This is a memorial to our beloved teacher Ms. Thangam Pappu who tragically passed away on Oct 17, 2016 after a brief battle with illness.
We can't quite believe that she is no longer with us. Thangam Miss, as we all know her, was a passionate teacher of Mathematics and generations of students would remember her for introducing them to its many wonders.
She had wide interests and an almost boundless desire to pass on her excitement to those around her. She was generous and thoughtful in ways that seem out of reach for the rest of us. A role model in more ways than one, she will remain a lasting influence on her students.
Her passing is a personal loss to many of us and a tremendous loss to Devi Academy where she taught.
We will always miss you.
Our school Devi Academy was hosting the west cluster sahodhaiyo volley ball tournament at jawaharlal Nehru indoor stadium , As we were in 10th school didn't gave enough time to practice for the perfection. Days have passed match day came whole school were at stadium running here and there , teachers were busily arranging for the opening speech . We the players practising on our own school style , the other school team players were entering the ground . We got shocked by seeing them especially the st.joseph international and st.johns international schools all were looking like a giraffe height and giants . Every player slowly stopped practice and our head turns to look at their way practice and jumping , smashing, servicing. My team players were silent we are not even speaking to each other , they called all the team for the lot system , unfortunately our team has to play against Lachatelaine school who were masters in the game at that time we were looking short and tiny compared to other school teams . Match started it has been one way match which is going on Lachatelaine school side , Their smash was hitting us hardly , still remember the blow oon my face and my friend Jana face we almost frightened against that team whenever the ball reaches to their side and expecting a heavy smash against us. 1st set has over , we managed to get around 10 points only . All players came for side change and time break , Thangam mam came to us , she asked us wht happen guys . We kept silent , she easily found we are in afraid and nervous and our p.t sir told everything. She told us " whether winning or losing doesn't matter at least show your full potential and try hard to beat them , if they hit smash u ppl also hit it no matter whether it goes out of the line or not " when we entered in the court she told us that she will 5rs for each point which we scores. . She shouting and encouraging for each and every point although we lost the second set also but we scored 22 points in the second set . Which is a real success for our team , Thangam knowing the fact that we lose but still encourage the players and motivated the team to score 22 points and gave 110rs .
Suresh S (2009batch )
when I was in school I'm a average student doing the most naughty things and standing outside the principal room always . Days have been passed school decides to send me out , some teachers stood against me and wanted me to go out bcoz I'm entering into 10th std . I still remember thangam mam alone stood up for me and supported , she even promised to principal nd my parents that I will score a good marks . Even when my parents also left the hope on me , I still remember her words of encouragement " push yourself Suresh no one is going to do it for you , who told you that you are a slow learner and asked me some questions . Why are you most interested in sports ? I told to mam that I love to play and like the games so much nd interesting , Im so keen to win each and every game .Her second question which sport u like it ? I said cricket and she asked me the details of that game , we even discussed about about my fav player . She finally asked me what about your studies suresh , I kept quiet .. she laughed at me , I still remember her face such a graceful smile . . She told me that your studies is also like a cricket " YOU HAVE TO FACE A SIX BALLS IN AN OVER , SAME THING YOU HAVE TO DO IT HERE . 1ST BALL - LANGUAGE SUBJECT , 2ND BALL - SOCIAL , 3RD BALL - MATHS , 4TH BALL - PHYSICS , 5TH BALL - CHEMISTRY , 6TH BALL - BIOLOGY " I kept silent listening to her words then she told me now it's your wish whether to score in each ball or not . I still kept silent , she tactically asked me which ball you feel it as difficult , I told 3rd ball mam . She laughed and asked maths , I said yes and asked me the reason and gave my reason and told it was difficult , she said me that maths is also like a game if u do step by step u will score in maths and win the game also . Then she gave me a simple maths puzzle book , which I used to solve and show it to her slowly I gained interest in maths , she changed me from puzzle book to 10th maths text book . .Her way of treating a student's and encouragement is different , Mam has the ability to read the students mind in wonderful manner ,I never saw complaining her students to parents in the parent teachers meeting , she even gives motivation to the parents to support their kids . Such a humble and wonderful human being .. we missed you so much mam , because of you I'm standing tall here .
Suresh s ( 2009 batch )
I think i did not meet her after passing out of school (class 10)... even i am not able to recollect anything after i passed class 10 and was in same premises where i did my high school but nothing short of memories for us(me and many friends similar to me) of interaction and days she taught us.
i do not remember if its class 7th or above when she actually started to teach maths for us.It started actually with the different mindset for me where i had to live upto some reputation which my brother had left. He was very good in mathematics and was well known to miss.Unfortunately or fortunately she also knew that i am his younger brother. Banking on the same, i was under impression that i could get away from any mischievious behaviour. But thangam miss is thangam miss!! She was strict initially and i had some terrible experiences where she had scolded me but all for good. She was making sure that i am shown the right path and able to step up on my own. Once i was able to prove myself she was a different teacher to me. Thats what she does with everyone not only me.. to each and every student who studied under her. Providing extra guidance and attention to students who needed.
She did not command respect but she earned it through her acts. She also taught that - "Working diligently and being sincere to what we do will get us through - no matter what". Whenever me and my friends meet, we do not miss a chance to recollect all memories and stories goes on for hours. Thangam miss will be mentioned atleast by someone.
A True inspiration to many students for the way she conducted herself.. We ( students of Devi academy - Past , present and future ) Miss you Mam!!
Adithya ( 2001 batch )
