, I realize how lucky I have
been to be part of their lives. My first Gurus and the ‘best-est’ ever!.
Teachers. May be I don’t have a
phenomenal memory or I did not have inspiring teachers, I don’t remember any
from my school days who have made learning a pleasure. However, I have had some
amazing teachers at Government Victoria College, Palakkad, where I studies for 5
years – for my graduation through post graduation. I still remember the
commitment of Dr. P. Achuthan (our Professor who took Eliot’s Waste Land for us
for MA). Sir was transferred and there was an ongoing teacher’s strike. He asked
all ten of us to come to his home where he held classes for us. Two full days. I
have never experienced such an exposition to Waste Land, since that. Later I
also had the pleasure of working under Dr. P. Achuthan, when he joined as the
Principal of Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Pallavur, where I was working. I also remember
two other teachers – Prof. K. Balakrishnan (KB) who had a fantastic sense of
humour and Prof. P. Balakrishnan (PB), who was a dignified gentleman. PB’s
classes of John Donne’s metaphysical poetry still ring in my ears. He was the
one who asked us to read E R Braithwaite’s novel “To Sir with Love”. That year,
I remember, the class gave him a new year card, addressing simply as ‘To Sir
with Love’. I think it was a turning point in my life. I got introduced to
teaching as a profession and from then onwards, there has been no looking back.
Bosses. Oh, yes. Sister Tresa Martin
(Arikkat) who was my very first mentor at Marian College. An amazing human
being, she was quick to appreciate and thus fostered in me the confidence in my
own ability to excel as a teacher. When teachers have inspiring leaders as
bosses, it shapes their views and practices of education. I have so many to
remember with gratitude. Sri. Gopinath, who was the Principal of Chinmaya
Vidyalaya, Kollengode, who gave me a break at a most needed time of personal
crisis. A paternal relative, he not only opened the avenue for me but also
ensured that ensconced safe and secure at the school. Then, Mr. A. M. Menon, the
Principal of Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Pallavur. Mr. Menon had no doubts about handing
me over Classes XI and XII, though I was just a new recruit after completing my
Bachelors in Education. Even to this day, I look at it as a great act of
kindness. If everyone is looking for only experienced hands, who will give young
and new ones a break? So in my practice, I have taken the risk of appointing
teachers without experience too. Mrs. Kalyani Nambiar taught me that come what
may we must be sticklers to the right kinds of values as we are in the field of
education. And my Professor, Dr. P. Achuthan, honed not only my teaching skills
but also enriched us with his vast knowledge of spirituality.
Mr. Sarvesh Naidu. Mr. Naidu is till
date the lodestar to me. His leadership and multi faceted personality has always
goaded me to follow that style of functioning. So many more mentors: Mrs.
Lakshmi Ramachandran from whom I learned the art of maintaining a wonderful
rapport with all stake holders in education (Till date, I marvel at Lakshmi
Ma’am’s phenomenal memory – she remembered students’ and their parents’ names.
Phew!!); Mr. Michael Guzder, who taught me it is best to utilize the strengths
of team members to the optimum (the work is done and the is worker happy! –
Simple logic and practical wisdom!! Truly Mr. Guzder style!!!); Dr. Aninda
Chatterji, who made me look at things in different perspectives and find
solutions to problems (out of the box thinking or no-box-at-all thinking, if you
can call that!!); Mrs. Asma Gilani, who is more a good friend than a typical
boss and from whom I have learned the art of speaking one’s mind, especially
when you are in the right.
Students. With nearly three decades
of teaching experience, their numbers are only growing. I have learned so much
more from these students that it will go on into an endless list. And if I can
say about only thing that these students of mine have taught me, it is this:
PATIENCE! As a person, I do believe in speed. However, when it comes to my
students I am infinitely patient; so much so that my daughter once complained to
me: “Ma, you have more patience with your students than with me.” Ouch. Ouch..
Friends. So many of them, but can’t
help taking some names. Because they are truly special. Neena Shoukath – with
her undying faithfulness and warm love. She taught me the true meaning of
friendship. Subhadra Kutty – with her ringing laughter. She taught me what it
mean to smile and they world will be with you. Mind you, these two friends and I
– we are in touch even after 37-38 years of friendship. That speaks a lot,
doesn’t it? Seema Krishnan – for the wonderful rapport we share and talk about
all and sundry – and best of all how we cackle like witches! Then there is
Sheela Anand who inspires me with her commitment to sustainable practices.
Anitha Raghu who enriched me with a wonderful gift of Reiki that I really needed
at that time. Anuradha Ajith Kumar, who gave me wonderful moments of camaraderie
while leading her school.
Family. My siblings. My
brothers-in-law. My niece and nephews. Each one of them is special. I have
learned so much from each one of them that enlisting that will take another
blog. We are a happy, large family. Then there is my daughter Aathira and the
latest addition to our family, her husband, Praveen. You learn from your
children too. So they can also be called “Guru”. So, what have I learned from
Aathira? To be forthcoming about what you think. To do whatever that gives you
joy and have no qualms about it. And most importantly to say No, when you feel
like saying it. And from Praveen? To stay cool and unperturbed. There will be
challenges, but worrying won’t get you anywhere.
Gurus. Swami Chinmayananda has been a
great influence in our family. I remember listening to his talks. The powerful
voice, the enunciation which will begin in soft whispers will then reach to
majestic crescendos, the beauty of the English language that tumbled forth like
a roaring cascade – I guess this was when I realized the magnetic charms of the
English language. Some of his saying were mind blowing. One that I always fell
back upon when I confronted issues is, “A successful man is one who can
lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him”. Then there is
the Art of Living organization from where I learned the “Art of Living”. Sanjeev
Krishnanji from Rhythm of life who shared with me his wisdom and nurturing
practices. Sivanada Ashram from where I received the training for being a Yoga
Instructor.
Books. Very many of them. Being a
great lover of books, I have turned to them time and again for wisdom, solace
and for just sheer joy.
So, all of you out there and who have
taught me even a teeny, weeny thing, my salute to you. You have enriched my life
and raised its quality. Thank you!!
