parenting is not a property of elite

The man in the photo is Ibrahim with his daughter and son. Ibrahim is an auto driver. His children are studying in VT high school.

We were travelling by his auto yesterday. As it is the time of schools final hour he requested us to give him permission to collect his kids. What followed is a sweet memory as well as a reminder to most of the parents.

The kids ran to their father with the water bottles flying in air. There was a mischievous smile on the boy's face. The girl smiled and hugged her father. Their father inquired about the day. The kids responded "fine".The kid inquired" hows the day"Father replied"super"

I asked the girls name. She replied " kausar fathima." I asked her what kausar means. She remained silent.  Her father explained it as heavenly water. I asked her about her studies. She was 4th in a class of 32 in rankings pertaining to academics. I asked her about what she will become in future?  pat came the reply "vet. surgeon" 

Why? i followed up. Her father explained, she has a great rapport with animals. I tried to rationalize by saying kids of this age do have such tendency. He replied saab! main to uski iccha samajane ki kosish kar raha hoon. samajaya, agar tujko janawar ke saath itna lagaaw hein tho tum ko yeh karna padega. toh  mein uske dil me padne ka iraada to paaka kiya na saab( sir, iam trying to understand he desire. i explained her, if you like animals then this is the way to remain close with them. By this i strengthened her desire to learn and achieve).

I rallied. itni choti umar mein aap uske kandhon par bhoj tho badaa rahe hein( in this small age you are increasing burden on her shoulders).he closed the rally by saying " mein tho uski  kwaish jinda rak raha hoom. mein to usko uski tara rahane par tool hun( iam trying to keep her desires alive. iam trying to keep her like her)

What about your son I asked? ?

He replied " he likes my auto driving. keeps in saying i will become auto driver"

so I queried

Simple saab , mein tho isko boltha hoon yeh chota gaai hein, bada gaadi chalno seekho( simple, i explain him that this is a small vehicle,  try to learn driving a bigger one)

I  asked in a surprising tone " what that means?"

aeroplane saab. Usko yehi bolta hain mein. mein auto ka driver tu plane ka driver. Abto usko to divert karna he in a saab. bacha he na saab( I always say to him whenever he expresses his desire to become auto driver, myself driver of auto, yourself driver of plane. I think this is the better way to divert his attention. he is only a kid sir)

Ibrahim , dont you get angry with your kids

he replied, why not sir, but i never shout on them. I try to rationalize with them . 

  

Our mini journey ended. The kids are smiling. I learnt Ibrahim's father gave such independence to them. So he wanted to continue his fathers legacy. I  asked him how come you ended up an auto driver despite such upbringing. He replied fate saab. Some my mistakes, some by the god. I wished hem all the best.

I came across parents everyday who never understand the inner voice of their kids- who never try to unlock the mysteries in their kids hearts- who are of the view that by buying clothes books toys their work is over- who force their kids to do what they never want to do-who beat their children back and blue-who never spend time with their kids by saying they were very busy-who never sit with their kids while they are doing their home works--------------------

Ibrahim is an auto driver. Less educated. Despite these handicaps he displayed how easy it is make the world of children beautiful. The smiles on the children's face said it all. His understanding of parenting is clear. They are kids, their world is special, let us not spoil it.

While parting, are you going home ?

he replied yes sir 

DO YOU COLLECT YOUR KIDS AND DROP THEM HOME EVERY DAY?

YES SIR 

AREY BHAI THIS IS BUSY TIME OF YOUR WORK. HOW CAN YOU LEAVE ?

I PLAN SIR TO SEE MY KIDS HOME . I PLAN MY WORK IN A WAY THAT IT NEVER INTERRUPTS MY TIME WITH MY KIDS(ANY BODY LISTENING)

మరో మహాప్రస్తానం

These verses were written by SRI SRI. Today is his birth anniversary. The intensity of childhood is powerfully expressed in these lines. The words intensity and power may seem rather unfit to describe the lines. For me the poet  expressively states the childhood aura and how it pains to lose it over the years. 

But if this great should have lived he should have written sequel for his maha prasthanam and this time he should have written the trauma the children taken these days.

