Relatives are by fate and friends are by choice, but there is a special relationship that comes to us both by fate and by choice, but it shapes our life by instilling basic qualities that define our personality. Be it the modern day lifestyle or the ancient culture, teacher-student relationship has always held a special importance for both teachers and students and also for the society at large.

Many authors have penned their experiences or imaginations, bringing out the beauty and tenderness of the relation. And many a filmmakers have reminded us of our association with our teachers in its most beautiful way. Come Teachers’ Day (September 5) and students will come up with their creative best to express their gratitude, respect and love for their teachers. Justifying their role of an ideal, teachers accept each message with same sentiments. They appreciate the most scribbled art form as much as they welcome the most beautiful gift.

This year when we asked a few teachers about the most touching message that they received from their students, a few grew emotional while sharing the experience.

Olive Mathew holds the post of principal at St. Mathew Academy, but she is popularly known as nani maa in the premises. “Being addressed as nani makes kids feel more close to me. They also put up their demands as children do with their grannies,” says Mathew.

Recalling of the numerous messages that she received from her students (she refers to them as her grand children), she says, “One day a student, Prathna Sancheti, came to me and told me: You are the best and no other nani maa is like you. I was so touched with this and I felt that nothing can be a better reward for all my efforts.”

Talking to Vineeta Arora of Vatsalya School was a delight as she felt a simple ‘Happy Teachers’ Day’ is equally special as any poetic expression of emotion. “Children often walk up to me and say that they love me. A flower, a handmade card or just a smiling face of my student makes my list of most treasured gift I have ever received,” adding, “however, a message on a greeting card made my day when I realised what difference I can make in a child’s life. The message read: Thank you for being around for me. I have found a second parent in you. I felt honoured when I got the message, as it made me feel that my students are as close to me as they are to their parents.”

Farida Bhaidani, teacher, Indus International School, shares, “I taught a six-year-old students. He did not know how to read or write, but when he was leaving school he could write and he wrote a letter to me. The letter read: Thank you for teaching me how to read or write. After reading this I realized what difference I can make. I felt more worthy.”