Positive side of a strict upbringing

THE person I look up to as my Teacher Idol happens to be my father P Pooranalingam.

My 76-year-old father is a retired primary school teacher who taught English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mathematics and Physical Education in numerous schools in Perak before his retirement.

It was difficult for my father in the early years, being the sole bread winner of our family. His teacher’s salary wasn’t enough and he decided to give tuition so that he could provide for us and make sure that all his four children were able to complete their tertiary studies.

Fondly known as Cikgu Lingam by his students and colleagues, my father was a dedicated teacher and likewise, expected his students to be committed to their studies. Those who did not complete their homework were ticked off and in many instances punished as well.

My father was a firm believer of the adage “spare the rod and spoil the child”. He felt that disciplining a child was necessary for positive academic outcomes.

I still remember my father caning me as an 11-year-old for doing badly in the school exams, but my results improved significantly in the subsequent exams. A trait which I have always admired about my father is his will and perseverance in everything he does.

As a teacher, he always stressed on the importance of education not only to his children and students, but to all young people. Even his grandchildren get regular doses of the need to “study and be with your books”.

Perhaps it is the reason why I have followed in his footsteps and ended up as an educator myself.

My father retired in 1994 but he still held tuition classes for primary school students because of his passion for teaching.

While his students feared him then, they now appreciate Cikgu Lingam for guiding them.

Over the years, my father has had bone-related ailments and a recent accident has made him less mobile.

However, we still see his steely determination and that will certainly get him back on his feet again. To all teachers and especially my father, Happy Teachers Day.