For Ma'am, on Teachers' Day

It has been thirty-one years since I left college. I'm one of the lucky few who has had a teacher who has been more than a friend, philosopher and guide, a teacher who has truly made a difference to my life.

The day of our orientation programme, when other teachers were telling us about how great an institution we were in and how fortunate we were to be part of it, Ma'am had a unique point of view. She just emphasised that our college had a wonderful location, with art galleries and theatres within an easy walking radius, and how enriching it would be for us to visit these marvellous places.
Although she taught post-graduate courses, she would always find the time to guide a fledgling, first year debater. She has this amazing ability to be genuinely interested in everything. Her friends come from all walks of life. Ma'am is one of the most large-hearted and inclusive people I've ever known.
Her classes were challenging, requiring your entire, unwavering attention. If, for some reason, like a heavy downpour, attendance was thin, she would take class for the benefit of those who had come. I see her with a colourful parasol, making her way through the puddles, a veritable peacock romancing the rain. Her passion for music has been infectious. Steaming coffee and the sounds of a maestro's recording in her apartment, a privilege indeed.
Academic excellence, integrity, a kind heart. Words just cannot say it all. A total commitment to her students. Sensible guidance in matters of the heart. A terrific photographer, good enough to exhibit. A way with words- she uses them with both precision and poetry, as required!
Her distinguished career continues years after her official retirement. She is still an intrepid traveller, with friends and students all over the globe. I cannot use the term 'former student', because I think we are all still learning from her.

She has been part of my family since its inception- approving of the SRE when he travelled in a truck to meet her, because of a public transport strike the day she was near his town.
She was the photographer at our wedding. She has been a most encouraging grandmother to all my children. It has been such a privilege and joy having her stay with us. Meeting her family has been wonderful, too. From Ma'am I have learned that age is just a state of mind. Her thinking is unhampered by chronology or any kind of negative mind set. Her clarity of thought has been a boon to many: she can cut through all the surrounding irrelevancies and get to the heart of the matter. This is one single quality which makes her advice and guidance invaluable. She has been a tower of strength in times of crisis.

Ma'am, these words are inadequate and cannot convey a fraction of what you mean to me.
There is still so much I need to learn from you.
This Teachers' Day, I want to thank you for being my teacher, for being part of my life.