Abandoned...
But this former teacher’s students from decades ago rushed to her rescue
For 82-year-old former teacher Annapurna Shastri, retirement nearly spelt doom. After over four decades of work, Shastri was forced out of her late sister’s house by the very relatives she had taken care of. Soon, one of Hyderabad’s most respected teachers found herself out on the streets.
Homeless and suffering from poor health, Shastri took up accommodation at an old age home in the city. Her troubles, however, didn’t stop there.
After a fall, Shastri dislocated her hip and some months into her stay, the former teacher found out that the old age home was planning to wind up. Life seemed utterly bleak for a person who had spent most of her life making sure, futures of thousands was taken care of.
Then, one day, she
No matter what we do now for our teachers, it will be less
received a call from some of her students. Nandini Rao, of Vidyaranya High School, had heard about her teacher’s predicament and immediately notified mother Ms Rameshwar Rao, owner of the school and its alumni association, which included classmate Rasna Bhushan. The group immediately swung into action — paying for Shastri’s surgery and then convincing her to come
— NANDINI RAO
home — back to Vidyaranya. “I wanted to give something back to our teachers and I didn’t want it to be just sweets in a box. These teachers have dedicated their entire lives teaching us. No matter what we do now for our teachers, it will be less. I believe that I was just doing my duty as a student.” A very happy Ms Shastri now lives in a private room within Vidyaranya;s premises. Her free time is spent writing songs and staying in touch with old friends.
Tears came into her eyes when she remembered how her students had saved her from the streets.
“I have absolutely no words to describe my gratitude towards these students. I will never, ever forget what they have done. Vidyaranya is like my baby because from Hindi to history, to Telugu I have taught almost every subject here. I remember telling my students that they may one day forget my face, but shouldn’t forget my lessons. But today, I’m glad and they forgot neither. God bless them.”