Submitted by admin Fri, 2016-09-23 18:31 
It was on 8th Sept. 2016, when we woke up to the saddest news of our Beloved teacher Ravinder Pahwa Ma'am being passed away suddenly! A brilliant teacher, a noble soul and an amazing human being, Pahwa Ma’am was certainly the most treasured teacher at YPS Chandigarh. Our deepest condolence to the Pahwa family at the present moment of loss! We believe Mrs. Pahwa will always remain alive in our memories and in all the life lessons that we have learned from her being students!
We couldn’t resist sharing this beautiful note of remembrance written by one of her favorite student. Read and feel the inspiring love note.
Adding life to days when days cannot be added to life!
While studying at Yadavindra Public School (Mohali), I was never among the toppers – to the contrary in fact. Our group of lads was known to be mature but mischievous. I hated mathematics & chemistry with a passion, English and history - much I loved. I remember Ms Dewan (a young Chemistry teacher) suddenly walking out of the lab. We heard her torment, “Chaudhary & squad! I am not taking this class!” The convener intervened, Ms Dewan agreed to teach us. We did get on well after that. She later disclosed that she had heard terrifying stories of how naughty we were, especially in the chemistry lab!
It was perhaps the age-old trick to give responsibility to the mischievous or my love and admiration for her subject; the history teacher - Mrs Pahwa - displayed her fondness for me from the very first day. She had a remarkable way of teaching, nay performing! She would mesmerize us with historical tales and transport us into the past. Mrs Pahwa made it a point to make history thought provoking and stimulating. She always offered valuable life lessons and treasured wisdom. We look back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touch us in a special way. Curriculum is indeed indispensable, but love and warmth is most nourishing for the soul of a growing child.
She had a slight health problem. Upon taking our class, she called me. She pointed towards her handbag and told me where the inhaler and the jab were. She instructed her classes that in an Emergency I was to be immediately called. Although amusing at the time, she feigned it a few times and had me rehearse in the staff room. Two years later she took over my younger brother’s class. “Come here Chaudhary Junior! Your elder brother had the responsibility of saving my life, I now pass it on to you” she said in an amusing way.
Upon completion of my Masters in Law from England, I managed to go back to school for lunch one afternoon. I took the chair next to Mrs Pahwa in the dining hall – where I would sit as a student. I was astonished to see how she remembered exactly what I enjoyed. Green chillies and onions were specially arranged for me. She said to the gentleman serving, “More yoghurt for him – he is fond of it!” Saunf was the privilege of the teachers. She would always wrap it up in a serviette and slip it into my hand discreetly after lunch. She did exactly the same after more than a decade! I said to her that I felt like joining Y.P.S. again! With her hand on my cheek and a motherly look she said, “Hunn main tere bacheyaan nu padhaanvaangi!”
Sudden, tragic news this morning. The angelic Mrs Pahwa is no more. I spoke to her the other day to wish her a Happy Teachers’ day. She was splendid as usual! She joked, “Chaudhary, I heard that you have imported a new car. Bachu party taan deni payegi!” It was all arranged, I was to go and see her this weekend. Alas! It wasn’t meant to be!
Elizabeth Taylor was once light-heartedly questioned about an epitaph. “She lived”, she replied in her accustomed glorious style. Mrs Pahwa taught us how to live. They say, people are trapped in history and history is trapped in them - Mrs Pahwa left everlasting imprints on our lives. And she most certainly left this world a better place! Requiescat in pace Mrs Pahwa! You shall forever live in our hearts!
-SARTAJ CHAUDHARY
