Tribute of a student to a teacher who died of cancer

Balbir Singh Bali, a reputed Mathematics teacher from Langate area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara left all particularly his students and colleagues in in tears on his demise. Everyone including a large number of students to whom he was a mentor paid tributes to him as he is remembered as an “irreplaceable” and “inspirational” teacher. Balbir expired due to cardiac arrest and was battling cancer at AIIMS in Delhi. Being a humble and friendly to everyone, his death left everyone particularly hisstudents in Shock and grief across Kupwara district, Balbir sir as he was popularly called by his student was a Mathematician who throughout his career earned reputation as an inspirational teacher as he was always seeking ways to support students in furtherance of the causes of building their careers . I had also the opportunity of sharing my ideas and concerns on careers of youngsters as Balbir Ji would call me once in a month and discuss his concerns over the future of youth. His departure is a great loss to education sector.
He was inspiration to many in Kupwara district. He was taking deep interest in teaching Mathematics by using it’s relevance in understanding science and technology by the students. He was an awesome perfectionist and always encouraged to strive for excellence with his humble attitude. His passion, dedication and pursuit for excellence in the subject he taught for years together had made him an institution in himself. I pay my tributes to this great teacher with whom I got opportunities to learn a lot and surely I will always put in my best to follow his footprints. Despite his falling health he continued teaching till the last day of his life. For him the teaching was not just a means of earning livelihood but a hammer in hand to shape the future of the present day society. In 2018 I informed Balbir Ji that I choose media studies and he then regularly used to contact me to write about the issues students were facing. He was very caring and vocal about the condition of school and staff without being anonymous but would never compromise with the fundamental rights of student’s community. He was one of the most promising teachers from whom I learnt a lot. Not only did he inspire students to pursue research but he also taught the student to excel in pursuit of their future plans . In his departure we lost a great personality and this loss can’t be fulfilled for years to come.
(The author is a freelancer. Views are his own)
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