Yesterday, got the news on the demise of our Mathematics
teacher in Middle school Ms Shanbagavalli. As kids, we used address her as ‘Shambagoli’ miss,
most of my classmates would agree. I have a short story to share with you while
I was in my 6th grade.
We were to get our signatures on marks card after every test
or exams. In one such test I had scored a perfect Nought! My father, who knew
about my educational prowess, was bit annoyed. He told “normally you would get
4 or 5 marks out of 50, but how come a ZERO? Can’t you score at least 1 mark
out of so many questions?” He was clearly disturbed, which was not common
otherwise, (He was a cool dad) So, I replied that my Maths teacher had
misplaced my answer sheets, it is yet to be discovered… So, the Zero! I didn’t
know what was running through my dad’s mind, but he signed the progress report.
Not a good progress rather!
Next day, in the middle of the class I was summoned to HMs
chamber. To my utter shock I could see my dad to my left, Maths teacher
Shanbagavalli to my right and a fuming Fathima Sister (HM) in the middle. And
even more dreadful scene was that my teacher holding my answer sheets, intact,
in front of my dad! My legs failed me, beads of sweat started to build on my
forehead as my mouth went dry. A tight slap from my dad and a mouth full of
gaalis, both by my teacher and the HM. To add insult to injury, a ‘stand up on
the bench’ punishment in the class with my infamous story told to all the class by my
teacher. I deserved it, it was absolutely no fault of Shambagoli miss at all.
It was all of my own making.
In 2017, we, the Lourdes high school Class of ’85 had a
grand reunion where most of our teachers too were gathered. Yes, Shambagoli
miss also was there. Now being a photojournalist and all, I was also asked to
speak at the reunion. I admitted at first that I was an outstanding student,
because, most of the times I was asked to stand outside the class for my lethargy,
dullness and falling behind in so many aspects. Later, I explained the
gathering about this Zero Mark incident too (bit hilariously), to everyone’s
amazement.
After I got down from the stage, many teachers shook my
hands for being so frank in admitting my mistakes and our HM Fathima sister
hugged me with fondness. After few minutes, Shambagoli miss came to me, held
both my hands tightly and said “Anantha, your success goes on to prove that Zero
has so much value in one’s life” them she fondly pulled my chin and said she
was happy to see me what I am today.
Her last words echoed in my ears when I learnt about her
demise.
RIP Shanbagavalli Madam. You will remain in memories
forever.
