A THANK YOU NOTE

Dear Vandana Ma’am

Even though I think of you often enough and even muster the courage to hit the "compose" tab but then leave it at that!  I draw a blank every-time I sit down to write to you.  

What do you write to a person who has been your inspiration since the time you were an 18 yr old lost soul trying to make sense of your life ( It's another story that I'm still a lost soul at 37 ). What do you write to a person whose little pearls of wisdom doled out absolutely free of cost become your passion almost 15 yrs later in life that motivate you to move forward? What do you write to a person who has unwittingly shaped your personality and your attitude towards everything?

There is so much to write to you yet that first word is the hardest. On this day however, I have accepted the challenge to pen that first word, that first phrase which will hopefully convey what I, and thousands of other students, whose life you touched, feel. Thank you!  Thank you for making us all believe in us; thank you for telling us repeatedly that we can do what we want; thank you for challenging out thinking and weaving a new thought process in our still impressionable minds and hearts; thank you for letting us know that the foremost thing in this world is humanity and that nothing that exists in nature is unnatural Do you remember how we discussed the movie "Fire" while understanding alienation? That was my first lesson in equality. Who knew that at the age of 28, this would be the lesson that would become the core of my personal philosophy? Thank you for being an example for many lost souls like me.  Lastly thank you for being you.

As I take a step towards a new phase in life all sorts of questions come into my mind about my ability to deliver the work. I think of you, for you are that one person who has always encouraged us to break free of our own fears of failure.  A heady concoction of excitement and apprehension has made a nest in my mind and I'm trying hard to tell myself that “I can do it". Your life lessons have sustained me this long and I'm sure they would guide me in my new work profile as well.

Happy Teacher’s Day ma’am.

I'm glad I found you :)

Pragya

(Someone who wishes to be the inspiration to one person that you are to the countless out there)