A Story : Greatness of having a Master as a friend…!

November 2000

 

I was a Computer Science Lecturer for Degree & PG Students at S Ch College in Maddirala. 

 

Mr. RaamaKrishna was a batchmate to me, during our Degree studies.  He was from a rich family background.  I was from a middle-class family background.  After degree studies, he was entered to his father’s business; and became busy in taking care of a branch of the business.  As I am a physically challenged person, he helped me a lot.  He treated me as a best friend. 

I thought that I need to do something for him.  After thinking, I came to know that he was having a backlog (subject) in his final year degree study.  For the same subject, I was a lecturer for the degree students in the college.  So, I wanted to make him to complete that subject. 

Initially, I wanted to verify in the college, about the possibility.  So, I met college office staff Mrs. Aruna; and enquired about whether he can attend the backlog subject exam… after 5 years.  By knowing my interest, she was surprised.  Then, she mentioned that she will verify with college admin Mr. Moorti and get back.  She also mentioned that, there is a sufficient time to submit the application.  Within a week, I got a call from our college office.  I met both staff Mrs. Aruna and Mr. Moorti. 

Mr. Moorti said “Vah…!  You want to help your friend for the completion of his backlog subject?  Great Sir…!  I have enquired in the university.  There is a chance.  But only one last chance.  Later, university will stop to prepare question paper for that subject, as its syllabus was already changed.”. 

I said “Thank you for your information. Sir…!”. 

Mrs. Aruna has given application form, and mentioned about the instructions for submission. 

⭐

 

At evening, I met my friend.  Now, I need to convince him, to agree for writing the exam. 

I said “You have a backlog subject, in your degree final year.”. 

He said “Yes.”. 

I said “Now, I can help you in completion of that subject.”. 

He was laughed, and said “It’s more than 5 years now.  It's not possible.”. 

I said “I already enquired in the college.  It’s possible.”. 

He said “Do you want me to write that exam, now ?  I didn’t have its books.”. 

I said “I have prepared notes for my students.  I can give it… for you.”. 

He said “I didn’t remember that subject also.”. 

I said “That’s why…  I am here.  I can help you.”. 

He said “Do you feel that, I can study, now ?”. 

I said “You already known about my teaching methods.  My students never felt difficulty in understanding the subject.  Because, I create a knowledge; so that, they can understand the subject easily.”. 

My friend was listening to me. 

I said “Did you hear any complaint from my students, regarding understanding the subject ?”. 

[ My hometown is a small town.  Most of my students were day-scholars.  It’s very easy to know about any Lecturer. ] 

He said “I know about you.  Is it possible for me… to write the exam ?”. 

I said “That’s my responsibility.  I never trouble you in understanding the subject.  If you feel difficulty, I accept it… as my failure.”. 

He was smiled, and said “Tell me.  What I need to do, now ?”. 

Then, I have shown the application. 

He was surprised, and said “You brought application also...?”. 

I said “I am ready.  I am making you get ready.”. 

He said “What are the documents are required, to submit the application ?”. 

I said “Xerox of your final year marks report.  One photo on application.  Exam fee as SBI bank challan.”. 

⭐

 

Next day evening, he was ready with required documents. 

I have filled his application.  He signed on it. 

At that time, his best friend Mr. Suresh came. 

[ Both Mr. RaamaKrishna and Mr. Suresh are best friends, since their childhood.  Both of their family members are also… well-known about their friendship.  After tenth class study, Mr. Suresh was joined with his father, in their (automobile) garage.  Mr. Suresh is also very kind and honest person. ] 

Mr. Suresh has enquired about the application.  Mr. RaamaKrishna has revealed everything to him. 

Mr. Suresh said “Oh… …!  Now, we can’t call him with his name.  We need to call him as Master.”. 

Mr. RaamaKrishna said “You are correct.”. 

With this incident, Mr. Suresh became best friend… for me also. 

[ After this incident, Mr. RaamaKrishna’s remaining friends are also started calling me as ‘Master’.  Then onwards, Master word became a synonym of my name. ] 

Next day morning, I have submitted (his) application in the college. 

⭐

 

At evening, I met my friend, and said “Phase 1 is completed. 😊”. 

Later, I got xerox of my notes; then made a bind as a book; and given to my friend.  

