Dr Karann Israni ? the name might sound familiar to some, especially those associated with the second batch at SSR Medical College. Some of his acquaintances might wonder about a ?notorious student? and ?my best teacher?; what an incongruity! The role of a teacher is to give information to help one learn something; show someone how to do something; make someone realize, understand life?s principles clearly and help one move up the ladder of spirituality.

The embodiment of patience, equanimity of mind during periods of crisis and empathy are some of the innumerable qualities of my best teacher. He has not only instilled these qualities in people who have been close to him but he has also helped many to understand one facet of life, ?The show goes on?. Life is replete with ups and downs and the one who emerges unscathed is undeniably, a champion. He has taught us to face milestones in life without shying away. The more we run away from difficulties, the more they haunt us.

Lesson 1: face difficulties boldly without escaping from them!

The eyes of my best teacher speak of a long tale of suffering. Though life has treated him unfairly in his academic and professional life, he still possesses the determination and perseverance to succeed in life. When I see young people giving up their lives due to poor marks in examinations or the like, I feel extreme pity for them and think that these people in my teacher?s place, would have buried themselves beneath the ground if possible. I have learnt that failures make you stronger to face hardships and one achievement merely gives one an ?ego-boost?.

Lesson 2: possess equanimity of mind, both in victory and defeat!

In addition, my teacher has taught us the rule of life, to be good and noble to everyone, without being gullible. He explained the importance of being the opposite of the character of Paul in Evelyn Waugh?s novel Decline And Fall. The latter is a gullible young fellow who trusts the words of every person around him and ends up in trouble, losing his self-esteem. What the world needs today is a worldly wise being with inner purity. Some readers might be wondering what I imply by ?worldly-wise?. For example, not letting anyone know your weaknesses, is worldly wisdom. To be good and at the same time worldly wise, Dr. Israni believes in keeping a distance from others. In this regard, I feel my teacher follows Aristotle?s concept of friendship - have few intimate friends ready to stand by you during periods of crisis rather than a horde of friends merely attracted to your wealth and leaving you mid-way in your troubles. Thus, keeping a distance from the world and disclosing your inner being to a handful, will help in maintaining a meaningful relationship with some and avoid getting stabbed in your back.

Lesson 3: be worldly wise and at the same time noble!

I have seen the amalgam of all the qualities needed for this world in my teacher. He is straight-forward and blunt and hurts the sensibilities of people many a times but never keeps anyone in dark and never gives anyone false hopes. What we prefer today is a straight-forward person whose words might be piercing for a short time, which will be soon forgotten, to a hypocrite who is diplomatic and stabs one in one?s back that can make one suffer throughout one?s life.

Lesson 4: be straight-forward though blunt but never lose someone?s trust!

We wish Dr. Israni luck and fortune in his life and want him to know that we will ?spice up? our lives with his teachings.

P. M.