A Tribute to Teachers: Weaving Memories, Shaping Lives!
Biswanath Bhattacharya
September 5, 2024, 07:46:36
Today, September 5th, marks the birthday of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India's revered president and an extraordinary educator. This day, aptly declared Teachers' Day, kindles fond reminiscences of my alma mater, N.C. Institution.My educational odyssey began at Chattian Biswanath High School, though memories of that period remain hazy. However, the warmth of my teachers' affection remains etched in my heart.Following my family's migration from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), I enrolled in Dharmanagar Girls JB School and later Bir Bikram Institution. Though my tenure was brief, those schools left an indelible mark.
N.C. Institution, where I joined in Class VI, became my true sanctuary. It was here that I forged lifelong friendships with Kazi Shah Alam, Krishnanda Laskar, Ali Imam Mazumdar, Ganesh Saha, and others. Our bond, nurtured through laughter and learning, remains unbroken.School life, a tapestry of growth and exploration, laid the foundation for our future. It's where we discovered our passions, developed essential skills, and formed lasting connections.Five pivotal aspects of school life stand out:
1. Preparation for the Future: Schools ignite young minds, fostering a safe environment for discovery and growth.
1. Critical Life Skills: Schools impart practical skills, social etiquette, and emotional intelligence, shaping us for adulthood.
1. Community and Contribution: Schools bridge societal gaps, promoting diversity, empathy, and responsible citizenship.
1. Character Development: School life cultivates teamwork, respect, and responsibility, forging our character.
1. Understanding Self and Goals: Schools provide a platform for self-discovery, helping us clarify our aspirations.
My most intimate friendships, with Kazi Shah Alam and Krishna, remain cherished. Our endless conversations, long walks, and nocturnal meetups beside the serene Gomati River and lush paddy fields, where nature's symphony whispered secrets, remain etched in my memory.We were fortunate to have exceptional teachers – Tarapada Biswas, Kamaksha Roy Choudhury, Rabindra Bhattacharya, Deepak Roy, Hari Mohan Deb, and Maulvi Saab – who instilled in us a love for learning.Our school library, a treasure trove, fueled our curiosity. The National Anthem and Pledge, now abolished, still resonate within me.As I reflect on my journey, I realize that true friendships are forged in school and college. My Muslim friends, driven by communal frenzy to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), have achieved remarkable success. Shah Alam, a business tycoon, and Ali Imam, former Cabinet Secretary of Bangladesh and now, the Chief Secretary / Advisor to Mohammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor to the Interim Government of Bangldesh are shining examples.
Memories of my school days still haunt me, warming my heart and stirring nostalgia. Though life's burdens weigh upon us, our heart's memory preserves the good, allowing us to endure.Childhood photographs capture moments forever lost, yet impossible to reproduce. They remind me of the transformative power of education and the selfless dedication of teachers like Tarapada Biswas, my father Rabindra Chandra Bhattacharyjya, Haripada Deb, Deepak Roy, Moulavi Saheb, Parimal Barman, Kamakshya Roychoudhury, Nilmani Datta . Rashbehari Sir !
(Tripurainfo)