S. Saraswathi is 87. And though this resident of Jeth Nagar, Mandaveli retired some decades ago from her long career as a teacher, she still loves to share some ideas and lessons with children of her neighbourhood.
Saraswathi completed her teacher’s training course at the age of 20 and began her teaching career in January 1960. She served as a teacher at Karpagavalli Kala Nilayam School in Saradhapuram, Mylapore, until 1999. ( The school located near Saibaba Temple, Mylapore).
Her family says that many of the students whom she taught in primary school in the 1960s went on to become successful professionals – they became doctors, lawyers and chartered accountants. Among her students are several well-known personalities – the renowned artist Manian, legendary playwright and actor ‘Crazy’ Mohan, and theatre artiste Gopi, to name some.
Inspired and encouraged by the well-known radio broadcaster and theatre-person Koothapiran who was also called ‘Radio Anna’ for his hugely popular programmes on All India Radio for children, Saraswathy founded the Gaana Priya Radio Association. She trained school children in group singing and in theatre and presented them at many functions in Mylapore and elsewhere.
She was honoured with the ‘best teacher’ award by a Rotary Club.
“Though she is in her 80s, she still enjoys teaching a few lessons to young children,” says R. S. Advaith, her grandson, a musician.
Her son, R. Suresh is a veteran musician who has performed alongside senior artistes in the cinema and cultural world. He also manages the music troupe called Suresh’s Sruthilaya. “Our grandmother encouraged her children and grandchildren in the performing arts. That is how many of us are into music,” says Advaith.
To contact Saraswathi, call 9841113539.