I said “Please go through the book, to get memory of the subject.”. 

He felt very happy by seeing the Book. 

⭐

 

After one week, he said “Master…!  What’s next ?”. 

I was very happy with his question.  I felt that he came on subject track. 

I said “Phase 2 is completed. 😊  Now, we need a computer to do programs, and then, practice further.  Can we take a computer for rent, for one month ?”. 

He said “Sure.”. 

I said “I know a Computer Institute.  Today evening, we can go there, and enquire about a computer for rent.”. 

He said “No problem.  I will send my shop-boy to there, to get initial information.”. 

⭐

 

At evening, I asked “Did you get any information from Computer Institute ?”. 

He said “Yes.  Computer is available, but for only one month.  The rent is Rs.2000/-“. 

I said “Let’s go there.”. 

We both went to Computer Institute.  It’s owner Mr. Vemkat has wished us.  Initially, he has shown a windows computer. 

I said “We need a computer to do only COBOL programs.”. 

Mr. Vemkat said “Sir…!  Then, there is a 486 computer.  I can fix 100 MB hard-disk; and install MS DOS OS and COBOL.  Its rent is Rs.500/- only, per month.  I can give it, for more time.”.  

I said “That computer is sufficient, for our purpose.  We need it, for only one month.  It’s for my friend.”. 

My friend said “Do you expect any advance, as security deposit ?”, with Mr. Vemkat. 

By showing me, Mr. Vemkat said “With our Master reference, I can give that computer without any advance.”.  

Then, I said “Sir…!  I think... you don’t know about my friend’s background.  It’s similar to Bhaasha background.  If you know about him, you will give as many computers as possible, without any surety or advance.”. 

My friend was laughed. 

[ BHAASHA was super star RajiniKant's (pronunciation RajineeKaamt) movie.  This movie became the icon of flashback/background story in movies. ] 

Mr. Vemkat said “May I know, who are you ?”, with my friend. 

My friend has introduced himself with his business. 

Mr. Vemkat said “Oh…!  Really.  Who doesn’t know about your business, in our town?  I don’t need any advance from you.”. 

But my friend has given Rs.500/- to Mr. Vemkat; and said “You are not expecting any advance from me.  So, I want to give the rent, in advance.  Can you give me the receipt.”. 

Mr. Vemkat has prepared the receipt, and given to my friend. 

My friend said “I will send my shop-boys, with this receipt.  They will come with a riksha-cart.  You can pack the CPU, (b/w) Monitor, and keep Keyboard & cables in a separate cover.  You write all items at backside of the receipt, show it to them; and then, you sign on it.  Similarly, you can also write, on duplicate receipt, in your Bill book.  And also, after fixing hard-disk inside the CPU, you can fix stickers on screws with a seal mark.”. 

Mr. Vemkat said “I never done, all this; while giving the computer for rent.”. 

I said “My friend maintains business ethics.”. 

My friend said “Whenever they come to return the computer, you can verify all the items from the receipt; then strike the receipt by marking as received; and then, give the receipt back to them.  Similarly, you can also mark, on duplicate receipt, in your Bill book.”. 

Mr. Vemkat felt very happy, by knowing best practices in business.  

I said “That’s why, most of the business run on trust, i.e., beyond surety.”. 

 

December 2000

 

On 1^st December, my friend has sent his shop-boys to get the computer; and instructed them to place it in his house, at particular place. 

I said “Phase 3 is completed, now. 😊”, with him. 

Mr. Suresh was interested to know our progress. 

Mr. RaamaKrishna said “Because of our Master involvement, the cost of the computer’s rent was reduced from Rs.2000/- to Rs.500/-.”. 

I said “Let’s start our classes, from today onwards.”, with him. 

We both went to his house.  We have fixed the computer.  It’s working well.  I have configured a separate folder to do programs, with path settings and a batch file. 

Daily evening, we were spending (minimum) an hour for the class.  Later, he was doing further practice, individually.  My friend’s involvement was an excellent. 

More than that, he said “Master… …!  You can tell me, if any improvement is required from my side.  I can spend extra time to study, during my business (idle) hours, around lunch time.”.  But those words were really (his) kind words for me. 

