By Dr, Sajad Hussein Kamarally
I was about eight years old, in Standard Two.Our teacher was different. Everyone called her "Teacher." Although that was her job title, it felt like her name.
She was the daughter of our headmaster, Mr J.A.P. Oswald, yet she never behaved as though she was someone special.She always wore a sari, and on her beautiful dark face was a smile that made every child feel welcome.
We looked forward to her classes because she made learning enjoyable.She was strict.Oh yes, she was strict.But behind that firm voice was the kindest heart I have ever known.
I remember her most for three things.
First, she fed us.
Many of my classmates came from poor kampung and estate families. Some arrived at school with empty stomachs.Teacher made sure they did not stay hungry.She quietly provided food for them.No announcements.No recognition.No fuss.Just food on the table for children who needed it.
Second, she was fair.
Children notice everything.Yet she never played favourites.She never looked down on anyone.She treated every child with the same kindness, dignity and respect.
Third, she cared for us as though we were her own.
Whenever a child fell ill, she did not wait for the parents to arrive.She understood that many of them were struggling to earn a living.
So she would personally take the child to the government clinic near our school.For those who could not afford the fees, she quietly paid them herself.Acts of kindness like that leave a lasting impression on the mind of an eight-year-old.They certainly did on mine.
Many years later, when I became a teacher myself, I tried to follow her example. Believe me, the joy I experienced from seeing the smiling faces of the children under my care was beyond words.
Now, almost 72 years have passed.Yet I still remember Teacher with deep affection and gratitude.I believe our country needs more teachers like her.Teachers who do not merely teach the ABCs, but teach us how to be human.They are the ones who shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Thank you, Teacher.
Wherever you are, your kindness still lives on in the heart of one grateful student who never forgot you.
The greatest lessons in life are not always written on a blackboard. Sometimes, they are written forever in a child's heart.
Dr Sajad H Kamarally (sajadhk05@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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