My Maths Teacher, Mrs Kapoor

Jun 13
NabanitaDhar


 There are so many people we meet in the course of our lives. So many. Some in passing and without any legible footprint. Inconsequential really. Then some for few fleeting moments but with lasting impact. Some who remain with us forever but not really. And then those who stay and make us who we are. Paths intersecting, some diverging while some converging but all creating lives and shaping personalities, at the end of the day. 

 Last week, I lost one such person, someone whom I met while in school, one of those who influenced the few positives in me. My middle school Maths teacher, Mrs Kapoor.

 She was something. Really. The Iron Lady of our school, our Master Shifu of Maths. We loved her classes though she was strict as strict could be. I remember how she would first check if we had our geometry boxes with us. Trouble was what you had in store if you forgot one. Every student knew you never go to a Mrs-Kapoor-Maths class without one. And the Maths books, of course. 

 Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, she made us fall in love with numbers and angles. She was that good kind of strict teacher who made you want to learn. I can’t believe she’s no more.

 I remember how she would check our homework, she at her desk looking into our copies while we stood next to her. And some days she would flash you her trademark smile too. If I close my eyes, even now I can see her in that mustard colour saree of hers, a red, no maroon sweater vest on top and her specks. And I still remember her voice, firm yet sweet.

 She lived in a beautiful cottage next to our school. Such was her aura that every student instinctively switched to their best behaviour while crossing those few yards that marked her home.

She was more than a teacher though. She was much much more than a Maths teacher.


 I remember distinctly when one day she taught me the importance of encouragement and appreciation in her own unassuming way. I didn’t quite know then that I was gaining a valuable lesson in life. But over the years every time I think of encouraging someone, I go back to that day.

 We lived in Shillong where from time to time there would be some strikes and bandhs. On one such day, my parents decided to not send us to school anticipating trouble, very less attendance in school and hence no classes. But as the day proceeded we got to know that classes were indeed on in spite of limited attendance. At that time, I hated missing school so much that my dad agreed to take me even though it was already late. I think I reached school after the second period. The first class I attended that day was Mrs Kapoor’s and she applauded my zest, my drive to attend school and all this in front of the whole class. I still find myself smile at that memory. She was one great lady and an extraordinary teacher.

 I feel ashamed that I didn’t think of her often. I feel like an ungrateful student. So many years and I don’t think I thought of her enough. And when I did, I didn’t make an effort to know where or how she was. So many years and not once. But today when I learnt of her passing, it was as if not a day had passed since that final results of 6th standard. Little did I know then that would be the last time we would spend talking other than the customary greetings.

 That was the last day of middle school after which I would move to the high school section where we would have a different Maths teacher. It was an important curve of my school life too because now both sections would be merged. More students, more competition. Constructive of course. That day sensing my thoughts, I guess, she told me that I had scored the highest percentage not only in my class but in both the sections combined. She told me that I should continue working hard and be the best version of myself. I can’t believe that was the last time we really spoke and that now she is no more.

 I was lucky to have had some wonderful teachers during my school life. Teachers who accentuated the respect of this noble profession. Mrs Kapoor was one of those. You don’t find teachers like her these days.

 Today, I mourn my Maths teacher. Today, I wish I could tell her thank you, at least one more time. At least one more time.

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27 thoughts on “My Maths Teacher, Mrs Kapoor”

  1. I'm sorry for your loss. I have a couple of teachers I felt that way about. One died while I was still in school (he was only 61) from a stroke. The other, as far as I know, is still alive. A teacher like the teacher you described is a treasure. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com

  2. Teaching is a very noble profession and I am sure the teachings of Mrs Kapoor will stay with you forever. Bless her soul for making a difference in your life.

  3. I am so sorry for your loss, Naba. I know it can be hard. Don't feel guilty. Think of the positive experiences and memories she brought into our life, and the teachings that you can hold on to forever.

  7. This is sad. There are some teachers who mean so much to us without perhaps even being aware of it. They bring out the best in us and are sorely missed when they're not around. Glad you had one such. And thanks to you now I've promised myself I'll get in touch with some of mine -some who I really loved.

  8. I totally understand your sentiment. Each year I would get incredibly influenced my school teachers and I loved them all. I think each one of them has influenced me in one way or the other. I was luckily a good student but I hated games and PE so the one teacher who really changed my attitude to sport was the one who changed my life. I can't recollect her name right now but I still hear her loud voice and see her tall lanky frame in my head from time to time , cheering us all on and making PE a much better period than just marching and exercises

  9. This is a wonderfully loving and touching tribute to a teacher. Naba, I am sorry to hear of your loss. In some ways, your teacher's presence is always with you, she will be proud and happy to know that you remember her with so much affection and respect. You are indeed very fortunate to have had such a teacher whose presence had such a profound impact on your life.

  11. Such teachers are really precious, aren't they? They give us so much without asking anything in return.. I wish there were more such teachers these days ..

  15. Feel sad reading this. I remember this Geography teacher I really loved in school. She was a wonderful lady and then she developed cancer. She passed away within a year and we were all so stunned. She was so full of life, such a wonderful teacher and just like that she was snatched away at such a young age.

  18. That's so sad, Rachna… But what can we do.. I guess remember them and try to be as they would want us to be..

  21. Teachers really are the ones who care and guide their students to the best of their abilities and beyond. I'm sure that your teacher will rest in peace, knowing now the impact she had on your life!

  24. Touching tribute to your teacher, Naba! We all have such teachers who touched our lives, right. For me it was our 7th std Malayalam teacher. She taught me lessons out of the book which I still value. This kind of an honor only a teacher will get, remembering them for who they were and what they did!

  25. I also had teachers like Ms Kapoor. Those who were strict in the good sense. Who helped encourage my interest in Maths and Science. Teachers shape us and good one help us become better version of ourselves.
    I am sorry that she's no more but she gave you something that you still remember which is the best thing a teach can ask for. (My parents are teachers and they tell me this :))

  27. Great Post!Reading it,I was reminded of all the wonderful teachers I had in my school.A good teacher brings out the best in us.And yes!their advice given to impressionable young minds shapes the characters of their students.Hats off to all the great teachers!

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