Guru–Shishya: From Fear to Dialogue

A Reflection on Changing Classrooms and a Teacher Who Shaped My Life

Education is not just about books, marks, or exams.
It is about people.
And at the heart of education lies one of the most powerful relationships — the Guru–Shishya bond.

Over the years, this relationship has changed. The classrooms look different. Students think differently. Teachers are expected to behave differently. But somewhere between fear and freedom, we are still trying to find balance.

This blog is a reflection on that journey — and also a personal tribute to my favorite teacher, Vishwanathan Iyer, whom we lovingly called Vishu Sir.

Then vs Now: What Really Changed?

If we go back 15–20 years, classrooms had a different energy.

Teachers were authority figures. There was discipline. There was fear — but that fear was often mixed with respect. Students rarely questioned teachers openly. They listened, absorbed, and followed.

Today’s generation is more expressive. Students ask questions. They are aware of their rights. They are confident — and that is a good thing.

But sometimes, in the name of freedom, we lose structure.

Earlier:
Fear + Respect created discipline.

Now:
Freedom + Awareness creates confidence.

Neither is completely right or wrong. The real magic lies in balance.

Is Fear Always Wrong?

This is a question many people debate.

Fear does not always mean cruelty.
Sometimes, fear simply means seriousness.

A teacher raising their voice once in a while is not abuse. Intention matters. If the scolding comes from care, if it is followed by explanation, if it is meant to correct and not insult — then it becomes guidance.

Discipline without communication becomes domination.
But discipline with understanding becomes growth.

The Guru–Shishya relationship cannot survive on fear alone. It evolves through dialogue.

The Missing Habit: Mental Warm-Up

We warm up before a match.
We warm up before a gym session.

But do we mentally warm up before learning?

A good student prepares before entering the classroom:

• What was taught last time?

• What will be taught today?

• Is my notebook ready?

• Is my mind ready?

Readiness is not about intelligence. It is about attitude.

Learning happens when the mind is calm and prepared. Otherwise, knowledge just passes through ears without staying in life.

This is something I deeply understood during my 12th standard.

The Teacher Who Made Learning Real

When I was in 12th class, I joined the coaching classes of Vishwanathan Iyer (Vishu Sir). At that time, I only wanted good marks.

But what I received was much bigger.

He had a unique way of teaching. Tough concepts felt simple. Complicated chapters felt logical. He didn’t just explain formulas — he explained the “why” behind them.

For the first time, I wasn’t memorizing. I was understanding.

And that changed everything.

But more than academics, it was his life approach that stayed with me.

From him, I learned:

• Prepare before you start anything.

• Balance strictness with softness.

• Clarity is more powerful than speed.

• Understanding is more important than showing off knowledge.

• Discipline is self-respect.

He never forced learning. He made us realize its importance.

Many habits I follow today — whether it is organizing my work, mentally preparing before a task, or valuing consistency — have roots in his teaching.

For me, he was not just a professor.
He was — and always will be — my Guru.

Teacher as a Kite Flyer

A teacher is like someone flying a kite.

If the string is too tight, the kite may break.
If the string is too loose, the kite loses direction.

Sometimes guidance needs firmness.
Sometimes it needs patience.

The art lies in knowing when to pull and when to release.

That balance defines a great teacher.

Time — The Real Teacher

Every student matures at a different pace.

Some understand lessons immediately.
Some realize their value years later.

But time teaches everyone.

Looking back today, I realize that the lessons I learned in that classroom were not just for exams — they were for life.

The Guru–Shishya relationship may have shifted from fear to dialogue, from authority to conversation. But one thing remains constant:

When there is genuine connection, learning becomes effortless.

Final Thoughts

Teaching a syllabus is easy.
Teaching life is rare.

Education is not about control.
It is not about unlimited freedom either.

It is about balance.
It is about intention.
It is about connection.

And sometimes, one teacher enters your life not just to help you pass an exam — but to help you grow.

For me, that teacher will always be Vishu Sir.