A long time back, I recited this poem on Teacher’s Day. Now that we know we need to celebrate women and observe a Women’s Day, I dedicate this poem to my best teachers who happen to be women. These women are – one of my English teachers from school and my mom.
Diwan ma’m encouraged me to be the best I could be and participate in competitions I was afraid to participate in. She taught me that it is more important be a good human being than just look good, that beauty shouldn’t be just skin deep and confidence is a woman’s best friend.
My mom taught me to believe in myself and stand-up for my beliefs. She taught me to be fearless and take risks and try new things like killing a cockroach or lifting something heavy or bungee jumping or handling my own finances or choosing a profession I was passionate about. She made me believe that I had a voice as had she. And the reason is my dad who stood firmly behind what she wanted to do and always encouraged her.
So here is the poem for all they have taught me.
The more I learn, the better I see how little I know;
And how little I know of my own capacity to know
I see that each branch of knowledge is so rich, so complex
one can study a life-time and still be a beginner
Teach me how to learn wisely and well
Help me to master the subjects I need to study,
and never given in to despair or boredom.
Help me to remember how fortunate I am
to be able to study, to grow in knowledge.
Give me wisdom, that I may treasure knowledge,
and never forget how little I know.
Help me to be diligent, without undue ambition,
and successful, without worshiping success
Teach me to give each task its rightful place,
and use my talents to the best of my ability.
Make me strong against temptations, resolute before distractions,
humble before the truth, and gracious to the less gifted.
May I keep learning all through my life,
know that, however much I learn,
there are always new worlds to discover.
Make me wise and strong, that I may learn from life itself,
consider every one as my teacher,
and never turn away from the light of your face.
We shall be what you will make us,
make us wise and make us good.
Make us strong for time of trial.
Teach us temperance, self denial, patience and fortitude.
Look into our childish faces, see you not our willing hearts?
Only love us, only lead us, let us know when you need us.
And we shall surely do our part.
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