So, I was smiled, and said “Everything looks excellent.  I am very happy.”. 

 

⭐

 

One day, my friend’s younger brother came to his (shop) place, casually.  Normally, he stays with his father, in their main branch of the business. 

He asked his brother, as “Brother…!  I have observed a computer in our home.  Can I play video games”. 

By showing me, my friend said “You can ask Master…!  Whether he allows or not…!”. 

Then, he looked at me, for my response. 

I said “Video games are not good.  You can play physical games with your brother.  Whenever possible, you can come here.  There is a chess and badminton.  If you want, he can make carroms arrangement also. 

You both can play, happily.  Based on availability, friends will also join with you. 

If you win, he will give a treat.  If he wins, then also, he will give a treat.  Double benefit”.  

My friend’s brother was laughed a lot. 

My friend said “I am ok… for the deal.”. 

Then, my friend’s brother was expressed his happiness to come, frequently. 

 

⭐

 

Within 15 days, we have completed the entire syllabus, by doing practice of each topic, with step-by-step approach.  Later, he was done practice individually, for further one more week.  Then, he has sent his shop-boys to return the computer, before due date. 

Later, my friend said “Master’s execution plan is much beyond expectations and much before deadlines.” with me. 

I just smiled, and said “Phase 4 is completed, now. 😊”. 

 

January 2001

 

My friend said “Master…!  Let us visit the Computer Institute, to know about the computer’s submission status?”. 

I said “Sure.”. 

He said “Can we give sweets for him ?”. 

I said “Good idea…!”. 

We both went to Computer Institute. 

By seeing us, Mr. Vemkat said “Welcome…!”. 

He was very happy by receiving sweets. 

He said “I have verified my computer.  Everything looks good.  But I never seen a client like you.”, with my friend. 

I said “My friend maintains business-relations very well.”. 

Mr. Vemkat felt very happy. 

 

Later, my friend tore off the receipt, and said “It’s done…!” with me. 

 

Then onwards, Mr. Vemkat try to wish/meet my friend, whenever he goes through my friend’s shop. 

 

⭐  

 

One day, my friend came to the college along with me, to sign and get his (exam) hall-ticket. 

 

⭐

 

Later, his father came to his (shop) place, casually.  Mr. Suresh was also with us.  During our general conversations, uncle identified the hall-ticket; and enquired his son. 

By showing me, my friend said “All this was initiated by this Master.”, and then, disclosed to his father… everything.  

Uncle felt very happy.  He gives more value for Education. 

Then, Uncle asked me as “After your Teaching, what is his level of expertise, now ?”. 

I said “If he writes exam, now; he gets minimum First Class.”. 

Uncle was surprised; and said “You mean… Failure to First Class ?”. 

I said “Yes… Uncle…!  He has executed all his assignments… individually.  Now, he can answer any question.”. 

Uncle has looked at his son. 

My friend said “Yes… Father…!  I just followed Master’s lessons.”. 

I said “Uncle…!  In fact, he was learned like an obedient student. 

I know his business language.  So, I have explained the subject, in his business language.”. 

Mr. Suresh said “That is the greatness of having a Master as a friend.  He makes all corrections.”.  His feedback was created a great impact and best impression about me, in uncle’s view. 

Uncle has wished me as “Oh.  That’s great…!”. 

I said “Uncle…!  We wanted to surprise you, after results.  But you are like a detective.  You came to know about the secret… much before.”. 

Uncle was laughed a lot. 

Uncle said “What’s next ?”. 

I said “It’s Phase 5.  Your son is going to prepare for exam, and then write.”. 

Uncle said “You are all done very well.  Hope for the best.”. 

 

July 2001

 

We all met once again unexpectedly, at my friend’s shop. 

Uncle asked me about the result. 

I said “He didn’t attend the exam.”. 

Uncle was upset a lot, and said “Why ?”. 

My friend said “Exam Day is exactly on same day of (elder) brother’s marriage.  So, I skipped the exam.”.  

Uncle said “You would have informed me.  I would have done some adjustments in fixing marriage date.”. 

He said “By the time, I know about the marriage date… everything was fixed.  I like… my brother very much.  He expects my involvement.  So, I can’t skip from his marriage arrangements.”. 

