BY PRATIMA ACHREKAR | NT NETWORK
Our world begins with our parents. As we grow, the teacher plays vital role in moulding and shaping our personalities. We have all been deeply influenced by a teacher at some stage of our lives. The teacher’s ideals have influenced who we are today.

On Guru Pournima, ‘The Navhind Times’ salutes those few extraordinary teachers who reached beyond the call of duty to positively touch the lives of their students.
My tuition teacher. It is she who made me understand the importance of getting an education. She happened to be our neighbour. Her words of advice still ring in my ears. She always said that one day I would understand why she kept telling me to take my studies seriously. I am filled with regret when I think about how I did not take her words seriously.
--- Mr Donald Coelho, windsurfer
Mr Vijay Satpute from the Damodar College showed me that I was born with a talent for art and inspired me to pursue it as a profession. I am grateful for him for it is only because of him that I have become a successful artist today. He suggested I join the Art College. I still remember that besides regular lectures he would take additional classes on Sunday to encourage us and to spot our hidden talents.
--- Mr Mohan Naik, artist
I am grateful to my teacher Mr Narayan Minu Naik and my grandfather Sadashiv Naik. My geography teacher from Stephen’s Almeida High School, Ponda who honoured me at the Onam festival organised by the Malayalam Association. Getting felicitated by your teacher before an entire community is a definite honour for any student. After I passed out of school my teacher remembered me and invited me for a function, which was very heart touching.”
--- Mr N Shivdas, president, Goa Konkani Academi
My Portuguese teacher Ms Theresa Fernandes was my favourite teacher. She would conduct private classes and I admired the way she lived her life independently. She would do everything by herself. She would interact with all age groups and pass on her knowledge. Her ideals and values are timeless; they apply to anyone and everyone.
--- Ms Nandita Fernandes, service
I remember when I had gone for school admissions with my mother I was an introvert. My mother introduced me to my teacher who assured my mother that he would instil confidence in me. This teacher would always put me forward and encourage me to volunteer in class. That imbibed me with self confidence. Soon, I became a favourite with all the teachers. Those six years in school moulded me almost perfectly. Moreover, I learnt about issues such as climate change and global warming through projects done under the guidance of my teacher.
---Ms Aradhana D, writer