Bengaluru: It was Sunday 14 July and by afternoon our childhood 1977 Batch SSLC classmate's WhatsApp group suddenly became active as condolences started pouring following the sad demise of our alma mater teacher SM Hebbal Sir. He was 97 and had recently celebrated his 97th birthday. No doubt well-lived innings and to the fullest extent, one could ever imagine these days.
Hebbal Sir was known for daily parables: A tall and reasonably well-built gentleman, Hebbal Sir was known for his daily parables during the mass prayers of Basel Mission High School at Dharwad. He was too simple, straight and to the point in presenting the interesting sermons. Many a time he used to connect them with the daily ongoings making them fast to connect with the young minds of the time.
A Teacher turned able Administrator: Ashok Shiramgond, recalls-"Hebbal Sir used to teach English and Mathematics very well. However, once he was appointed the Principal of Basel Mission High School his acumen for handling men and matters came to light as he was a strict disciplinarian and equally good taskmaster. His tenure is still rated as the best period".
A short but everlasting stint: Anjan R Gadkar rejoices reminiscing the beautiful memories-"In fact, Hebbal Sir was assigned to teaching the Kannada medium classes. However, once as a stopgap arrangement he happened to take Mathematics classes with us in the seventh standard. Although he turned up for a short span, his dealing with the subject is worth recollecting. Thanks to his way of explaining the subject, Maths which I used to hate became dearer to me".
Scored 97 in Mathematics: "Maybe a reluctant learner of calculations to begin with it was no hindrance to emerge a topper later. It was a difficult time back home even in no condition to afford tuition fees. So, was left with no option other than to study hard devoid of any luxury of formal coaching outside the school. Anyway, it was not a bad choice as I scored 97 out of 100 in Mathematics in SSLC while many others who went to tuition got 100. Just because of a small mistake was left behind scoring 100. But, whatever I scored goes to the credit of Hebbal Sir", recalled Anjan R Gadkar, a retired officer of LIC.
Classes, lasses and asses: Anjan R Gadkar looked to be in a terrific good mood on being reminded of Hebbal Sir. He took time to reveal another interesting incident narrated by Prof MA Kasturi, a History Professor of neighbouring Kittel College turned Principal of BMHS-"It had so happened that one student made fun of the teacher by writing on the blackboard, 'Today I am not going to engage the classes'. Someone to make mischief removed C making it lasses. Meanwhile, the teacher came and removed l and made it read 'I am not going to engage the asses today'.
Tribute to a great teacher Hebbal Sir: Sunil Nadkarni, a chemical engineer turned entrepreneur, Rotarian and philanthropist settled at Ankaleshwar of Bharuch district in Gujarat reminisces-"I had many fabulous teachers during my 10-year stint in a school, as well as many beloved professors during my college years. Sadly, I appreciate the talent and greatness of these wise people, who made a lasting impression and helped me realize my full potential. It’s never too late to recognize the influence of a good teacher…so here’s my tribute to a great teacher! Samuel Moses Hebbal...
...Teachers gladly celebrate students' accomplishments: Teachers know they can be an amazing influence on their students by the sheer example of their own work ethic!…the teaching…that’s what they’re getting done!
Teachers don’t accept failure and try every angle and every strategy to help students learn and succeed. Teachers gladly celebrate students accomplishments and although teachers know they only have their students for a short period, they are proud to see them succeed and move on...
...Hebbal Sir was one among them: Hebbal Sir used to fill in for Mathematics and English, but I am really indebted to him as most of my Maths doubts used to get cleared when he taught us.
Teachers are mentors, coaches, supporters and yes, even friends! Teachers are also very adaptable. Hebbal Sir was one among them...
...Thank you Hebbal Sir for making me a wonderful man: And don’t get me started about the gratitude I feel for all of the teachers that I have had that helped shape me into the wonderful man I am today.
Thank you, thank you Hebbal Sir!!!".
Memories of a Teacher! Hebbal Sir, circa 1975 to 77: Another friend who prefers to remain anonymous has shared his beautiful memories-"My first sighting and memories of Hebbal Sir are one of a stern-looking towering figure, immaculately dressed no-nonsense kind of a teacher. He did not teach our class in those three years but we always held him in awe and respect. In those days at the school prayers, Hebbal Sir always would narrate some story which contained a moral message. Hebbal Sir ensured nobody would miss the assembly...
...Engrossed in reading a comic book: I recall the day I missed attending the assembly, not on purpose but I got engrossed in reading a comic book. During his rounds, he found me in class while the assembly was to begin. As he came closer, I was terrified of the punishment. No need to elaborate, it used to be getting thrashed. Instead, he took the book I was reading, he seemed interested in the book, himself. He just patted me on the back and asked me to attend the assembly. I was relieved and soon forgot about it...
...A treasure gifted to me! The next day, Hebbal Sir comes to our class(10th B ‘77) carrying a bulky book under his arm and walks straight to me and hands it over. Now, what he was carrying was a treasure for me. It was a hand-bound book containing comic strips appearing in newspapers. It was a book that was painstakingly put together and the storyline was in a sequence, nothing amiss so far as the continuity is concerned. He just handed me the book and asked me to enjoy my reading...
...Stern looks but very gentle at heart: My strongest memory of Hebbal Sir is of a person, though with stern looks but very gentle at heart. From there on it was amusing of me to run around him to wish him and generally be in his arc.
Samuel Moses Hebbal Sir, your teachings went beyond the classroom, shaping our character and guiding us all along! You shall be missed!".
-Manohar Yadavatti
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