My Teacher, Guide And Friend

Pulse

oi-Denise Baptiste

By Denise Baptiste

Friday, September 3, 2010, 15:35

I was like a child lost in wilderness, surrounded by unknown people. I felt empty inside, not knowing what to make out of this big city - Bangalore. That was way back in 1999. But destiny has something different in store for me. I met some of the most amazing people here, who have left a lasting mark in my life. And one person I admire from the core of my heart was Professor Ravi Shankar from St. Joseph's College.

I rarely spoke to him but learned a lot by just listening to him and watching him. His simplicity, politeness and mannerism were contagious. I still remember clearly how he used to discipline naughty students. Once, he saw a student with his head firmly placed on the desk and asked, "Are you sleeping?" The student replied, "Yes". Instead of punishing him, he said, "Alright, sleep. It's better to sleep than disturb the whole class by talking in the class." Touched by his words, the student asked him if he could go out and wash his face. That was how he used to treat his students; and the students respected and obeyed him for that.

I had lots of friends in college but his picture comes to my mind first whenever I think of my college life. This is how he had influenced me. It's hard to find a person like him, who is a teacher, a guide and a friend. But that doesn't mean that I have less regard for other teachers. I love all my teachers.