I was in the last semester of my engineering career, when I had chosen to write a series of letters to my teachers.

In that context, the following letter is dedicated to Shri Akshaya Kumar Sahu, a school teacher of mine teaching multiple subjects like history, litereature etc when I was studying at Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir (Odia Vibhag), Bargarh.

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Dear Guruji,

Namaskaar! Although we’re connected since a long time, but I found this as the right time to pen down a letter in the honour of your existence in my life.

Today may not be the teachers’ day or the Guru Purnima, but this letter of gratitude would bow down before your efforts for shaping our lives and seek your blessings for the growth in my life.

Long gone is the year 2009, when I was an atom in the cultural elements of SSVM, Bargarh. Although 11 years have rolled on, but the memories seem to remain afresh somewhere in my mind.

The divine essence served in our ideal school system and moral nutrients fed by the Acharyas like you at that time have later on turned out to be fruitful in the process of character building and showing right path in the midst of acute darkness.

Be it academics, Sports or extracurricular activities, the root of my life has gotten boosted for all those disciplined days in the school.

We, the batch of 2012, had an opportunity to study under your guidance consecutively for many years in many subjects. Your strict takes on students were likely to be taken in a negative manner way back then for not having the right set of maturity, but looking back today, all those seem meaningful and my heart gets overwhelmed with a sense of respect for your teachings.

In fact, I’ve always a special connection with you for being a neighbour of you in Bargarh.

By the time I’m here in Burla since 2016, we’ve got some more scope of interactions, when you appear in this city for regular medical check-ups.

Everytime whenever I get a ticket from Dr. Minaketan Kar’s clinic, I just wish for a sound health condition for you in the years ahead which would add a stream of never ending joy to your life and the lives of your loved ones.

I’d be glad to inform you about my growth in technical skillsets as well as literary pursuits during the course of my engineering journey. Last year during May-July, I had served for two months as an intern in Gurgaon. The experience like this has enabled me with the tools to face the toughness of the corporates.

The recent trip of mine to Bargarh in the month of January had reminded me to stay grounded forever and be thankful at the alma mater and the teachers for their selfless efforts in expanding the horizon of our lives and giving access to possibilities we could have never imagined possible.

On a final note, I’d like to admit, in this busy age of 21^st century, having the privilege to connect with my teacher is a blessing in itself. It keeps me humble, as well as leads me through the path of righteousness.

Although my journey with Burla would get concluded in next two months, but not such is the case with our bonding.

I’d consider it an honour to add some values for you in the years ahead and keep on praying for the peace and blissfulness at your end.

Thank You, for changing our lives!

With Respect,

Sourav