14 Apr My Teacher, My Nurturer

My daughter recently recounted something that happened to her a few years ago at her pre-school. Once while running, she tripped and fell, hurting her knee. When she started crying because of the pain, the teacher hushed her and told her to be quiet so as not to disturb other kids in the class. She hardly remembers anything from her time at her pre-school but she still remembers this incident. The physical pain subsided long ago but its mental imprint is still there.

Human psyche is such that negative emotions and memories tend to stay with us longer and they leave a deeper, lasting mark on us. Failing or getting lower than expected grades in an exam, missing out on a much desired job, overlooked for a promotion though being the best suitable candidate for the position, office politics, business failure, failing health, fading hopes, financial uncertainty, fear of the future, death of a loved one, divorce, childhood trauma, etc. are some of the ways by which we all are affected to one degree or the other. Such times often break our pace of life forcing us to inspect, introspect and improve ourselves and perhaps recalibrate our priorities. It is up to us if we take such times as our teacher. Sometimes pain, sorrow and suffering are more effective than human teachers in teaching us some of life’s more important lessons.

The Bible is replete with characters who went through pain and suffering. Job often comes to mind when we think of someone who went through physical, emotional and spiritual pain. His anguish is laid bare in the book bearing his name. Abraham though being wealthy was childless for many years and when he did have his firstborn through Hagar he was caught in a marital strife between the women in his house. Esau’s wives gave Isaac and Rebekah much grief. Jacob’s two sons murdered innocent people of Shechem through treachery, making him scared for his family. His sons got together and got rid of his favourite son Joseph. Joseph after being sold as a slave by his brothers languished in prison for no fault of his. Moses was tasked with leading a rebellious and ungrateful horde of people who despaired him to such a point that he felt defeated in his purpose, seeing no choice but to ask God to set him free from his mission. Hannah was tormented for being childless and made to feel inadequate for something she had no control over. David was a fugitive in the prime of his life having to run for his life. The distress and the hopelessness he felt is vividly portrayed in many of his Psalms providing comfort and solace to many even today. In his later years, having been a bad role model to his children, he saw bloodshed among his children and barely escaped an attempt on his own life at the hands of his son. Jeremiah is called a weeping prophet for the way he felt for his people. Daniel had no choice when he was taken to a faraway country in his youth. These characters whom we have known since our childhood, all felt and underwent every negative human emotion we go through.

Jesus is described as a “Man of sorrows; acquainted with grief”. During His time on earth He was despised and rejected by people. His family did not believe in Him. Many who called Him Rabbi or teacher tried to trap Him in His words. Jesus is quite frequently called a teacher by the people in the gospels and when called one, He did not correct those who addressed Him as such. Jesus had words of correction, insight and empathy. He also had words of stern rebuke and warnings. Jesus, ought to be a role model for every teacher – religious or otherwise.
Many in our Christian community are school teachers by profession. They play an important role in shaping young minds. The dedication or dereliction they bring in the class can be a contributing factor to the future poverty or prosperity of their protégés.

Just as negative incidents leave a mark, positive incidents also leave an impression on one’s mind. When I joined a WhatsApp group of fellow former primary school students, they inquired about Simpson madam – my mother. She was a school teacher in my school – St Arnold’s School, Godhra. Many students whom she taught from standard 1 up to standard 7 spoke fondly of their time under her tutelage. One student remembered a time when “Simpson madam paid for my school trip as my father did not have the money to pay for it”. Being able to join his fellow classmates and enjoy the day was a highlight for this young boy; this impression not diminishing even after more than 30 years. Another said how “Simpson madam was the best teacher I ever had as she displayed care when I joined the school and finding things difficult as a South Indian student enrolling in Gujarat for the first time”. These are but a couple of examples how empathy, care and dedication to one’s job can leave a positive impact on others.

Life is a journey and learning is always a part of it. Accepting teaching in its various forms is a must – whether we like it or not.

Happy Teacher’s Day to all the current and former teachers. Your responsibility is immense and your contribution is immeasurable.

Arpit Simpson, elder son of Mr. Bhailal Solanki, former UESI Staff worker (1991-2007). As a student he was a member of Nadiad EU in Gujarat. For study purpose he went to Australia and eventually settled there. He and his wife are blessed with two daughters. He works in the Railways. He is an ardent reader and occasional writer. He can be reached through +61 452 229 310, bmsolanki1947@yahoo.com