Meet Valsa, a former mathematics teacher at a school in Malappuram, Kerala. Three years ago, her life took an unexpected turn when she was spotted begging at a railway station by a woman named Divya Siyer (IAS). At the time, Divya couldn't quite place where she had seen Valsa before, but as she got closer, she realized that Valsa was her former class teacher.
Outside the railway station, Valsa appeared disheveled, wearing unwashed clothes and carrying a couple of polythene bags containing water bottles and old pieces of clothes. Divya observed Valsa delicately plucking and eating small fruits from a nearby tree, handling them with utmost care as if she didn't want a single leaf to fall.
Curious about Valsa's circumstances, Divya approached her for an explanation. Valsa opened up about her life after retirement, revealing that her children had abandoned her, and she had lost track of their whereabouts. Left with no support, she resorted to begging at the railway station for survival.
Touched by Valsa's plight, Divya couldn't bear to see her former teacher in such a state of distress. She took Valsa to her home, where she provided her with clean clothes, food, and care. Moreover, Divya went the extra mile and reached out to all the friends who had studied with Valsa. Together, they ensured that Valsa had a secure and comfortable place to live.
What struck Divya the most was the fact that while Valsa's own children had abandoned her, the students she had once taught, including Divya herself, remained loyal and compassionate towards their beloved teacher. This exemplified the profound bond between a guru (teacher) and shishya (student) – a bond that transcends time and life's challenges.
Valsa's story serves as a poignant reminder of the greatness of the Guru-Shishya Parampara, where the teachings and love of a teacher leave an indelible mark on the hearts of their students. Despite the hardships Valsa faced, the kindness and support she received from her former pupils became a lifeline, giving her hope for a better future.
