MODEL TEACHER

The passing away of Mr V.K. Radhakrishna, VKR, as he was popularly known, (Star of Mysore; October 7,2005) marks the end of an era of a model teacher. He was a perfect fit for High School teaching who dedicated his life for the cause of teaching, well past his retirement almost till his death.

Many of his students have risen to great heights in public life. During his evening walks I had seen some of his old students greeting him with a sense of reverence and gratitude. He had an uncanny knack of simplifying even a tough mathematical problem into a simple one, thus attracting even a dull student in his class to evince more interest on the subject.

During my student days at Hardwicke high school, Mysore I have not seen any student jumping his class. He never discriminated amongst his students. He knew his subject well and would be well prepared for each and every class he handled. Hence his grip over his subject and students was firm. He never used harsh words inside or outside the class rooms, even while he was angry. Having said that, he never tolerated any indiscipline. A strong stare for a few seconds against any indifferent student would be enough to put him to sillence.

During his lifetime he never used the cane to tame any student;to put it in other words, he always spared the rod , but has never spoilt any child !

He was admired and adored by over two generations of students. Such teachers are rare and precious.As one amongst his innumerable students, I pray for his noble soul to rest in peace.

Sri H.V.Nanjundiah

Sri H.V.Nanjundaiah.M.A.M.L. was the first vice Chanceller of Mysore University.Prior to that he served as a Senior Judge in the then Mysore State High Court with distinction. His interpretation of law laced with compassion and reformation, was always admired by every law abiding citizen. He was the first person from Karnataka,then Mysore State, to do Master of Law from the Madras University.
He was the contemporay of Sir M.Vishweswariah. He missed becoming Dewan of Mysore State by hairbreadth, however he served as acting Dewan for sometime . He was the founder Kannada Sahitya Parishat in 1915. He presided over as president Kannada Sahitya Sammelana from 1915 to 1917. He wrote quite a few valuable books in simple kannada and English languages, mostly on legal matters, for the benefit of the common people.
Sri H.V.N. passed away in the year 1920 at Mysore while still in office as vice chanceller. His plaltial house at Malleswaram in Bangalore . soon after his death, was given to run Government Girls High School. His Mysore residence at Jhansi Laxmibai Road. a heritage building, was recently demolished by a builder to construct a commercial complex.