MB#85: 𝙈𝙮 𝙁𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧'𝙨 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙊𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙈𝙮 𝙇𝙞𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙚.

[MemoirBlogthon #85] The Sanskrit sloka, "Guru Brahma Gurur Vishnu," emphasizes revering the teacher as a manifestation of the Divine. This philosophy isn't just theory for me; it’s a living tradition passed down by my father, who once honored his own Telugu and Sanskrit school teacher with a shawl, fruits, and new cloths. Following this example, I have dedicated my life to publicly and personally expressing gratitude to those who have shaped my professional excellence, including my childhood headmistress and college lecturer, Dr. C. Vijaya Raghava Chari, AIR Director B. Ramanna Panthulu Garu, and my best-selling book-writing mentor. This memoir explores the significance of recognizing the Guru in everyone who imparts knowledge, upholding my father’s legacy of acknowledging the divine source of all guidance.

: MB#85: Honoring others, a lifelong practice.

The Guru is Verily the Supreme Brahman. 🙏

The Sanskrit sloka, "Guru Brahma Gurur Vishnu, Guru Devaya Maheshwarah, Guru Sakshat Para Brahma, Tasmai Shri Guruve Namah," translates to "The Guru is Brahma, the Guru is Vishnu, the Guru is Maheshwara (Shiva). The Guru is verily the Supreme Brahman; salutations to that Guru."

This ancient wisdom emphasizes the spiritual necessity of revering one's teacher as a manifestation of the divine. For me, honoring those who have imparted their knowledge and skills is a way of life, a conviction that supersedes the pursuit of personal accolades. I always focus on whom to honor, how, and where to handle it if I am convinced they truly deserve such honor.

My Father's Profound Example: Shawl and Blessings 🎁

I recall a childhood instance that had a profound impact on me. One day, my father declared that his own school teacher for Telugu and Sanskrit subjects would be visiting our house. We, his children, were instructed to dress up in a semi-traditional way, offer Namaskaram as he arrived, and take his blessings.

I initially thought the teacher would join us for lunch, but to my surprise, the sole purpose of the visit was to honor him with a shawl, fruits, and new clothes. My father's action was a heartfelt acknowledgment of what he had learned from his teacher during his school days in Ramachandrapuram town. I noticed that my father consistently showed this deep respect and gratitude not only to his teachers but also to elderly people.

This practice of honoring the source of knowledge, regardless of its form, was the legacy my father passed on.

A Lifelong Tradition of Gratitude 🌟

Taking a cue from my father's practice, I have carried this tradition forward. Wherever opportunity comes, I make a point to extend my honors to individuals who, at one time or another, were instrumental in shaping my academic foundation or professional excellence.

I would often offer souvenirs, a citation, or gifts and seek their best wishes, and in the case of elders, their blessings. This practice continues today, and I have had the privilege of honoring many individuals, even those younger than me, who contributed to my growth.

Worthwhile Instances of Honoring the Guru:

1. School Headmistress (1996): I returned to my childhood school, founded by Padma Shri awardee Smt. V. Koteswaramma Garu, to conduct a career address. I honored my headmistress there, acknowledging the ethical groundwork that began with my father's own ethical service to the school grounds (as detailed in MB#\_62: https://www.suryanarayana.com/blogs-post/mb62-honored-by-hands-that-gave-progress-card ).

   
   

2. College Lecturer (2024): I honored my college lecturer, Sri Dr. C. Vijaya Raghava Chari, during his visit to our gated community, where he was coincidentally meeting his own guru (a co-resident).

   
   

3. Broadcasting Mentor (1977 onwards): I always acknowledged Sri B. Ramanna Panthulu Garu, the retired Director (Music) of All India Radio (AIR), who encouraged my freelance journalism and gave me my first radio assignment (as detailed in MB#\_54: https://www.suryanarayana.com/blogs-post/mb54-unexpected-entry-into-radio-broadcast ).

   
   

4. Co-Authors and Mentors: I publicly honored my book-writing mentor with gifts and acknowledgments at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025, recognizing his role in my becoming a best-selling author.

   
   

5. I also honored Sri G. R. Murthy, who assisted me in writing my first book, Self MOTIVATION 111.

The Cultural Resonance of Recognition

For me, the significance of honoring those who have shaped us lies in the explicit acknowledgment of the value of their contribution. The Sanskrit sloka resonates because it elevates anyone who imparts knowledge or skills to the status of a guru.

In India, showing respect to elders and teachers through gestures like touching their feet or offering gifts is a time-honored cultural practice. These gestures are not mere social niceties; they are a profound way of acknowledging the divine quality (Para Brahma) that manifests through the giver of knowledge.

My father practiced this culture and left a legacy of repeating his own aspirations—to always recognize and revere the source of light in one's life.

MB#85: Quiz

MB85: Question: The Sanskrit sloka cited in the blog compares the Guru (teacher) to which three major Hindu deities?

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• A. Indra, Vayu, and Agni.
• B. Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara (Shiva).
• C. Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga.
• D. Rama, Krishna, and Hanuman.

MB#85: Quote

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." – William Arthur Ward