Dharwad: December 22 is not the only date for the 73-year-old Shansh Shansh to mark the day of mathematics.
He has done it every year for more than five decades by teaching mathematics to secondary school students for free or for a nominal fee, which he also gives to students in need.
December 22 is celebrated as the National Mathematics Day to mark the alert birth of Indian Mathematicians Srinivasa Ramanujan.
Shanbag, which is a voice that is familiar on all Indian radio (air) as a news reader, has taught mathematics to students in Dharwad even though he is not trained as a teacher.
His disciples are now spread throughout the world.
Shanbag told TOI that teaching mathematics has become his hobby since the title and it remains with him even after joining the air.
“Previously, I used to teach middle school students too.
Now, because age, I have limited my teaching to class X students of CBSE countries and schools,” he said.
Shanbag provides unusual reasons to continue teaching — selfishness.
“I have selfish when it comes to teaching mathematics.
It makes me mentally suitable and I feel young and energetic while interacting with teenagers,” he said.
“Many students feel mathematics is a boring subject,” he said.
“Maybe, the lack of enthusiasm among the teachers is the reason for it.
But I say mathematics is not only interesting but also the easiest subject.
I tried to give a strong foundation child.” On why he began to receive a voluntary fee paid by parents, Shanbag Reminds cases of a student who has received 96% in SSLC.
“When I suggested he took science and went for the technique, his mother said they had financial constraints.
I said we could think about it later.
After two years, the question arose again.
He needs Rs 12,000 to join the technique.
I have Rs 5,000, and then I brought the help of my friends.
Then came the second year.
My daughter suggested that I accept the costs of anyone who volunteered and used it for the poor students.
I began to take costs after 42 years as a math teacher.
I continued the number to the one in need , “he said.
Dr.
Anand Kabbur, President Dr.
Nb Kabbur Samaraka Shikshana Vikasa Anweshana Pratisthana, said Shanbag had previously taught students in Pratisthana too.
“He used to train math teachers and teach competitive exam candidates here.
Now we have closed the class, but he continues all his studies to us for poor student scholarships but talented,” he added.
Sanjeev Angadi, who has joined the Shanbag lecture in 1990-91 and is currently the Vice President at BPO in Bengaluru, said he found a boring math until he went to the Shanbag classes.
He made Sanjeev fall in love with mathematics.
“The speed of solving I have increased a lot.
Regardless of the tuition fees, he (Shanbag) guides us about our future.
When he didn’t know about something, he gave us contact from the right people.
He never asked at a cost.
Some Ordinary parents pay forced costs but the money he continues to students in need, “Sanjeev said.