As a 10year old boy it was completely new to me to appear for an entrance examination. I had filled up for Sainik school entrance examination. Did not have any idea what is competitive exam how to prepare etc. we were living in Bargarh town in Sambalpur district (Now a district head-qtr). My father enquired and many suggested the name of Shyam Guruji as the best teacher in the town. My father met him and requested him to teach me for the entrance examination. So I was admitted in his class and started going.

I reached sirs house in the morning (as it was vacation whole day was free) I found 5 other students were also there. None of them was preparing for entrance examination rather they were there to utilize the holidays under the guidance of sir. Sir came in to the class he was a old man must be around 70yrs of age and I remember he had the looks of an intellectual teacher who knows a lot. He started the class distributed the lessons to be done and accordingly guided us. Few days passed I found the other students were not interested in the studies rather showing off with majority of time in useless discussion when Shaym Guruji was not around (I felt I am not getting the attention I needed may be).

I came home and told my father that I am obliged to sir for his guidance but I don’t like the group I was going tuition. My father went and spoke to sir about my concern but unfortunately in the morning and evening all students with similar groups were coming hence there was no scope of changing the group. Here Shaym Guruji said my father I have seen he is capturing things well and I am going to teach him. He had his free time in the afternoon when he goes to sleep and to my father’s surprise he said for me he will come to my home and teach me. From that day for a month daily Shyam Guruji would come home at 2 PM in hot summer. He made all strategy for the entrance examination and I was on track. Today on this day of teacher’s day I remember Shyam Guruji for his contribution in my life. He laid the foundation stone in my life, I was prepared for the examination and cleared it among thousands of aspirants. I thank my teacher from the core of my heart for making me what I am today.