As Fragile as That (Passing away of a Teacher)

A few days ago, I went to my college to meet two of my friends. Two of us were there to discuss our master’s thesis and what to do about it. While saying our goodbyes for the day, we met our thesis advisor on his way out. We stayed for a few minutes to chat with him. Another teacher of mine from my bachelor’s days at the same college happened to pass by, and I greeted him with a namaste. I was reminded of my music studies with him as my subject teacher for two years. Rabin Sir had now become the assistant campus chief. From my experience under his tutelage, I knew that he would have loved to start a Master’s in Classical Music course at the institute. Often when I met him at college, we would talk about introducing the subject and the obstacles they had to overcome as administrators. I was enthusiastic to learn more from him and others in that academic environment. Soft-spoken and gentle-spirited, I greeted him as he was leaving the college that day.

Today, while I logged onto Facebook in the morning, I was saddened by the news that he had passed away yesterday evening. I do not know the circumstances of his demise, but I do know that he did not have any consistent health issues; he was fit and well when I saw him a few days ago. Today, I have to attend his funeral. For the few years that I had known him, I wished I had given more to my studies instead of bunking classes and just getting by academically. I had hoped to amend those errors during my master’s study. I cannot study under his guidance anymore, but I will certainly remember the gentle teacher that he was, who inspired even a student like me and helped me get through my bachelor’s studies. He will forever be in my heart as a true teacher of his subject.

It is at times like this that I realize how fickle life can be and how much of it is wasted on trivial matters. Someone you saw well and happy a few days ago is no longer among us. Something you promised to do can now never be fulfilled. I hope that they do introduce the Master’s program and that someday I can take part in those classes.