The Shadow of a Teacher

On World Teachers' Day, a walk down memory lane reminds me of the educators who shaped us, and the struggles they silently carry.

- Tanveer Magrey

Many moons ago, on an autumn morning in 2017, I found myself wandering through the Sonwar area of Srinagar, nervously asking passersby for directions to a Government Higher Secondary School.

That was where my government job exam was scheduled. After following hurried instructions from strangers, I finally reached the center.

As I walked into the room, my eyes caught a familiar face. Before he could see me, I lowered my head and slipped into my seat.

It was one of my own teachers, sitting there like me, trying his luck to secure a place on the same selection list.

I didn't make it. I don't know if he did either. But his presence pulled me back into my schooldays, like a sudden gust of wind carrying memories.

I could hear again the metallic clank of the school gong announcing the morning assembly. The air filled with Dr. Iqbal's famous prayer: “Lab pe aati hai dua...” A couple of students would step forward, trembling or bold, to deliver speeches on topics given the day before. Some earned roaring applause, others stumbled with shaky voices.

Whenever my turn came, my knees grew heavy, and my heartbeat raced like the Jhelum in full flow. Many classmates even skipped school on their speech day. Stage fright was real.