In a befitting way SRNIVAS SAMPATH studying x class in ASHRAM has come up  with stunning   lines. 

whatever iam posting now are the written lines of srinivas sampath. My agony over the present system my anguish my perceptions definitely had a telling impact on this boy. For all who read this blog the following lines are going to haunt for they are the voices of a boy who is taking much of his father's agony

                                                                  యోగ్యత పత్ర్రం

ఛఛఛా






మనలో ఊన్న ప్రతిభను ఎవరు గుర్తించరే


ఛఛఛా


జనాలకుమార్కులు కావాలి 
అమ్మ నానాకి మార్కులు కావాలి


ఛఛఛా




ఎడవండి ఆంధ్రాలో పుట్టినందుకు
మీ సత్తా అక్కరలేదు
మీ గుణము అక్కరలేదు
మీ ప్రావీణ్యము పనికిరాదు
మీ మార్కులు కావాలి


ఛఛఛా


ఏంటిది
ప్రకటన
చదువుదాం
                                                            అయ్యలారా  అమ్మలారా
                                                                      ఈ వేసవిలో               
                                                         మీరు మీ ఇంట్లో ఉండలేక్కునారా
                                                        మీ పిల్లాల బాధ చుడలేక్కున్నారా
                                                                      వెయి కట్టండి
                                                           మా  స్కూలో జాయిన్ చేయండి
                                                         a.c.క్లాస్ రూములో సేద తీరుస్తాము
                                                                 బస్ లో తిప్పుతాము
                                                       సినిమా ఫక్కిలో పాఠములు చుపిస్తాము
                                                               మార్కులు తెప్పిస్తాము


ఛఛఛా


గుణము వద్దు
పద్దతి వద్దు
నియమము వద్దు
మానవత్వం వద్దు
ప్రణాళిక వద్దు
పాఠము వద్దు


ఛఛఛా


బస్ ముద్దు
ac ముద్దు
డ్రస్ ముద్దు
పక్కవాడు ముద్దు
ప్రకటనలు ముద్దు


ఛఛఛా
మోసము ముద్దు
కపటము ముద్దు
తప్పు ముద్దు


ఛఛఛా


అదిగో మార్కెట్టు
విచిత్రమైన మార్కెట్టు
మార్కులా మార్కెట్టు
600కి596
రండి బాబు రండి
మిరు కూడ కొనుకోండి


ఛఛఛా


నాటి సూక్తి:  నేటి బాలురే రేపటి పౌరులు
నేటి సూక్తి:  నేటి బాలురే రేపటి సరుకులు



                                                                                           SRINIVAS SAMPATH
                                                                                                     X CLASS
                                                                                                    ASHRAM

MIRACLE .......1

i heard miracles happen. i never saw them happen quickly. how ever i witnessed events in my life which can be definitely termed miracles.I take this blog to recount the simple things which we cannot do so often and hence can be termed miracles

Siadri Mahesh Naidu is my student and studied ix and x classes at Ashram Public school. A student of high intelligence and extraordinary analytical skill, Mahesh always  made his presence felt with his wit and wisdom. One problem bothered him always in his school days. His hand writing. In his VII VIII and IX classes its a great worry. Lines were never straight and words never cooperated to stay in a straight way. Its always an impossibility to find a solution for this.

It so happened the school he studied faced a crisis in IX class. The correspondent of the school depressed met Mahesh at his friend Ravitej’s house. The discussion   that followed was an inspirational   saga. The correspondent declared he will fought against the   odds and requested his students to stand up  by him. He said

“చేసి తీరుదాము” which means we will do it.

Mahesh made it a mission statement those days. It had a tremendous impact on  his writing. Believe it or not it took only few days for him  to change his writing style.   His class mates were amazed and at awe with this miraculous transformation. Even i took   time to believe it. Its really awesome to see such a degree of change and that too in very few days.

Gandhiji always felt bad about his hand writing. i know a lot of people who wanted to change their hand writing but they never. In my small life MAHESH is a miracle. Recently he completed his Btech at Gayatri and a select candidate for TCS.                       

2012 campaign kicked off

i very well hate advertising. but most of my students believe that is where the school lags behind. last year we started of in three different banners. here is this years version 

The X class ...2004-05

The class X is a very special class in any school.

Ashram had the privilege of sending seven X class batches to the public exams and the eighth one is gearing up to face the test in a few days from now. Some schools have sent more than 25 batches and some govt schools hundreds of batches. Every time a X class batch gets ready to bid a good bye to  the school there's a sudden emptiness in the air. It pains in the bottom of the heart to realize the fact you are going to miss them forever in he class room.  It gives immense pleasure to see the kids who walked into the school with innocence and playfulness, leave the school with maturity and responsibility.

