ANURAG SIR

In a famous Saraswati puja pandal one framed picture of a person about forty years old drew attention of the visitors. A drawing competition was held in his name- ‘Anurag Chitrakala pratiyogita’ and the winners were awarded on the closing day of the puja. The whole locality was gathered there to enjoy the cultural event. The programme started with paying tribute to the most adorable teacher Anurag Padia.

With tears in eyes all speakers narrated their closeness with Anurag Sir. Science, Maths and Hindi were his subjects. He had transformed many lives with his teaching skill. Those who struggled to score 30 marks in science and maths, under the guidance of Anurag Sir were able to crack competitive exams for medical and engineering. He was such a good soul that students loved to join his coaching classes. He celebrated birthdays and academic success of his pupils. His mother used to serve lip smacking dishes to the children as Anurag sir’s class had no fixed timing to get over. It could run till two and half hours.

His phone was never silent even at midnight because his engineering and medical students preferred to study at night and he was available on phone to resolve their queries. His girl students too received call from him anytime at night to ask if the particular maths problem they could solve or not. To be in touch with them Anurag Sir recharged their phones so that they were compelled to pick his call without any excuse. Parents of the students were so happy to have Anurag as their children’s sir. He was an apple of their eyes. Each student used to bring for him the delicacies prepared by their mother especially for Sir. He was always invited to their homes on every occasion because he loved to enjoy food.

In the locality Anurag Sir was the only person to contact first for any problem. He was a saviour. Through his contacts he had helped almost every person of the locality. With money, kind words and extensive social services he had made his place in hearts of people. He was the first person to greet everyone in morning through phone calls and personal meeting. When sometimes any of the relatives get irritated from his nonstop conversation and ignored his calls, he was ready with a sentimental dialogue- If I stop calling you, then you will realize my worth.” He was a person none could hate and stay without talking to him. 

Anurag sir was a foodie and tea lover. In front of students he used to sip many cups of tea prepared by his aged mother. His teaching profession was not meant for physical exercise. Sitting for long hours while teaching students batch after batch made him obese. His weight was around 100 kg and his doctor had warned him to lose few kilos so that he could remain healthy. He joined a gym, deposited money but never got time to attend the sessions. His unhealthy life style was a matter of concern for everyone. 

On 26th January,2013, Independence Day Anurag sir’s morning began usually with teaching first batch of engineering student. At 11 am he cancelled his next batch due to some uneasiness. In the afternoon he asked his mother to prepare Khichadi. He was resting but attending the phone calls as news of his unwell state spread like fire in jungle. Local people, neighbours came to home to enquire about his health as it was unusual that he had cancelled a class due to poor health condition. All were suggesting him to go to hospital for full body check -up but he denied. After having khichadi, he asked water. His mother went to the kitchen and returned with a glass of water. 

Anurag sir was lying on bed with closed eyes. His mother called his name, “Anurag, have water.” He didn’t reply. She went near to him and found him not breathing anymore. She yelled in loud voice. People who went out of the home for giving him time to have his lunch, rushed to the hospital with him. The doctor there declared him dead. He was no more. Within half an hour thousands of his admirers, students gathered at home. It seemed a celebrity died that day. People were crying as if someone very dear to them had left for his heavenly abode. 

Since 2013 every year in his honour drawing competition was held in the locality. His big framed picture was placed at the foot of goddess Saraswati as he was a true worshipper of Her. His parents were chief guest to distribute prizes to the winners and participants. One dark secret none of his students knew that he was schizophrenic since the age 18 and was under medication. He died of cardiac arrest which was caused not because of his obesity but due to the side effects of medicines consumed for many years.