There are some teachers in our lives whom we can never forget and never stop thanking, in our hearts, for what they did to change us as persons for better, the guidance they so sincerely gave us, the blessings they showered us with.
When I was in Class VI (at a school in New Delhi), I was fortunate to have such a teacher come into my life , for the first time. He was Cedric Innes, a young and brilliant person who was fully committed to his profession. He was from lucknow and shared with us many stories of his hometown. He lived inside the school and we often went to his home there to meet him after class. He would offer us soft drinks at times and toffees at others.
Innes inspired me greatly to work harder at my studies. The constant encouragement he gave me worked like magic and I made a lot of progress that year. The year before that, our class teacher had been a very strict lady who could never forgive us for our mistakes. There was no question of her encouraging anyone! She believed only in scolding the children and making them miserable. I was terrified of her.
However, God had in store for me this amazingly positive and warm teacher who treated each child with great patience and optimism. As usual, I would sit right in front, under the nose of the teacher. I would hang to every word that sir would say. He taught us English and social studies. He was our class teacher too. I can say confidently that it was Innes who helped me develop a great love for English and I began reading books he would recommend. He made a lot of effort to understand every student and help him or her overcome their weaknesses and find their strengths. At that time, of course, I did not realise all this. It was much later that I could begin fully to comprehend his dedication and love for his work. Some of the students accused me of being “Sir’s favourite” which I would always refute strongly. He would, many a time, leave me to monitor the class. I felt so proud and happy on those occasions. My classmates, however, would all feel perhaps jealous or upset and began accusing me of being his favourite, though I do not know how I was to be blamed for that!
However, I did not bother about all this. It was Sir all the way! His word was like gospel truth and I would follow every direction he gave me. I would work tirelessly just to get one word of appreciation from him. Class VI was the turning point in my academic life as from then onwards, there was constant progress and I began doing equally well in all my subjects. Mr Innes helped me find myself at that tender age of ten. I had just needed some encouragement and guidance which none of the earlier teachers could give me. God was kind to me that he sent this amazing teacher into my life at that stage.
After Class VI, we shifted back to the Doon valley. It was very difficult for me to leave school and specially leave Sir and come back to Doon. I recall how I cried when I went so say goodbye to him. He explained to me that in any case, he would not have been our teacher in Class VII. He said I could meet him whenever I visited Delhi. But I was inconsolable! I did come back to Delhi and met him once or twice. I even wrote a couple of letters to him to tell him about my school in Doon. He wrote back to me and I still have that letter with me! A few years ago, Sir was the principal of Boys’ High School, Allahabad. Sadly, I could not get across to him on the phone through his office. Mr Innes, wherever you are, this is to thank you for everything you taught me, for the gentleness you showed me to remove the fear of teachers I perhaps had, for your appreciation for my every small effort. Whenever I look back at my schooldays, I can see you there, smiling indulgently and brightly, in your spotless white shirt and smart blue trousers, your warm eyes shining through your black frame glasses. Thank you, once again, Sir!