My role model is former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. What I have always admired about him is his love for children. Another quality that Kalam had was the immense respect he had for his teachers.

In his personal website, Kalam had narrated experiences with his teachers and how well he bonded with them. He always said: "I have grown through my teachers."

He said he was blessed to have such teachers who shaped not just students but ignited the youth, both average and extraordinary, by allowing them to ask questions and answering them till they fully understood the subject.

"Our teachers gave us theoretical lessons coupled with live practical examples. This is real teaching. They were great teachers. I am sure, many of the teachers in schools and colleges will follow this example," he wrote.

The former president of India recalled his teachers till the last day saying that they injected the necessity of understanding the value of time. Hence I try my best to build a very special relationship with my teachers.

Satish Sahoo,

Class XII, ODM Public School