Guru Poornima Reflections: A Tribute to My Physics and Mathematics Teachers
I’ve never been good at arithmetic, but that could just be because I’ve never had a teacher that cared more about helping students learn than about making a paycheck. In 2002, I remember meeting him for math tuition at a rate of 500 Rupees per month. It seemed like a lot of money at the time, but my mother insisted I go to him every day even though I had little interest in the topic.
I felt inferior because the class topper had also been one of his students, and she had always been head and shoulders above me. However, I quickly became fascinated with his method of teaching. It was always the same routine: he’d introduce us to the chapter’s key concepts and formulae, and then have us utilize those to answer all of the problems on our own. He always came through for us when we were stuck. He would play Antakshari with us whenever we lost interest in studying. He never yelled at us or disciplined us in any way. One of his students, he told me, had purchased a hundred rough copies for the sole purpose of doing math exercises. After hearing that, I was compelled to try it for myself. When I finished the first semester with an 85/100, I had a higher-grade point average than the student who had previously topped the class. I was so pleased with my victory against her.
Yes, I did better than the class leader on the official board exams, scoring 93/100, but he was still not pleased. He was anticipating a perfect score because he had repeatedly assured me that I was more intelligent than the top student in the class. He used to say — You have incredible talent, and I know you will go far.
I can’t even remember what his first name was. His positive attitude and inspiring comments stayed with me. Kumar Sir, I appreciate you taking a chance on me and never making me feel small.
Class XII experienced the same issue. My class XI physics grade was 75 out of 100 and I had PCMB as my major. As much as I wanted to get better at it, I was absolutely petrified of it. I was terrified as I made my way to meet the upcoming tutor. I expected an explanation after telling him my XI score, but he seemed genuinely pleased. My amazement led me to insist on taking lessons from him. I was adamant about seeing him each month, even though his fee was 400 rupees. Again, I fell in love with the subject and gained tremendous confidence in Physics because to his method of instruction. He’d focus on one thing at a time until everyone understood, and then he’d make sure we took notes so we wouldn’t forget. The study of optics quickly became my forte. I remember purchasing 12 books on Physics and spending hours upon hours solving numericals. Those books and his scribbled notes stayed with me until 2014. The simplest physics problems that I have been able to answer so far have brought me the greatest joy. It’s all due to him.
And certainly, I did better on my boards than the class topper (95/100), but he was still not satisfied. He expected that I would get a perfect score of 100.
For always having faith in me and never making me feel less, I am grateful to Chaman Singh, Sir.
It has been 18 years, I have no idea where they are or what they are up to. I hope they are doing well and continuing to have a positive influence on kids.
