Mr. K N Singh First - Our great old History Teacher

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."

  

https://studio.youtube.com/video/4qGknF2OKno/edit

R.S.Rai - Tough man History teacher

Our one of the History teachers Mr. R.S.Rai ( Ram Sapath Rai) was on the toughest teachers of our school. He never shared with us a single moment of his life. He was never informal with any student and never asked tuitions !! He was a true and royal rai Saheb. He possessed good rapport with colleagues specially with H.R.Jha and D.N.Jha. But he was very cruel with students. His favourite weapon was " Duster" , once he started , it was impossible to stop him. Once he beat a boy , he could not sleep in the night. But it did not change him. In section B of class IX and X , he used to teach history. He used to bring an old history book and used to read fastly. Students named him " 80 word / minute". Once he fell down from his chair and a student laughed ( he was his relatives , though) but he was not merciful on him and he had to pay for his smile.
His way of delivering speech in the assembly hall was very unique. From his right hand , he holds the mike and never lefts till the completion of speech. From class V to X , we were fortunate to listen him atleast ten times , but he always used to pick one revolutionery patriot of pre independance India , whose description was not available in our text books. Always, he was very agressive while speaking ...... he starts with .....Pyaare bacchon , tumne Vinayak chapekar ka naam suna hoga, wo ek mahan krantikari thaa............................. log jel jaane lage, rail ki patriyaan ukhadi jaane lagin, videshi kapade jalaye jaane lage, sarkari daftaron me aag lagayi jaane lagi.......... were common in all of his speeches. We enjoyed a lot. Once , one of the teachers told to my freind, jab bhi ham log ko nasta karna hota hai, hum Rai sahab ko hi to khojte hain ,sabse pahle nastha karenge, paisa denge aur taxi pakdenge........
In class V he was our english Grammar teacher and taught only 50 % of his times, but syllabus was completed. His way of taking attendence was also unique.... he used to get excited while taking attendence .......one , twoooo, threeeeee, for,fiveee, six,sebun, at, nine , ten, elebun, tuwelve, thirty, forty, fifty,sixty,seventy,eighty,ninety, tuwenty, ...............and so on......with a lot of pressure in his voice. In class VI .. he was our history teacher, .. the best teacher to put signature .. he never saw the last page .... just put corrections and sign.......never read the copy ... not even in examinations.......... One of my class mate... Jitendra Jain ....wrote about Maharana Pratap in the question of Shivaji in Pre test examinations , he got maximum marks for that question and he shew us , as we could see our Pre Test copies.......... God bless our teachers...... one thing was clear , he loved school and he loved India.