Ashram's first X class batch left lots  of memories. The batch was composed of intelligence and fun. The kids were very good at Volleyball and Cricket. Sad that i was very busy with the problems of school that i spent a little time with them.The notable feature of X class in Ashram is almost all boys spend their days in school(yes they used to sleep in school).The students were from different sections of society. Some parents were/are very close to me and were very much instrumental in setting up  the school. There was a genuine feel good atmosphere with this batch. They brought school the stability it needed very much that day.

K.Chandra sekhar(KC) GNarendra, A.Narendra, A.Raju, Siva, P.Venkatesh, Prasad, Chandrakanth, M. Venkatesh, Sushma Priyanka, Vasantha, Yamini, Neelima, Roopa  were the first batch of Ashram.

K.Chandrasekhar has a genuine talent of grasping things and very analytical. His approach towards maths and science defined his future. He now completed his B.Tech at Gayatri and is presently selceted for a wide of Indian Inc. like T.C.S and Wipro. His fther Sri Kumara Swamy garu is one of the dearest supporters of the school. His sister SatyaSri also studied here. One of the finest memories with K.C. is his way of thinking. Smart Suave and Sophisticated.

G.Narenrda has one of finest qualities .....he was/is a perfect friend. Very Intelligent and Very much fun loving. He never worked that hard. Had he worked hard with his intelligence he should have rocked vizag. Very impressive I.Q. and finest of sports person. Completed His B.Tech at M.V.G.R  and now on his way to U.S.A for M.S. One of finest memories with G.Narendra was his coolness. Simple intelligent and admirable. A great friend.

A.Raju was very different from the rest. His  mother has great dreams for  him.He was/is the messiah of their family.A lot rested on him and his performance.Blessed with remarkable intelligence and wit Raju was the fun leader of the batch.He  not only got a good percentage of marks but also went the other way by refusing to join Intermediate. Joined Polytechnic completed it successfully and now employed at Coromandel fertilizers.Hes on verge on completing Btech which he joined through distance mode. Today's kids should learn a lot from him. 

A.Narendra was very dearest as he was the first admission to Ashram.His father Sri Rama Rao Garu is very close to the school and in fact  one of the strong well wisher of the school.A.Narendra is presently working at Bangalore.He completed his Btech at Sanketika. Down to earth and maintained   a low profile always. He is very strong at absorbing content and my mothers pet student. He and prasad are very close in those days.

Siva hails from the raw hills of Narsipatnam. His mother was lot worried about him in those days. Backed by a strong support of Gnarendra and hard work    he completed tenth inter and degree. What more he is doing his MBA at pydah. Its truly an achievement for  a kid from a very remote area. And his friendship with Gnarendra is  a very special one.

Pyla Venkatesh was very very special. Theres a lot of memories with venkatesh. His frank observations were striking.  His father was very worried those days. To every ones surprise he got 90% in inter and what more  he completed his M.B.B.S. . Very down to earth he is one guy whom i really miss. His father is a strong supporter of the cause of Ashram.His brother pavan also studied here. 

Prasad completed his bachelor degree and i know less about him. I see him rarely. Strong in  his friendships and a good sports man.

Chandrakanth was the brother of BS kumar. He completed his Diploma.I know very less about him.

Similarly i don't know much about m venkatesh.

Sushma priyanka completed her Engineering at AU.In fact she chose a different line of ceramic engineering. Her father Sri Appa rao garu played an instrumental role in setting up Ashram. His support His Friendship and his advice's were one of  sweet moments in my life.

Vasantha went into fashion designing. She is married and ver happy in her life.

Yamini was another good student. I know very little about her after X class. I am well associated with her brother chaitanya.  

I know very less about roopa and neelima.

The first batch is always special. I still meet some of them. Time is very cunning. It runs before us and we never notice. Great days. Ashram owes a lot to all these kids and it misses them dearly. 

the moment of a teacher

Yesterday Ashram saw the moments which a teacher relishes and muses.

I was into  this profession at an age of 20. Eighteen years later i have students spread all over the globe doing wonderful things maintaining great balance in life and living life in its fullest. At 38 i wonder whether teaching as a career is a boon or a curse. A teacher remains at the same platform over the years. His knowledge over the years remains stuck at a point unless he updates himself.  His disciples leave the platform after a period to earn a repute a fortune and a home. Most of the teachers are devoid of the luck of meeting their disciples. But this teacher is able to maintain the relations with his students from the very first student to this day. Its one of my greatest delights to share space time and knowledge over the years with my students. Its a great joy to watch a ten year old to grow into a teenager later a young energetic man and battle life and emerge victorious. I am fortunate to witness such grand tales over the years.

