On the occasion of Teachers’ Day on 5 September 2021, we were invited by a friend’s family to plant a sapling in memory of Rukma at their farm. We planted a sapling of Badari (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ziziphus_mauritiana) tree in the presence of a few friends and their families. It is a fruit bearing tree which has significance in Hinduism. Here is the link to a very informative article about the species: https://www.heartfulnessmagazine.com/the-ber-tree/
Our sincere thanks to our friends for this lovely gesture, and it is indeed a fitting tribute to the teacher in Rukma who is liked and respected by her students and colleagues alike.
A poem on Royal bengal tiger penned by Rukma. The picture is also by her, clicked in Bannerughatta National Park. The tigers in the park mesmerised her so much that she penned this poem on them.
“What do you wish to become when you grow up”, I asked Sanketh, a child of five years some months. Pat came the immediate and confident reply that bowled me over. “I will become HM (Head Master)”, said the new UKG graduate. The kid was looking exuberant with his red coloured gown and cape, holding the scroll and souvenir in hand.
Welcome to the world of Kindergarten graduates!
A few decades ago graduation ceremonies were for, well, graduates who had completed their three years of college, after plus two. But times have changed and such ceremonies are for the nursery and kindergarten students too! Last year I had the rareopportunity to accompany my daughter, Dr Rukma Vasudev Prasad, to one such graduation ceremony wherein she was the chief guest. Her sincerity towards any task as usual exuded when she called up a teacher, one of the coordinators of the programme, to learn about the audience profile. I was amused at this, but when she told me the reason, I realised that she indeed was right, although the audience mainly was a bunch of tiny tots. Of course she knew that any speech was effective only after taking into account the audience profile!
The D-day dawned and we reached the venue a good half hour early, as was Rukma’s style of discipline, and the function in fact started a good half hour late, and that made our arrival a whole hour before time. But it was well spent in intuitive discussions with the experienced and articulate principal and vice principal, as also some of the special invitees. As we were ushered towards the venue we were in for a pleasant surprise,which were the stupendous decorations worthy of an adult graduation day. As others took their seats, the chief guest Rukma was led in by none other than the dignified principal followed by the committee members and other faculty members. The chief guest, herself a child at heart, later told me that she felt immense joy striding the red carpet towards the scores of waiting graduates sitting patiently on tiny chairs near the dais. As I write, words fail to describe the splendour of the young students decked up in red gowns and capes. Each one looked excited, yet sat with dignity and patience, belying their tender age. Hats off to them indeed!
The welcome speech got off followed by various events in a sequential manner. Three to four UKG students had been prepped for speeches and each one of them rendered it with great aplomb, with nodding of head and gesticulating of tiny hands, giving the impression that they thoroughly understood the meaning underlying the words being spoken. It was delightful indeed – the applause was deafening and cameras went clicking!
The chief guest’s speech was unusually enthralling as it was unconventional and appealing. My daughter seemed to forget herself as she addressed the audience in front of her, the parents and staff, and behind her, the cute graduates! Swirling around gracefully she gave her piece of advice to both sections and the children seemed strong in their convictions when they said “Yes!” to her suggestions and advice. She later recited a nursery rhyme, “London Bridge…” which they excitedly repeated, and she followed it up by singing William Wordsworth’s lovely poem, “The Daffodils”, which mesmerised everyone. The tiny tots sportingly emulated her by singing and swaying their arms to and fro above their heads.
The purpose of the gathering was the denouement, and the chief guest along with her scientist husband, Prasad, and this writer were requested to hand over the scroll and memento to each one of the smiling graduates. They were moments of extreme happiness to both the givers and receivers. The photo shoot followed with the tots being prompted to throw away their capes high in the air when the camera clicked. It was a magical sight!
The chief guest and her companions were treated with such warmth and shown such wonderful hospitality that they felt blessed to have graced such a unique occasion. The swaying daffodils in the form of the tiny tots remain forever in my inner eye!
In retrospect Rukma seemed like a beautiful and benign fairy amongst the young daffodils! Love you, dearest Rukma!
On 8th February 2020, Rukma was invited by ITI Central School, Bangalore, to address school children as the chief guest on their graduation day. Rukma made the children sing ‘Daffodils’ poem by William Wordsworth, set to her own tune.
If I had met you, that one time, I would have told you, that you’re divine, And I didnt know you, until this moment, But I wish I did, before this.
My mom is crying in the kitchen, Why couldn’t this have been an illusion? You left the world behind, probably bearing that smile, I hope you know we love you.
And though I couldnt tell you, I hope you’re watching from above and hearing everything we’re saying, Because we miss you, I hope you’re bearing that smile while listening to us talk about you,
And I know you’re still with us, Surrounding us with this aura of ecstacy, Staying beside us, Within these memories.
Rukma Vasudev 