Ma, 

As I reflect on the past 22 years, I realise the profound impact you've had on shaping my identity. Your dedication to teaching the Bengali language has not only enriched my life but has also allowed me to connect with our cultural heritage. I still vividly remember those Saturday mornings spent in your classroom, a sanctuary of learning and laughter. Your unwavering support and encouragement inspired me to strive for excellence. Little did I know then, how fortunate I was to have a mother who was also a teacher. Your passion for teaching ignited a spark within me, leading me to pursue my own career in education.

As a child, I never truly appreciated Bangla School and all that it had to offer me. I remember it being a dread to go to Bangla School after 5 days of regular classes. Most often not, I would actually skip school as you know and the Vice Principal would give me a call to make sure I come down even if it meant I missed the first half of the session. You knew, and eventually you did give up trying to get me to school. But I think I never really sat down to thank you for still pushing me to learn Bangla, as well as giving me my first start to your tongue.I look back now and I genuinely miss my school days. 

It is not just my memories of classes that I reflect upon with a bittersweet nostalgia. As I've grown older, I've come to realise, with a profound sense of gratitude, that it wasn't just you, but other women like you who shaped my Bangla School experience. Our classes were taught by women — mothers like you, housewives, someone's grandmother, or even someone's aunt. Looking back, I'm filled with warmth as I think that was one of the reasons why I found classes extremely comforting. 

The whole notion of "Mother Tongue" being taught by a mother figure might have changed the way classes were taught, infusing them with a nurturing essence. I remember, with a heart full of appreciation, all my teachers putting in extra care to make sure my friends and I were taught well, their dedication leaving an indelible mark on my young mind.

I used to never take your role in school seriously, a realisation that now fills me with a tinge of regret. Furthermore, I thought it was just another job that you wanted to do, but I think always knew, deep down, that you were dedicated. You spent hours, tirelessly and lovingly, reading through textbooks to prepare materials not just for me and my brother, but also for your students in your classes. It is that sort of unwavering dedication that inspired me, igniting a passion within me to become a teacher too! 

The thought of following in your footsteps fills me with pride and excitement.

I also think I never fully grasped, until now, that teaching in school also helped you form your identity, and this realisation brings a lump to my throat. I thought moving to Singapore at a tender age of 4 was difficult for me, but it must have been incredibly challenging for you and other women like you. To leave your homeland, friends, and family for new lands, all for better opportunities for our family — the magnitude of that sacrifice now overwhelms me with emotion. I remember my 3 months abroad being extremely difficult, so I can't even begin to fathom the rollercoaster of emotions you must have experienced.

I am filled with immense joy and gratitude that Bangla School gave you a sense of purpose. It was a place where you, like many other women in our communities, could spend your free time moulding the newer generation, your eyes lighting up with each small victory in the classroom. I think, in some ways, you might have rediscovered and reshaped your identity by teaching in this school. The thought of you finding solace and strength in those classrooms, surrounded by the language of home, fills my heart with love and admiration for you.

A talk over ice cream with our vice principal the other day after 8 years showed how women who are in a position of power in the community are trying to help fellow women upskill. I was heartened to see that the school has pushed you to further your education in Singapore. Your vice principal was telling me about how she has been pushing your fellow teachers to take up courses so that they can go on beyond Saturday’s to work and contribute back meaningfully. It is difficult to receive support from family overseas, but it is nice to see women supporting one another so they can be self-sufficient and not just reliant on their husbands. 

I'm grateful for the opportunity to have been taught by you and other remarkable women who dedicated their time to shaping young minds. Your influence extends far beyond the classroom, fostering a sense of community and cultural identity among the students.

As I look back, I realise the challenges you faced as an immigrant, leaving your homeland to provide a better future for your family. Your resilience and determination have been an inspiration to me. Thank you for everything, Ma.

Love,

Mehtaz