On Teachers’ Day, remembering educators who shaped young minds
As the government college in Dharamsala nears the 100th year of its inception, the values instilled by its teachers still echo across the halls of the college.
Teachers’ Day is celebrated on September 5 every year, and is probably the most appropriate occasion to acknowledge the tireless efforts and selfless contribution of the nation builders, who once lived in the town of Dharamsala, engaged in shaping the lives of their pupils.
Prof PN Sharma, who joined the college in 1949, had once said, “I fell in love with the Dhauladhar (ranges) at the very first sight.” Retiring as the principal of the college, he was renowned for his command over his subject, English.
Honoured as a ‘Poet Laureate’ by the Punjab Government in 1964, he remained a close associate of the Dalai Lama since his arrival to the town in 1959.
His autobiography, My Mountain and My Valley, and his translation of Mirza Ghalib’s work in Pahari are invaluable treasures.
He wrote till his last breath, leaving the mortal world at 100 years of age last year.
Prof SD Verma exemplified attributes of a perfect academician. He was revered by his students for his passionate dedication and good work ethic. After a fulfilling tenure at the college’s Department of Geography, Prof Verma retired in 1981.
Prof SC Sood’s invaluable contribution in beginning the Department of Psychology at HPU, and as a beacon of encouragement for hundreds of NCC cadets, is indelibly imprinted in the minds of his students.
Dr Om Awasthy was another respected teacher, fluent in Hindi, English and Sanskrit.
A prolific creative writer, he had extraordinary command over his subject.
He is best remembered for Rachna Prakriya, and for being approachable to youngsters and kids. Popularly known as ‘bandhu’ in his social circle, he was known to be friendly with everyone.
Dr Piyush Guleri is best remembered by the town for his invaluable contribution to the promotion of Hindi and Pahari languages. His versatile poetry is known for its great detail, and effective imagery.
His PhD thesis on writer Chanderdhar Sharma Guleri speaks volumes about his writing skills. His composition personifying the Dhauladhar ranges is regarded his best work by many.
