With the constant grind of modern society, each gear represents the tireless efforts and contributions made by individuals compounded to ensure the growth of society and the nation as a whole. Among these key gears that keep the modern world in motion are the teachers in schools and institutions.
Often described as the unsung heroes, teachers form the steadfast pillars of our communities. With tireless dedication, they devote their time, energy, and passion to shaping the minds of the future. Beyond the lesson plans and classrooms, they invest countless hours nurturing not only academic skills but also character, values, and self-confidence in their students, often extending far beyond the standard curriculum.
Their unwavering commitment influences not only academic success but also moulds the emotional and moral fabric of tomorrow’s leaders.
It is this profound dedication that we honour during celebrations like Teacher’s Day, a day set aside to acknowledge their tireless efforts, recognise their immeasurable contributions, and celebrate the lasting impact they have on countless lives.
Celebrating Teacher’s Day serves as a poignant reminder for former students, now adults, of the unwavering support and guidance their teachers once provided. It is a time not only to honour those still shaping young minds but also to pay tribute to the educators who have since passed on, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom and inspiration.
One such legacy belongs to Asokan Nagarajah, whose recent passing on September 10 marked the end of a remarkable chapter.
Asokan’s journey as an educator began at St James’ School, where he taught from 1992 to 2011. His passion for nurturing young minds led him to establish Elysium School in the heart of Kuala Belait in 2012, fulfilling his vision of offering both academic and moral guidance to his students.
His contributions to education will remain etched in the memories of those whose lives he touched, a legacy truly worth retelling.
While many mourn the passing of Asokan, a prolific and charismatic teacher, an even greater number are celebrating the profound impact he had on their lives as students, colleagues, and family members.
His legacy extends far beyond the classroom, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
One of his former students, Alex Yap, now a business transformation manager at a prestigious hospital, fondly recalls Asokan’s approach to teaching.
“He taught in a way that made it fascinating, sparking curiosity and nurturing a sense of wonder for the natural world,” Alex shared, his words filled with nostalgia for the lessons that shaped his path.
Though known for his disciplined and sometimes stern demeanour, Asokan was more than just an authority figure.
“What I remember most about him is not only his discipline but also his kindness – the kindness he showed to my family when my dad passed away and despite all these years, he still remembered my sister and I, and inquired about our career pathways.”
Similarly, another former student from Asokan’s time at St James’ School, Malek Ali, now an enterprise relationship manager at a telecommunications company, recalled with fondness the distinctive style that set his former teacher apart.
“When his class began, he’d only brought a marker to write down the topics for discussion – no books, no fuss. That made him different from other teachers, truly unique and one-of-a-kind.”
Such memories highlight the profound influence that daily interactions with teachers like Asokan can have on students, laying the foundation for their growth. Both Yap and Malek appreciated the significance of these seemingly ordinary moments, which have since shaped their personal and professional journeys.
Yap reminisces further, “While he always valued hard work, I remember a conversation where he emphasised that hard work alone isn’t enough. He taught us to seek meaning and purpose in what we do, to maintain an inquisitive mind, and to respect others.
“I’ll never forget how he explained homeostasis and osmosis, drawing life parallels to these science concepts: life is about nurturing harmonious relationships and fostering a sense of community.”
Malek echoed the sentiment, noting that Asokan’s teaching style sparked a genuine interest.
“He had a way of making you truly understand the subject, not just memorise it. His method encouraged us to learn with heart, and that made all the difference.”
Another former student, Debbie Yew, now a tax advisor in Singapore, fondly recalled how Asokan’s support extended well beyond the classroom.
“He was always keen to know how his former students were doing in life, often advising and encouraging us to pursue our goals,” she shared.
Yew remembered a pivotal moment when she was deciding between studying in Malaysia or Singapore.
“He immediately recommended Singapore, explaining the better prospects for me there. That conversation changed my life.”
The impact of Asokan’s guidance wasn’t limited to his students. His children, Ashwin and Akshara Asokan, reflected on how they had inherited their father’s passion for learning and teaching.
“My dad had a way of connecting any subject to current events, making learning fun and engaging,” Ashwin said.
Akshara, too, shared fond memories of her father’s endless curiosity.
“He had a thirst for knowledge. He could explain anything, from how to land an aircraft to the history of Brunei. He would even borrow our textbooks to learn more about local culture and traditions.”
Both siblings remember seeing many students come to their father for encouragement after being told they would fail. “He believed in every one of them, and they went on to achieve excellent results,” Ashwin recalled. Many of those students now hold prestigious positions in both the government and private sectors, a testament to the profound influence Asokan had on their lives.
Celebrating Teacher’s Day can never fully encapsulate the depth of a teacher’s impact.
Asokan’s former students, like Yew, continue to look back with respect and gratitude.
“I’m grateful for teachers like the late Asokan, who poured their heart and soul into preparing students for the future,” she reflected. “He never took credit for our achievements but was always proud to see us succeed.”
As Yap added, “He brought a wealth of experience and values to the classroom, shaping us into thoughtful individuals who are prepared for the world.” Malek echoed this sentiment, noting how Asokan’s work ethic and discipline continue to inspire students long after they’ve left his classroom. – Daniel Lim
