Down the memory lane

-Dr M Kishor 

Volume 12 Issues 10 October, 2022

As a young psychiatry teacher in a medical college more than a decade ago, I looked at many ways to engage medical students. There were hardly any efforts before made in that institution. Months later, a medical student came to me and was eager to hand over some money!! Perplexed, I enquired, “ What is this?”. The shy student said, “ this money belongs to you. I received a money order this morning for an article I had written for a magazine on suicide prevention, and the publisher has sent an honorary amount”. I said, “ you have written it, and it belongs to you”. The student said,” firstly, sir, we never knew anything about the topic; you taught us & I never knew we could write for the magazine, you encouraged me, and money is something a surprise to me, as  I hardly ever expected”. I was delighted to see the honesty and gratitude in that medical student and gently encouraged him to keep the money for his efforts. The medical student, over the years, has become a skilful surgeon and continues to be in touch with me. Every time I reflect on the incident, it delights me for the sheer joy it brings from interaction with students who excel in humbleness and gratitude, positively making the position of teacher enjoyable in the middle of many challenges.