Mr. Suresh said “You would have mentioned to me at least.  I would have taken care.”. 

He said “It’s our family’s big function.  It’s not limited to one day.  We need to make arrangements for celebrations, for many days.  I can’t skip them.”. 

Uncle was cooled, by knowing his affection towards brotherhood. 

I said “Situation made surprise to all of us.”. 

Everyone was laughed a lot. 

[ In general, every rich Father expects, his children are not to get into trouble/quarrel due to their richness.  Uncle has maintained it very well.  His children followed it. ] 

Thus, uncle was totally convinced with his son’s decision.  

 

March 2023 

 

My friend’s marriage was completed, at bride’s place.  Reception was planned, on next day, at our hometown.  He invited all of his friends, for full day celebrations.    

At morning (for SatyaNaaraayana Swaami Vrata Pooja programme), I have visited his house.  Uncle was busy in receiving all his friends & relatives.  Of course, most of them were richer.  By seeing me, he was smiled; and invited me as well. 

By introducing me, with his friends & relatives; he said “Dear All… …

This Master is best friend of my son Mr. RaamaKrishna. 

Mr. RaamaKrishna best friend’s name is as same as his father’s name.”. 

All were wished me.   😊😊

That was a rich honor for me, from uncle.  

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Kudos to

Mr. RamaKrishna B (pronunciation Mr. RaamaKrishna B) and friends 

Mr. Ramalingeswara Rao B  (pronunciation Mr. RaamaLimgeashwara Raavu B)

Mr. Suresh Y (pronunciation Mr. Sureash Y)

Prof. Madhavi Lata N  ( pronunciation Prof. MaadhaveeLata N )

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

A Story :: Is one page sufficient to tell about our Sir ?

August 2003

I was a Computer Science Lecturer for Degree and PG Students, at S Ch College in Maddirala.  

…… …… …… …… ……

I was in the BSc (MSCs: Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science) Final Year classroom.  In that class, the number of Girls (80%) were more than the number of Boys (20%).  

One day, after completion of a (subject’s) topic explanation, I made a sound with a duster on the Table; then, questioned the Students for any doubts.  From last bench (Girls side), Ms. ShreeDevi was standup; and asked me the doubt.  At that time, I have observed that other Students were making noise.  I wanted to stop that noise.  Then, I asked Ms. ShreeDevi to wait for few minutes (to give my explanation for her doubt); then, looked at all Students; and said “Why are you all… making noise, when she is asking a doubt ?  

Is it irrelevant… … or funny… … or any other reason ?”.  

 

Then, the entire classroom became pin-drop silent.  

I said “Do you know the value of a Friend ?”.  

All Students were listening to me carefully and silently.  

Then, I said “When you get a doubt in your subject, to whom you approach first ?  

… … … … …

Are you approach your Lecturer… or… Friend ?”.  

All Students were silent.  No answer.  

Then, I said “Dileep…!  Can you tell me the answer ?”.  

Mr. Dileep was standup; and said “I approach my Friend, first.  … … Sir…!”.  

I said “Good.  Perfect answer.  You can sit, now.”.  

Then, I looked at all Students; and said “Then, why are you (all) making noise; and not allowing your friend ShreeDevi to understand the subject ?”.  

All Students were silent.  Ms. ShreeDevi was still standing.  

I said “I hope that you (all) understand the value of a Friend.  

Now, let’s compare yourself with her knowledge.  

… … … … …

After completion of a topic, how many people are asking the doubts ?  

In fact, you need a dare… to ask the doubt.  Let me call it as STAGE 1.    

Now, how many people have understand her doubt ?”.  

I have written STAGE 1 word on the black-board.  

By addressing Ms. ShreeDevi, I said “ShreeDevi…!  

Can you repeat your doubt ?  

Your friends want to know clearly.”.  

 

Ms. ShreeDevi has repeated her doubt again.  

I said “Now, how many people know the answer for her doubt ?  

Let me give the hint.”.  

 

I have given the hint.  

Then, I said “How many people can know the answer… now, … … based on the hint ?  

All Students were silent.  

By addressing Ms. ShreeDevi, I said ”ShreeDevi…!  

I think that you know the answer, now.”.  

 

Ms. ShreeDevi said “Yes, … … Sir…!”.  

