A representative image of a teacher.
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It was my first day of high school when I first saw Padma Bhushan Dr H Narasimhaiah—affectionately known as Dr HN sir. A towering figure in education, a freedom fighter, and a social reformer, he walked in wearing his signature white khadi kurta, dhoti, and Gandhi topi. Whatever the occasion or weather, his attire never changed—a quiet testament to his simplicity.
As he addressed the crowd of young students, his opening words were: “Please oblige me, as I have to sit and talk before such a huge crowd comprising little boys and girls—I have an injury.” Even in pain, his commitment to meet and inspire us was unwavering.
Many of us began arriving early to school just to catch a glimpse of Dr HN sir walking along the National High School (NHS) Basavanagudi entrance. I vividly remember one morning after Anil Kumble’s historic 10-wicket haul against Pakistan, he beamed with pride, telling us, “Anil Kumble avru namma huduga” (Anil Kumble is our boy). He also fondly recalled his love for hockey.
Dr HN’s passion for physics was infectious. His motto: “Never accept without questioning.” He encouraged us to challenge superstition and think critically. One unforgettable moment was during a total solar eclipse. While many stayed indoors, fearing myths, he appeared on live television calmly eating lunch outside his hostel room—living proof of his rational beliefs.
He lived in a modest hostel room at National College Basavanagudi—just a mat, a cot, and books. He ate the same food as everyone else, never asking for special treatment. I once protested at home because my mother had made upma twice in a week. She gently reminded me, "Do you know Dr HN’s favourite food is upma? When he studied in the US, he cooked and ate it three times a day for a year.” Needless to say, I finished my breakfast.
Later, during my PU and degree years at National College Jayanagar, I saw him only on special occasions. He often joked in his speeches, “I was born on June 6. It was a Sunday—maybe that’s why I don’t get many holidays.” His autobiography, Horatada Haadi, remains a guiding light for young minds.
Teacher's Day has passed this year, but it is never too late to bow my head in deep respect to Dr H Narasimhaiah—a teacher who taught far beyond textbooks. His life was a lesson in simplicity, integrity, and fearless inquiry. He didn’t just teach physics; he taught us how to think, how to question, and how to live with purpose. As we celebrate the mentors who guide us, I remember Dr HN sir not just as an educator but as a beacon of values that continue to illuminate my path.
Thank you, sir—for being the teacher who never stopped teaching, even through silence. You are missed, remembered, and revered.
(Disclaimer: The views expressed above are the author's own. They do not necessarily reflect the views of DH)