Harshini Brahmavar

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Sep 5: There goes a popular quote, 'Behind every successful person there is an unforgettable teacher'. Fabulous teachers are the ones who provide continual leadership, coaching, and encouragement to their students. They give individual attention to identify students’ talents and treasures, and encourage them to find direction and purpose for their life. Thonse Kandike Srinivas Rao from Adi Udupi is one among them.

Srinivas Rao has been an inspiration and man of motivation for thousands of students. The 95-year-old still ignites minds through his words. Even 39 years after retirement, he teaches children without expecting anything.

Early life, education and posting

Born to T Sitharamayya and Padmavathi in the year 1922, Srinivas Rao did his elementary education at Kemmannu school and high school education at Milagres, Kallianpur. He pursued his TCH at government college, Mangaluru.

He was appointed as a teacher at Adi Udupi government primary school in 1942. The school is one of the oldest Kannada medium schools in Udupi. The school, established in 1896, has been maintaining high standard of education, even after more than a century after its establishment. The school has imparted quality education to thousands of students.

Multi-talented teacher

Srinivas Rao has received many awards and been honoured by several organizations for his dedicated service. He has also received the best teacher state award.

He is not only a teacher, but also a good tutor and story teller. Srinivas Rao believes that not only syllabus, but extra-curricular activities are important for one to improve their personality. He has been telling the stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata to his students. He also has a good share of knowledge on Bible and Quran. He takes moral classes for little children and also encourages greenery around school premises.

Hundreds of paintings on the school’s walls and the library are the best witness to his interest in drawing and crafts. He also painted a map of Udupi on one of the walls of the school. His beautiful handwriting is the best example for his knowledge.

‘I find joy in sharing knowledge’

Speaking to Daijiworld Srinivas Rao says, “My father T Sitharamayya was the founder of this government school. I am very happy to teach students and provide education to deprived students. I found an indescribable joy in sharing knowledge. I strongly believe that children are the future. So I used to spend much of my time in school amidst students. But now, my weak health has let me down.”

His wife Rajivi, died in 2007. He now lives with four generations of the family. His son Ganesh Rao (65), a retired bank employee and daughter-in-law Dakshayini take care of him. Grandson Gururaj Rao (35) and great-grandson Gaurav Rao (5) too live along with him.

Ganesh Rao says, “My father is a very strict teacher. I did not get a chance to be his student. I have learnt a lot from him. Even at the age of 95, he follows his principles. He does yoga and oil massage early in the morning every day. He does all his morning activities himself. In the evening, he comes out from home and walks in the campus holding his walking stick.”

Going strong at 95

The nonagenarian is not in the pink of health, which does no good to his daily activities, but is still energetic to teach. Of late, he has not been able to speak much as he underwent endoscopy operation for tonsils.

Srinivas Rao spends most of his time at the school office and library. He meets children every day after school hours. He teaches them, checks their notes and spends time with students. He offers Bhajans to God without a miss in the night.

He is interested in making garlands to decorate the worship place. He loves animals too.

Ganesh Rao proudly says, “My father gave education despite the poverty. My mother always supported him in all his work.”

Former students of the Srinivas Rao and the school, visit their favourite teacher every now and then.

Srinivas Rao is an inspiration to one and all. Teachers make a big difference in the lives of students. The fruit of a teacher’s labor is borne when former students share their successes and acknowledge their teachers’ role in their successful lives.