By addressing all Students, I said “This is STAGE 2…!”.  

I have written STAGE 2 word on the black-board.  

Then, I said “Now, your friend ShreeDevi is going to explain the answer to all.  

… … … … …

ShreeDevi…!  

Can you explain the answer to all your friends…!”.  

 

Ms. ShreeDevi has given explanation to all.  

By addressing all the Students, I said “Is there any confusion in her explanation ?”.  

All Students have mentioned that they understand the answer, now.  

I said “ShreeDevi…!  You can sit now.   

…  …  …   

This is STAGE 3…!”.  

 

I have written STAGE 3 word on the black-board.  

By pointing the Stages 1… 2… 3…, I said “These stages are an example to know about your friend.

I think that you are all understand… … what’s the wrong… … you are doing ?”.  

All Students have accepted their mistake.  

Classwork was completed for that day.  

…… …… …… …… ……

On another day, after completion of a (subject’s) topic explanation, I questioned all the Students for any doubts.  

Now, not only Ms. ShreeDevi, but few more Students were also started by asking the doubts.  

At that time, the entire classroom was in pin-drop silent.  

…… …… …… …… ……

December 2003

Principal went to each and every classroom with Feedback forms.  He has given one Feedback form for one (subject’s) Lecturer; and asked the Students to fill the forms without writing their personal details (Name and Roll Number).  He has selected one Student in each class, for collecting (filled) Feedback forms from all the Students, and submitting them to the College Office.  

During the Lunch time, all Students have started for filling Feedback forms.  

In the BSc (MSCs) classroom, some of the Girls went to last bench, to meet Ms. ShreeDevi; and said “ShreeDevi…!  

Have you filled the Feedback form of our Computer Science Lecturer ?”.  

Ms. ShreeDevi said “Yes.  I have done.”.  

Girls said “Is one page sufficient to tell about our Sir ?”.  

Ms. ShreeDevi said “No…!  But, Principal has given only one page for each subject/Lecturer.”.  

Girls said “Our Sir has mentioned that your explanation is very good.  

So, we will tell you about our Sir.  

You write with proper explanation, by adding additional sheets.”.  

Ms. ShreeDevi took a short time for thinking; and said “But, you all the people have to sign on it.”.  

Girls said “Not only we few.  We will collect sign from all the Students in our class.”.  

Ms. ShreeDevi was happy with their suggestion; and started writing.  Slowly, other Students were also joined with them.  

Finally, one Feedback form (with additional sheets) became 10 pages of Feedback, for only one Computer Science subject; i.e., also from… this only one BSc (MSCs) class.  

[ All Lecturers know that Principal have given Feedback forms to all Students; and Students have submitted them on same day. ] 

…… …… …… …… ……

January 2004  

[ Generally, I complete the syllabus by end of the December in each year.  From January onwards, I convert the class-hours to either study-hours or lab-hours. ] 

On last class day (for that Academic year), I have allotted lab for Students.  

Some of the Girls are murmuring each other; and then came to meet me.  

Girls said “Sir…!  Today is last class day for us.  

So, we came here to ask you one thing.”.  

I said “Yes.  Tell me.  What do you want to know ?”.  

Remaining Students were listening to us.  

Girls said “Sir…!  Have you received any call from our Principal ?”.  

I said “No.  But why ?  …  …  Have you done anything ?” with smile.  

All Girls were smiled; and said “Yes, Sir… …!  We have done a big thing.

In fact, ShreeDevi has done it.”.  

Ms. ShreeDevi was near to us; and seriously doing her lab (practice) work.  

On listening her name, she immediately turned towards us; and said “No, Sir…!  

Not only me.  Everyone has done it.  Sir…!

Initially, they said that they want to keep it as a secret.  

But, they are telling only my name, now.”.   

By addressing Ms. ShreeDevi, I said “ShreeDevi…!  

All of your classmates tell your name first… for anything.  

Even boys also.  Why ?”.  

 

Boys were smiling by listening to me.  

Ms. ShreeDevi said “I don’t know.  … … Sir…!” with worry.  

Then, I said “Don’t worry.  But, all Lecturers have a good opinion about you.”.  

Then, Girls said “Because, we (classmates) like ShreeDevi very much.  …  …  Sir…! 

