Instruments of Gods

Age blurs the small letters of a distant time when we were in school. Yet a few things stand out. Our teachers especially.

The tireless math teacher who repeatedly and patiently perseveres on her slow calculus class. The after-school PT master who stays behind to practice and coach his cricket team, every day, every year. The history teacher who tries to keep his class awake amidst the cacophony of names and dates and the biology teacher plowing through a giggling class of imbeciles.

Our individual memories of every teacher who made us and our lives possible may not be sharp, but the collective light of all those who lifted us, little kids, on their shoulders, at school, and at home and helped us see a bit farther, shines brightly every day.

For that, I am thankful for they are the true “makers”

For many of us who grew up in India, September 5th is Teachers Day.

A day to remember and salute the great souls who string the bow of education, shooting the arrows that future proofs a nation.

In our childhood, we were told that this day in India, is celebrated in honor of Dr. Radhakrishnan, a former President, teacher, and scholar. Well past my school years in my early thirties, one September 5th I wanted to know more about this man and I started with his book “Indian Philosophy”. That was the beginning of a lifelong introduction to the “True India and its roots” and I am still learning.

Many of my friends are teachers and educators and I bow to them for it is the noblest of all vocations. Many are gifted in their ability to effortlessly share knowledge with others and as instruments of God, they tune generations of kids and adults releasing the hidden notes in each one of us.

Many, like my dear special sister, shine a bright light on special needs kids, a task that is daunting and challenging.

Now it is our turn, as students, past and present, to glow and grow and live up to the tears and dreams of those minds that sculpted us.

“Because Marion, you are an instrument of God. Don’t leave the instrument sitting in its case, my son. Play! …Why settle for ‘Three Blind Mice’ when you can play the ‘Gloria’? – “
– Abraham Verghese

Reach for the stars and Happy Teachers Day dear teachers.