This year few of my students are getting married. Few are entering the world of self reliance...jobs. Few are turning themselves into entrepreneurs. Joy in every  corner. 

Yesterday my student sekhar was on his way to buy a house which is being constructed by another student srinivas.  The deal of banking is dealt by another student Narsingh. Sekhar was a student of mine in 1996 where as Narsing was a student during 1999 while srinivas was a student in 2001. The entire transaction was discussed at Ashram and what a sight it was. 

Three students from three different backgrounds who grew before me negotiating   a deal was a visual treat. No camera needed as it will stay long in my memory. till my last breath. 

a good discussion and a great resolution

The year was 2005. Actress Khusboo gave a controversial statement on premarital sex. A huge debate rose across the country. Pro and cons were discussed in almost all channels and news papers.Lot of time was spent over all.

In our school we were busy with our headaches that has become a part of our life at that time.The evenings were the best part of the time.  My tenth strudents at that time  MVS, Mahesh Sarat,  kiran tej, pavan, sai kumar, ravikiran , gunasekhar, pramod used to discuss a  lot of currrent issues ranging from  history to current affairs.

One day the discussion centred around right  to speech. I told them we have right  to speech and we have the right  to say our opinion. Then mahesh asked me does this right  applyto Khushboo.If its a right  to express  opinion why such chaos throughout the country. What followed on that evening was a brilliant discussion and i remember how my students discussed a issue beyond their age with a rare dignity and wisdom

I dont remember exactly who said what but the core and the conclusion i try to present here.

myself in reply to mahesh: Yes. we have a right to express opinion. But this right is subject to certain limitations.Certain statements may not be conducive to the existing society. Then a restraint should be exercised  by persons before making such statements.

My students: Then any statement has its own provocation. Then what is the use of right to speech. Criticizing always pokes. isnt it sir

Myself: Definitely. Thats why the country is divided. The thing is if i say something  to you here it may not affect the society. But if celebrities utter something like this it may kick off dangerous implications. Many may derive support from her. Iam not against right to speech. Iam speaking from the side opposing. understand it and continue

My students:  What you mean to say is celebrities should not have right to speech.


Myself: For example if i say go and beat who said some thing against me  You will not do it. you will think. lots of complications will stop you. that does not mean you dont like  me. You fear the consequences. If iam an eminent personality and i say to you go and kick that idiot, i will take care then the scenario changes. A reputed persons voice travels long distances. Then it is imperative that they should be guarded in  their words. Being  careful about words is not a negation to right to speech.

 My students: Even then why should one restrict himself from   saying what he firmly  believes in?

Myself: I firmly believe only through gun poverty will be eliminated. so i advocate every one of you to resort to guns. So this is my firm belief. i am very famous. i uttered these lines. now what kind of affect itt will show on people in poverty?

My students: The maoists have beeen sayinbg the same over the years. Nothing severe  happened. 

Myself :Thats  it. Iam not a naxal. I am a reputed man.  I have a great  following. Now this is where it differs. A person in position can affect the proceedings by his words. Thats why good   leaders were powerful orators.

My students: so actress is wrong in conveying her  radical opinion on a sensitive matter.

Myself: to certain extent. She is not a political leader who can measure the volume of words to be used. She is not a great author who can justify his/her statements. So the anchor who asked such a question is the spoil sport. The director who made his show popular through this is a culprit. The media which spread this like a wild fire is another culprit. one by one pulled the right  to speech into this. 

My students: So this is not against right to speech at all.

Myself: i cannot say. This right to speech  clause is pulled after the groups supporting and not supporting formed. 

My students:  hence it became  a hot topic not by the quality of words  but by quantity of views expressed on it

My self: definitely. what is the use of this nonsense. Now look.Who ever watched the actress saying  this should have forgotten by  a few days. But this huge popularity took the thing such a height that now every one knows it. Apart from  right to speech and its implications this sort of debating will spread it more and it will reach more and more people. so what ever implications that may have occurred because of the actress statement now seem negligible before this huge debates.

MVS: i feel one thing sir! By discussing about a bad or a controversy we are spreading its poisonous fangs far where we can never cut them. if something is bad or not good or controversial we should stop discussing  it. Debating such discussions will enhance the dangers more. We should never discuss bad. we have to stop discussing controversies and there by we have a chance to solve things peacefully  .

Its getting dark and we all started returning  home supporting the views of mvs.  I am very surprised to see  boys of 14 having such strong views on constitutional right.

inspirations 2012