05th September – Teacher’s Day in India.
It’s that one day of the year when, beyond the social media posts and nostalgic tags, we pause to reflect on the people who shaped us outside of our homes—our teachers. Whether you were a star student, an athlete, or someone who loved the arts, there’s likely one teacher who changed your life forever.
For me, four men stand tall among the countless mentors I encountered during my school years. I changed nine schools in twelve years, but these four—my FAB 4—left a mark that’s still vivid. Each taught me something invaluable: love for literature, the humility of learning, the virtue of hard work, and the joy of doing what you love.
Mr. Rajesh John Dutta – The Man Who Made Literature Come Alive
During my years at The Air Force School in New Delhi, Mr. Dutta taught me English. Witty, articulate, and always composed, he brought poetry and prose to life. Classics that once felt dry suddenly became compelling—especially “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” which he read in its entirety beyond the syllabus.
Even when my grades slipped in 10th, his belief in me never faltered. “You’re a good lad,” he’d tell my parents, even as I nervously awaited the fallout of parent-teacher meetings. Years later, Facebook helped me reconnect, though he’s not too active. Still, his lessons echo every time I pick up a book.
Mr. VSK Chakrapani – The Humble Maestro of Violin and Virtue
On Vijayadashami of 1998, I began violin classes under Mr. Chakrapani. Over six feet tall, dressed always in crisp whites, he lived by the mantra of simple living and high thinking.
I progressed quickly in violin and let that success get to my head. One careless mistake led to a stern reprimand: “You think you are as good as Lalgudi Jayaraman?” And with that, I was asked not to return.
Crushed, I cried to my mother, who nudged me to apologize. I called him. He laughed gently and welcomed me back. That day, I learnt a lesson in humility I’ve never forgotten.
An A-Grade artist with All India Radio, he traveled the world but never let it affect his grounded nature. His teachings went far beyond music.
Mr. Balasubramanian – The Man Who Made Me Believe in Maths (and Myself)
Mathematics was my nemesis. I just couldn’t stand it. But after joining Balu Sir’s tuition, things changed.
A no-nonsense man, he transformed one bedroom of his house into a classroom and taught for hours daily. The first time I forgot to memorize a definition, I got a caning I remember to this day. Furious, I complained to my dad. He glanced up from the newspaper, “You didn’t study. You deserved it.”
His discipline, combined with personalized attention, helped me improve drastically—scoring 74 in my 12th Boards in a subject I once feared. His dedication inspired many, and his legacy lives on in students now spread across the globe.
Mr. Vimal Kurien – The Cool Professor Who Loved Teaching More Than Prestige
At Madras Christian College, Vimal Sir taught Accountancy—and life. Young, bearded, and always approachable, he once paused a lecture to say, “Let me confirm that and get back to you.” The next day, he returned with the answer. That moment blew me away. A teacher who admitted not knowing, then followed up? That’s rare.
Outside class, he was more friend than professor. He introduced me to progressive rock, took me for chai at Sundaram’s, and never let me forget why I was at college—to study.
He could’ve been a corporate bigwig, a CA, or a musician. But he chose teaching, and through that, he changed countless lives—including mine.
To All My Teachers
Thank you—for teaching me to think, to be humble, to persevere, and most importantly, to believe in myself.
Today, whatever I am, I owe it to you.