Most of this month was taken up by a trip down memory lane.
First was the fruition of my book project — a compilation of reminiscences about my father, N Balakrishnan Nair, a Chemistry teacher at my school, written by some of his students and colleagues.
NBN, as he was popularly known, was much more than a Chemistry teacher at Sainik School Kazhakootam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Besides chemical equations and theories, he spoke in class about Indian and world history and the lives of great people, which he learned about from the innumerable books he read. Biographies and history were his favourites.
He had such an unwavering commitment to his students that he went out of his way to help them. At the same time, he was a strict disciplinarian too. There was a line he didn't want anyone to cross, and if someone did, obtaining a pardon was extremely difficult.
The idea for the book — Being NBN — came about a few years after my father passed away on 29th November 2016. There were so many anecdotes, both serious and funny, that people who knew NBN recalled. I thought they should all be put together so that they were not lost in mere memories, but chronicled and archived.
Over forty articles, with authors ranging from the first to the last batch he taught (1965 to 1995), along with vintage photographs, portray the multifaceted personality that NBN was. One common thread running through them is the profound influence my father had on his students' lives.
OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION
The book was released on Old Boys Day, on the 18th of July. Incidentally, my father played a key role in founding the Old Boys Association way back in 1969. He nurtured it painstakingly, replying to letters he received from the alumni. The OBA Day has been held in school every year since then.
The whole month was spent giving the final touches to the contents of the book, proofreading, and keeping tabs on orders for the book.
While the book connects easily with my father's students, it could also be fascinating reading for others as a biographical sketch of a teacher and the unique way he bonded with his students.
The book is not on any online platform as of now; copies are being dispatched based on orders received. A Kindle version will be made available by the publisher soon.
FUN-FILLED, FULFILLING
As always, a visit to our alma mater, Sainik School, is like a pilgrimage. It wasn't just a place where we studied; academics was just one part of a wholesome learning process. The school moulded us in every way. With a strict regimental daily routine, we learned to be disciplined and organised. We also learned how to face and resolve problems rather than run away from them.
Old Boys Day is the day we get recharged. This year, on the 18th of July, was no different. Going back to the very same place that shaped our formative years (and later years too), meeting classmates, seniors, and juniors, reviving memories, and making connections; it was all fun-filled and fulfilling.
From Thiruvananthapuram, on the 20th, we went to Tiruvalla and then to Ernakulam, before returning to Bengaluru.
From August, I hope to be more regular on the blogosphere.