Today is Guru Purnima, which is celebrated every year on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashadh (July-August). Guru means Gu+Ru (Darkness or ignorance+Dispeller). So a Guru is an ignorance dispeller.
Guru Purnima marks the birth anniversary of Veda Vyasa, who compiled the Vedas to spread knowledge. But in the yogic tradition, the day is celebrated as the occasion when Shiva became Adi Guru (first guru), as he began the transmission of Yoga to the Saptarishis.
Buddhists believe that this is the day when Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon to his first five disciples, while Jains celebrate the day on which Lord Mahavira became the Guru to Gautam Swami, his first disciple.
In short, Guru Purnima has been celebrated as Teacher's Day from ancient times in India. Students greet teachers on this day and express their gratitude to them. So I also express my gratitude by remembering my favorite teacher.
"You are still the best for me." These were the words of my class-teacher and one of my favorite teachers when I stood first in my 'A' section, but not in the whole class. I came second in the combined list.
But it was a major setback for me. This was the year I lost my father and my teacher his wife. One day I found him crying in the staff room, "She had shaped my life. I am nothing without her." And his fellow teachers were trying to console him.
I remember he was considered the most elite teacher in my school. His ironed clothes, polished shoes, golden pen and light musk perfume were the talk of the school.
He had two sons aged about seven and ten, but did not remarry against the advice of his colleagues and relatives. He single-handedly took care of both the sons. One day I went to his house, which was not far from mine, but what I saw was unbelievable.
He was wearing a lungi (a casual wear like a sarong) and was cooking something in the kitchen while his sons were studying on the floor in front of him. He was guiding them from time to time.
I had never seen his wife, but her presence was felt throughout the house from her pictures. Each room was exuding its beauty in beautiful furnishings, paintings and other artefacts.
But the change in his personality was quick, spontaneous and also surprising. He was not the same person he used to be before. His sophistication was no more. He stopped mingling with others. He used to live all alone and read or write in the staff room.
He might not be getting time to study and prepare for lectures at home, as he had to manage all the household chores, apart from taking care of various aspects of his growing sons.
He was an inspiration to me when I needed it the most. It was also commendable how he overcame his tough times. That's why I kept meeting him even after leaving the school. His two young children had become my friends.
Due to employment, I had to move from one place to another, but whenever I was in my native town, I used to visit him. Both the sons are now employed, happily married and well settled.
About eight years ago, when I went to his house, I was told by one of his sons that he was no more. But his picture hanging in the drawing room spoke volumes about his values, convictions and tenacity.
--Kaushal Kishore
images: pinterest
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