# Sri Gopal Chandra Nayak: A Letter to My School English Teacher

In the year 2009, I entered into Class 8 in [Balasore Zilla School](https://www.rtiodisha.gov.in/pa/T1RILzEwLzI4NTYvMg==), a Government school in Odisha. That’s where I met **Mr. Gopal Chandra Nayak**, a brilliant teacher in English, who turned my life around in the next 3 years.

Till that point, I sucked at English literature. Mr. Nayak apart from being a teacher in classroom used to extend home tutoring to me & my friend [Spandan Pandey](https://in.linkedin.com/in/spandan-pandey-456a6210a). In those duration, along with his acute guidance and constant encouragement from both of our parents, we evolved in the subject by the time we came out of the school.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1712575207433/4d600e1f-c9bb-4170-8215-707a5537ad9a.jpeg align="center")

The exposure to reading & writing became the foundation for the life thereon.

**This blog came late, but the foundation came a decade before that!**

Five Years after coming out of the school, in August 2017, when I was a 2nd year Engineering student at [**SUIIT**](https://suiit.ac.in/) Burla, I had sent her this letter below:

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# Dear Sir,

With due love & respect, I wish you a **Happy Teacher’s Day**. When I reflect upon the Zilla School Days with some joy, then it’s all because of your contribution to my life! I was fortunate enough to be part of your teachings, **both at home & classroom.**

Your handholding guidance left a strong impression on my heart. When I noticed that the teachers’ day is around the corner, I thought of writing a letter of gratitude for you. I still bet on letters which carries the value that Emails & WhatsApp don’t!

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1712575285385/7197d59f-b317-4f55-a413-6d6d4aafaf3b.jpeg align="center")

Currently, I’m pursuing my Engineering studies in the 2nd year of Computer Science in Sambalpur University Institute of Information Technology (SUIIT), Burla. I’m looking towards taking a different route other than settling for a job, at the end of my graduation.

So, I’d always need your **blessings** to get ahead. All my happiness and progress in life belongs to you.

I’m truly thankful for helping me improving my skills in English & the efforts are still on to get better with each passing days.

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1712575799098/84b01bc8-d47e-4850-b68e-467135421fd6.jpeg align="center")

I’m looking towards meeting you someday in near future & seek your blessings. Thank you, Sir!

**I won’t ever get a teacher like you ever again!!**

Thank you!

With Respect,

Sourav

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# **His Response:**

Upon receiving the letter, I could recall, I had received a WhatsApp text from him. He had showed the letter to his students and read out as well. :) I felt honored. 😊