It was an embarrassing day in the opening days of 2010.A local chapter of Psychology Association gave me the Best Teacher award. For quite some time I did not give any immediate reply to the organizers. At long last I agreed to accept. All through my life I have lived in a shell, being content with reading my subject, Economics in a more modest way. I spent more time in reading for teaching and not for writing. I know, the divine has given me the stamina and inspiration all along to remain as a shy individual, not clamoring for any instant fame .I articulated this feeling on that day.
A few weeks earlier, I had gone to deliver a memorial lecture at Political Science department of AnnaMalai University. In the course of the lecture, one gentleman asked me a question, “what’s your opinion about Obama getting Noble Peace Prize?”
I merely replied, “Obama has not done much to deserve this prize now. Given the position and stature of the American presidentship, this prize has been conferred on him.” I added furhur, “relatively he is a good man, but sitting on the chair of American President he cannot afford to remain as good as he was earlier. And yet, I do not have any major quarrel with him in getting the prize. In any case if he’s not American President today, he would not have been given this prize now.”
There is always an element of connectivity and networking in giving prizes and awards although merit of a person does play its own role. At that time I just made a mention to the audience about the award which was going to be given to me. I told them that those who have known about me are coming forward to give out of love. I have said ‘yes’ to respect their feelings. Furthermore, while I get this recognition, I acknowledge this only as a representation of many who are definitely better teachers than me. In the whole process, I give credit to all my teachers who taught me and all my students who would get some short run satisfaction.
A few weeks earlier, I had gone to deliver a memorial lecture at Political Science department of AnnaMalai University. In the course of the lecture, one gentleman asked me a question, “what’s your opinion about Obama getting Noble Peace Prize?”
I merely replied, “Obama has not done much to deserve this prize now. Given the position and stature of the American presidentship, this prize has been conferred on him.” I added furhur, “relatively he is a good man, but sitting on the chair of American President he cannot afford to remain as good as he was earlier. And yet, I do not have any major quarrel with him in getting the prize. In any case if he’s not American President today, he would not have been given this prize now.”
There is always an element of connectivity and networking in giving prizes and awards although merit of a person does play its own role. At that time I just made a mention to the audience about the award which was going to be given to me. I told them that those who have known about me are coming forward to give out of love. I have said ‘yes’ to respect their feelings. Furthermore, while I get this recognition, I acknowledge this only as a representation of many who are definitely better teachers than me. In the whole process, I give credit to all my teachers who taught me and all my students who would get some short run satisfaction.
I am sure about one thing about my passion for teaching the subject. I do have my constraints now .I also know that I must create my own environment to spend more time with books and students. It was just an accident that, I had to share platform with two politicians, one in the forenoon and another in the evening in a star hotel. If anyone had told that I will be having this kind of meeting earlier, I would not have believed it. In any case, this award in my sixtieth year and fortieth year of teaching will infuse more energy and academic integrity into my body and mind and I will attempt to practice the Academic Thapas, which is expected from us. I only pray to the Lord, he should give strength to my knees and eyes.
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