This is an interview with my best friend in school who is the senior school physics teacher, Mrs Visalam Vijayan. She has courageously and successfully fought one of the most dreaded diseases - Cancer. In the autumn of her life she has bounced back and is teaching again.

Have you always wanted to be in the teaching profession? If yes why?
Yes, because I love children.

Did you have other ambitions as a child?
Yes, I wanted to be a doctor.

Describe your childhood.
I was born and bought up in a village in Kochi in Kerala. I enjoyed my childhood with my cousins and sisters – studying, playing, swimming and admiring nature.

Who inspired you to teach?
My mother , my sister and my brother.

How many years have you been teaching ? What? Where?
I have been teaching Physics for 50 years in Chennai and Trivandrum.

Any unforgettable incidents that taught you something?
The death of my student which made me realize that nobody is a permanent resident in this world.

What inspired you to fight cancer?
Will power, positive thinking and accepting what god gives us.

What are you afraid of?
Loud noise and snakes.

What are your hobbies?
Stitching, knitting, embroidery, reading books and watching cricket.

Describe yourself .
I love children , I respect elders and sometimes I am fickle minded.

Do you have any advice for students ?
Have self-discipline , be regular in studies , respect your elders and teachers , have a good ambition and target in life , work for it from the beginning.

Any advice for aspiring teachers?
Have good knowledge of your subject, love your students, maintain discipline and understand your students.

Favorites :-

Book
Science Fiction

Movie
Any movie with a good story

Song
Melody

Singer
Yesudas

Teacher
Abdul Kalam

Colour
Cream
Food
Any vegetarian food
Author
Stephen Hawkins