Prof Prahlad - My Observations
(Seminar by Prof S.R. Prahlad from CIEFL Hyderabad)
Sometime back I attended a Seminar on Communicative Approach to teaching of English. The speaker Professor Prahlad turned out to be a student's delight. A short man of about 5 feet, he was meticulously dressed in black and white. His silvery hair neatly combed backwards. His face exuded the confidence and radiance that come with wisdom and life well spent. Mastery over subject and teaching skill are the essential ingredients, which set an excellent teacher apart. He had both.
His lecture was interspersed with jokes and anecdotes. A smile adorned his face throughout the lecture. One could feel his passion for the subject. Around hundred teachers sat mesmerized as he enlightened us on the new approach to teaching English.
Many people say that teaching is just a mental exercise. But one had to see Prof Prahlad to realize that it’s an exercise in muscle. He stood for a period of six long hours with only two short breaks of fifteen minutes each. With a spring in his feet he moved from one teacher to another as they came up with queries. Every now and then he rushed to the board to write the important points. His agility and humour defied his age. He was one of those people after meeting whom you feel inspired and who leave an everlasting impression.