Almost all the students from the 1970s,
1980s, and the early 1990s must have heard of or witnessed the legacy of the
great K.N. Singh Ji (First). He was one of the finest history teachers at
Tantia, known for his lucid way of speaking and impactful teaching. His full
name was Kedar Nath Singh.
Since we also had a P.T. teacher named
Sri Late K.N. Singh (Second), who was younger, Kedar Nath Ji was referred to as
"First," while the younger one was called "Second."
This naming convention extended beyond them—we also had an R. Singh First and
an R. Singh Second. The elder ones were given the title "First," and
the younger ones "Second." However, we never saw a "Third."
Our other history teacher and all-purpose mentor, Sri K.K. Mishra ji,
affectionately called K.N. Singh Ji (First) "Bau Sahib." K.N.
Singh Ji was one of the most senior and beloved teachers at Tantia, deeply
respected by both students and colleagues. We were told by our teachers that
any person with a surname of 'Singh' in Uttar Pradesh are called as 'Babu
Saheb' / 'Bau Saab' :)
Though held in high regard, he was also at the center of lighthearted humor
among fellow teachers. To create moments of amusement while maintaining
respect, teachers would occasionally engage in playful mockery of him. K.K.
Mishra and K Singh ji (Kailash Singh), in particular, would catch him in the
corridors, address him as "Bau Sahib" with a
mischievous smile, and glance at students as if sharing an inside joke. We
cherished these moments.
K.N. Singh Ji was known for his irritation towards noise creating students and
would often raise his voice at students when the classroom got too noisy.
Whenever K.K. Mishra heard his loud scolding from another room, he would burst
into laughter like a child, adding to the charm of our school days.
On the stage of our school hall assembly, there was a table and a bench where
some teachers would sit during the morning prayers. While most teachers chose
not to attend the morning prayer session in the hall, K.N. Singh Ji (First)
would regularly take a seat on the bench, attending both the prayers and the
daily assembly lectures by various teachers. Between 1986 and 1990, I
often saw him as one of the most consistent attendees at the morning prayers and
assemblies, embodying the discipline and values of our school. Teachers would
deliver lectures on various topics, and when they needed a real-life example,
they sometimes referenced K.N. Singh Ji. On one such occasion, our Life Science
teacher, K. Singh Ji, was giving a lecture on health and how to maintain it.
Being a remarkably fit person himself, he was well-suited for the topic.
However, to add an element of humor and make his talk more engaging, he pointed
to K.N. Singh Ji, who was seated on the stage, as an example. Everyone in the
assembly chuckled at the comment of K Singh ji :) :) :)
K N Singh First Ji was not just a history teacher—he was a storyteller, a
scholar, and a living encyclopedia of historical events. His command over the
subject was unparalleled, setting him apart from his colleagues. While he also
taught Mathematics and other subjects in Classes 5 and 6, history was his true
strength, his passion. His memory was extraordinary—he could recall the names
of kings, their wives, ministers, relatives, slaves, places, and, most
importantly, the exact years of significant historical events with absolute
precision.
Unlike many teachers who relied on textbooks while teaching, K N Singh First Ji
delivered his lectures without ever referring to a book. His lectures flowed
seamlessly, as if history was unfolding in front of the students. His
storytelling was so lucid and engaging that students didn’t need to prepare
drafts before writing notes—whatever he taught could be directly written down
in their exercise books. His version of history was so structured and clear
that just one reading was enough for students to remember the entire topic
effortlessly.
Even in Classes 9 and 10, where the syllabus of history was vast and often
overwhelming for many, he simplified everything with his unique way of
teaching. His ability to narrate history in an engaging, easy-to-understand
manner made learning a joyful experience rather than a burden. His
contemporaries, R S Rai Sir and S D Dwivedi Sir, were also highly competent and
knowledgeable, often referring to renowned textbooks while teaching. However, K
N Singh First Ji’s ability to teach without referring to books—and still
surpass the clarity and depth of those texts—was what truly set him apart.
K N Singh First Ji was an exceptional history teacher with a remarkable memory.
He could recall names, places, and dates with precision and taught without
referring to any textbooks. His teaching style was so clear that students could
directly write notes after attending his lectures. Despite also teaching other
subjects, history was his forte, and his classes in 9th and 10th were
especially appreciated for their clarity.
His funny quirks, like mispronouncing Footta as Futur,
made him a beloved figure. Students, even after being disciplined by him, never
minded because of the respect they had for him. He had a unique charm, even
making English proverbs amusing to all, including the Headmaster. In 1991, he
retired after his last lecture in Class 10, and his remaining lessons were
handed over to Sri S D Dwivedi.
Although only a few students fully understood his importance at the time, he
became a grandfather-like figure to many, with some students affectionately
calling him Tauji. His character and discipline were admired,
especially by you, as history was your favorite subject, and his notes made
learning easier. His memorable quote about Sher Shah Suri's
administration was:
"Agar koi budhiya, sone ko haath me uchaalte uchaalte bhi rajye ke
ek kone se doosre kone tak jaati, to bhi kisi chor ki himmat nahi thee ki uska
sona chori kar sake."
Our Headmaster was the best to use the
capability and competence of each and every teacher. Most of the ex-students /
current students or teachers reading this must have forgotten that K N Singh
First Ji was always one of the judges in School's Antakshari Competition. He
played that role independently and vividly. He had no apparent favourite !!
Very professional.
An unusual incident occurred involving
one of our school prefects (whose name I won't mention). Apparently, the
prefect, acting in what he felt was the best interest of school discipline,
challenged a student who was violating a rule. In a fit of anger, he hold his
necktie (a symbol of his prefect status) and marched the student directly
to the Head Master, demanding the prefect be stripped of his position. Such a
challenge to a prefect's authority was unprecedented, at least in my time at
the school. To maintain order and uphold the established standards of discipline,
our Head Master, Sri I.D. Singh, promptly accepted the necktie and revoked the
prefect's appointment. While I wasn't a direct witness, I suspect the student's
behavior was inappropriate and overstepped acceptable boundaries.
Even after leaving Tantia, you
encountered him on Tarachand Dutta Street, where he always blessed you with a
warm "Khush Raho."
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