PEOPLE WHO GUIDED ME IN MY LIFE JOURNEY

By PROF ARJUN KUMAR JAGOTA

It is said that the landscape of life can be laid down beautifully only when it is architectured by wise, sincere and well-meaning mentors who lead you on the right path consciously or unconsciously, proving to be your friends, philosophers and guides.

I am fortunate to have had such enlightened people who enriched my life and saved me from falling into a ditch of darkness of wrongdoing.

My father was my first mentor. A person of few words who proved to be my guru-father, who gave me my first guru-mantra.

After matriculation, the night before I was to leave for college, he called me and said, “You are going to the free atmosphere of college which can make or mar your life depending on the company you keep – good or bad – and the way you act – right or wrong. Before doing anything ask yourself these three questions:

“Will this action be good for my bright future?

“Will this action be good for my reputation?

“Will this action be good for the name of my family?

 “If the answer to all three is positive, do it unhesitatingly. But if the answer is negative even to one of the three, don’t ever do it.”

My teachers at different stages of my education played a significant role in my life. I am fortunate that I got extremely capable teachers all through my academic journey and I remain indebted to each.

Three of them, in particular, made a significant impact, not only academically but also by imparting moral values and laying down a strong foundation for my academic, professional and social life. They were not only masters of their subjects but also very good human beings.

At the primary school level, my grade 4 and 5 teacher impressed me most by his sincerity, morals and dedication to his profession. He used to cycle fifteen miles with his son, who was of my age, and in the same grade to get to school. He had to bring him along because he had lost his wife and there was no one at home to take care of him. On reaching school, he would write a short story with a moral on the school’s main black board. I used to read the story daily and absorbed many moral values thus. I realized later that this was really the objective of that great teacher. Perhaps he noticed my receptiveness and he asked me to stay on after school and study along with his son. He also encouraged me to apply for exams for scholarships, instilling the habit of hard work.

My grade 9 and 10 teacher D.K.Bhalla who taught us English and Social Studies left a lasting impression on my mind and became my favourite teacher. The credit for my command over the language goes to him. He also nurtured my interest in reading Indian and European history, and other subjects, which served me well at university and in my teaching career.

At university, my teachers of English and Political Science were all distinguished scholars, but Prof  PC Midha, who taught us Economics, was in a class of his own. He was not only a master of his subject, his clarity and delivery were marvellous. We used to understand and enjoy each word.

He became my favourite professor and I became his favourite student. He encouraged me to take an active part in extracurricular activities, debates, declamation contests and dramatics. Economics became my favourite subject and inspired by him, I did my post-graduation in Eonomics, wanting to be a good teacher like him.

My wife Rani played an invaluable role in my life journey. She raised our daughters to be good, independent women; she ran a beautiful home for all of us and was a loving and wise counsellor, leaving me free to pursue professional success.

My life wouldn’t have been the same without her.

HONOUR YOUR HERO

Desi News invites you to share your (unpublished) story about your family and people in your own circle – who raised you, mentored you to be the successful person you are today or influenced the course of your life.  An individual who helped you thrive and reach the place where you are in today. Your personal hero! Email your story (up to 500 words) to desinews@rogers.com with subject line My Story. We will publish them in an upcoming issue of Desi News (print and online).