TalesOfTradition: ‘My nursery teacher went on to teach my son too’

He works in mainstream media, handling social media, YouTube and video production for major news networks on a freelance basis. He came into the field through his interest in cameras and learnt a great deal along the way. Meet Prateek Suri, an alumnus from Apeejay School, Panchsheel Park. Interestingly, his son, Toshiv, is also studying at this school.

In a candid interview, this 2016 batch alumnus shares why he chose this school for his son, among other things.

What stands out when you think about your school days?

I can still picture the old school campus: the grey building, the basketball court in the middle and the auditorium being built while I was there. We were quite young when its foundation was laid. The place had an atmosphere I haven’t forgotten. I remember the teachers just as clearly. They were warm and made us feel cared for. The relationship went beyond the usual one between a teacher and a student. At school, it felt as though we had another set of parents looking out for us.

Was there a teacher who had a particular influence on you?

I couldn’t name just one; that would be unfair to the others. I remember my Class I teacher. She was the person who first got me to eat roti. I was a junk-food lover, and I still am! I met her again at the school’s havan puja last year, after almost 30 years. I still credit her for teaching me better eating habits. Then there were my computer teachers, who also gave me room to explore what interested me. I was vice-president of the computer group at school. I was pushed into NCC. Each of them helped me differently.

Why did you choose this school for your son?

In my mind, the decision was already made. He was offered admission to other prestigious schools, and my wife preferred them. We had quite a discussion about it, but I wanted him to go to Apeejay School. There was a lovely connection when my son joined. My nursery teacher became his nursery teacher! Now Toshiv is in KG, and his teacher is also someone I remember from my school days.

How did it feel to return to the school as a parent?

I’ll be honest: I missed the old campus. I was attached to that building and even saw it being pulled down. So going back brought a little sadness with the memories. But walking through the same main gate is a proud feeling. I used to enter as a student; now I enter as a parent. That means a great deal to me. When I think about my son’s education, I couldn’t have wished for a better place for him.

What do you most hope your son learns here?

The most important lesson I took from school was to be a good human being first. Education and success matter, but so does the way you treat people. I want my son to think about others, show compassion and never put anyone down. I can already see those values taking shape. He has made friends, he respects his teachers, and he’s excited to go to school each morning. Seeing him so happy there means a lot to me.