ODE TO MY TEACHER

What can one write about a teacher who has the most profound influence in ones life? Prof BrahmDutt Tiagi's life has been a saga of devotion to the wonderful world of plants and their environment. AN eminent teacher he was the erudite face of the University's Botany Department at Jaipur since the late sixties until he retired in 1982. On 16 Jan 2007, he left this world after having lived an enriching life

"When teachers speak in class students have to listen",is the unwritten rules in our classrooms. But with TIAGI sir it was the case of students wanting to be taught by him all the time. Who else could make a class appealing and full of anecdotes and practical applications but him? I still remember he made us drink coffee made from Cassia samia beans which grow profusely in the campus because it is drunk in some African countries. What a pleasure that was knowing the use of a plant practically. Why dont we have teachers like him anymore?

When values in society decline people look upto teachers for some moral goodness. Sir had the capacity to light a fire in any of his students. His presence mesmerised us, provoked us to think and ponder on societal problems. If his innumerable students all over india are in positions today as doctors, teachers, researchers and scientists a great credit goes to the classroom lectures he deliverd and thus inspired all of us to work for the society around us.

His passing away on 16 January 2007 in Jaipur is a reminder that man's greatness lies in the legacy he leaves behind in the heart and minds of people. His studies on the Flora of Rajasthan are a great contribution amongst many others to plant sciences in our state. SIR your smile and fiery eyes will always remind us of our path in life you so lovingly taught us to follow.