O.P. Sharma
One of the memorable personality, N.D. Suri was a long-time Principal of Sri Ranbir High School, Parade, Jammu and very popular among the students. He was a model teacher and a good administrator. When he was head of this prestigious Government school of Jammu, I studied in this institution from 8th to matriculation during 1952 to1955.
I recall that during our school days, this school invariably got high ranking in the Independence Day, Republic Day parades and we used to rejoice and feel proud. The academic standard and co-curricular activities of this school were appreciated by one and all in the winter capital of J&K State. Many of the Jammuites still cherish the memories and the contribution of this disciplinarian, teacher and above all a perfect humanitarian.
N.D. Suri was born during September, 1896 in the family of Ishwar Dass Suri at Gujranwala (Pakistan). After preliminary education , he graduated from Banaras Hindu University in 1917. He was a hard working and God fearing man. Mr Suri served as Private Secretary to Maharaja Hari Singh for 8 years. Later on, he was deputed for training in Teachers’ Training Colleges at Banaras where he completed his B.T. In 1926, he was appointed as a teacher at Jammu and promoted as headmaster in 1943.Subsquently, he was appointed as Assistant Inspector of Schools from 1944 to 1947. At last, he was appointed to the post of Principal, Sri Ranbir High School, Parade, Jammu (now SRML Higher Secondary School) and contributed a lot for the growth of this educational institution till 1955. It is noteworthy that he was granted extension in his service for four years.
After his retirement, he became the Principal, Sanatan Dharam Sabha High School Julakha Mohallah, Jammu, a private educational institution then having a strength of mere 180 students and due to his commendable job, he raised the strength to 1200 at the time of his retirement. He offered his life for bright future of students whom he considered as “pillar of the society”.
Model Educationist
Thereafter, he remained as a member of Senate of University of Jammu and Kashmir State as well as a member of Board of School Education as also in the Faculty of Education for many years. He has written a number of books on Algebra and Geometry.
He often broadcast his talks on the Radio the topics of literacy, education and social related fields. In addition, he was a philanthropist, a capable administrator and well known citizen of Jammu.
Social Activist
Being a true academician, he donated major part of his salary to various institutions to install fans, water coolers and to meet other basic necessities for the students and general public. He was a social worker and had a positive attitude for the society. He stood firm for high moral values, gender equality, discipline, punctuality and honesty.
Mr. N.D. Suri not only preached high principles but set a personal example for the students to follow for becoming useful citizens of country.
He had great adoration for his motherland that’s why his action revealed his love and care for the society.
On May 9, 1988, N.D. Suri passed away at the ripe age of 92. He has left a legacy of a model teacher and educationist. He is still fondly remembered by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
(Starline Syndicate Service)
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