  She is very daring person.”.  

I said “Good bonding.  Then, come to the point.  You are all saying something.”.  

Girls have started telling about the Feedback session.  

I said “Oh.  You have written additional sheets also… … as similar as Exams.”.  

Girls were smiled a lot; and said “Yes, … … Sir…!  

We have converted one Feedback form into the 10 pages of Feedback.

We have mentioned everything.  

…  …  …  …  …

Your explanation in subject with examples; and also, hints to remember the critical (subject) topics.  

Your suggestions in Classroom and Lab, and also, for Slip-Tests and Exams.  

Your observation on each one of us.  One-to-one suggestions.   

Your care about us; and many more.  

Finally, our progress.”.  

I have smiled; and said “Some of the Lecturers are also mentioned to me.  

In study-hours, if a Lecturer ask you to read any subject you like.  

Then, you are all referring Computer Science subject’s notes or programs.”.  

Then, Girls said “In fact, we never felt difficulty in understanding the subject.

Your training with step-by-step approach, that made everything simple to us.  

We have mentioned this also in the Feedback forms.  Sir.... ...!”.  

I said “Oh.  Good to know.”.  

Girls said “Initially, we wanted to keep the Feedback matter as a secret.  

We thought that Principal may call you, and inform you.  

Then, you feel it as a surprise; and tell to us in the class.  

…  …  …

But, there was no information from your side; and also, today is last class day.  

That’s why, we came here to share our happiness.”.  

By addressing Ms. ShreeDevi, I said “ShreeDevi…!  

There is a funny publicity formula. i.e., 

If you want to keep a secret forever, you need to say… … Everyone knows it.  Then, it will not spread.  

If you want to make a publicity, you need to say… … Top secret, don’t tell to anyone.  Then, it spreads very fast than usual.

…  …  … 

In this Feedback matter, you would have mentioned that, Sir already knows it.  Then, it would have been secret forever.”.  

Then, all Students were smiled.  

By addressing all, I said “Principal is busy in this January month.  

He may look at your Feedback forms in next month.”.  

… … … … …

Anyhow, it’s really a wonderful News.  Good Feedback.  

Your classmates are not only active, but also dynamic.

All the best.”.

 

Girls said “Thank you very much, for your blessings.  …  …  Sir…!”.  

Then, they went back to their seats, in the Lab.  

…… …… …… …… ……

February 2004  

Near to our College, there is a Lord Shiva Temple, on the KotappaKomda (pronunciation KoatappaKomda కోటప్పకొండ) hill.  

This Temple was renovated with a road-way.  

One day, my best friend Mr. RamaKrishna took me to this Temple on his bike; and then later, dropped me at the College.  He was also Student of this College; and also, batchmate to me.  

After coming from the Temple… … …

In the College, I have entered in to the Principal room, to sign my attendance.  

By looking at me, Principal said “Your Students likes you very much.  …  …  Sir…!

They have given excellent Feedback about you.”.  

[ As I was a Student of this College during my Graduation, and then, became a Lecturer later.  He was the Principal since my Student days.  After becoming the Lecturer, then onwards, he has addressed me as a “Sir…! or Master…!”.  It was really a great honor.  He maintains certain principles. ] 

I said “Thank you very much… Sir…!  for your blessings…!”.  

Then, Principal said “There is nothing from my side.  

It’s a great Feedback.  

You have done hard-work; and became renown.”.  

…… …… …… …… ……

March 2004  

[ In our College, there is a procedure during Public Exams, i.e., when Students are writing the final exam for a subject; that subject related Lecturer will meet all his Students at end of the exam, to know their progress, and also involve in their happiness. ] 

I went to meet the Students, at the end of their final exam.  

They have shared their happiness about the exam; and also, they have enquired me, about the Principal response for the Feedback session.  I have mentioned them, about the Principal wishes.  They were very happy; as their Feedback was considered and it became valuable and unique, and also, it was added more value for me.  

Later, Girls said “Sir…!  We have done trials with the funny publicity formula.  

It was also successful.”.  

Thus, all were laughed a lot.  

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Kudos to Ms. ShreeDevi (pronunciation Ms. ShreeDeavi శ్రీదేవి) and her classmates.

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