Lessons for life

Act One
Arunoday Singh,Actor
By now,he’s a pro,and has travelled the world,performed on every stage and has an impressive resume to talk about. But there is one person actor Arunoday Singh,who made his debut with Sikandar,wants to thank,and that’s his English teacher back at school. While he cannot remember her name,he certainly remembers her pushing him to express himself,and for that,she gave him the stage. “I’ve always been a very shy person…even as a kid,I would keep to myself and hardly talk. That’s when my English teacher singled me out and thought the stage would be the best place for me to overcome my fear and shyness,” tells Singh who took to stage like fish to water. “Acting exorcised my demons,and once on stage,I burn with energy,” says the actor who feels the whole point of acting is to do characters unlike yourself,to step into somebody else’s shoes…that’s what makes one human.

Role to play
Neelam Man Singh,Theatre Director
“HAVING a teacher like Ebrahim Alkazi can alter your life,’’ Neelam Man Singh fondly remembers the years at the National School of Drama and her teacher Ebrahim,who gave her a sense of aesthetics,be it regards to theatre or life. “A sense of discipline is what I learnt from him,and also the value of a teacher’s role in a student’s life,’’ Neelam,Chairperson,Department of Indian Theatre,PU,realizes how empowering a teacher is in influencing young minds,teaching that goes beyond the confines of a classroom. Chiselling sensibilities,giving students a view of the world,sharing with them integral values,essentials of life through role play,improvisation and giving them wings to fly,through constant exposure,Neelam says it’s a whole new process of giving and learning. The magic of words,and how to use that magic,smiles Neelam is what Dr BN Goswami taught them,“he’s simply incredible,’’ Dr Goswami taught them the history of fine arts,“and much more…’’

Building Block
Archanna Chaudhary,Architect
“WHILE many just teach us what the books have to say,very few take the initiative to bring out the passion in us. Former Principal,Chandigarh College of Architecture,Dr S S Bhatti,has been one such teacher,who’s motivated us to dream,to work and to reach,” tells Archana Chaudhary,architect,Housing Board Haryana,who credits her professional being to Bhatti. While Chaudhary addresses him as a role model,she says that he’s always guided them to work in the right direction. Been fashioning buildings,hosting seminars and working for the betterment of the society,“it’s he who taught us that the greatest service is that to the mankind,” she signs off.

Leading the way
Nisha Luthra,Principal
IF there’s one thing Nisha Luthra,who heads the School of Hospitality and Resort Management (SHRM) as its principal in Panchkula believes in then it’s the fact that learning is a lifelong process. “Teacher’s Day does bring back fond memories and I like to remember those who contributed in making learning for me a joyous and a pleasant experience,” spells out Luthra. “More recently,I would like to mention about a mentor who actually taught me the skill of shaping ambitions into reality.” And that would be Hew Tee Zee,CEO of SHRM’s Singapore campus. “He shared with me his success story and it’s truly inspiring. He has a vision that he’s realized with his determination and consistent hard work. This Teacher’s Day I would like to thank him for keeping the spirit of learning alive and sharing his lifetime valuable experiences with all those around him.”