In a time when people have easy access to relatives, students and friends through digital platforms, writing letters may appear like an outdated way of communication.
As an empathetic move, Deevith S.K. Perady, a Kannada lecturer at St Aloysius Pre-university College in Mangaluru initiated writing letters to his students during these challenging times. With students worried about cancellation of examinations, results and future ahead, these letters keep them motivated.
Speaking to News Karnataka Deevith said that, “The feeling of connecting to individuals through letters differ from social media platforms. It makes one happy and nothing can replace this value of letters. So far, I have sent 178 of them to my students.”
Deevith is of the opinion that due to social media, the younger generation no longer receives letters. These letters are handwritten by him for his students who are stressed out by technical difficulties of online classes as well as the ongoing pandemic. “They are concerned about the cancellation of exams, results and everything that is happening now. I keep the students motivated by telling them I will always be there to assist them to reach their goals,” he stressed.
He further stated as a result of the pandemic, students have been confined to the four walls of their homes, completely detached from campus, lectures, and friends. “We are unable to completely engage our class as well as students due to the online classes. During offline classes we engaged in a lot of activities such as storytelling, campus programmes and so on. Now, there is a sense of emptiness within ourselves.”
Deevith went on to say that the college provided them with excellent training in order to conduct online classes for students. “We were able to take classes with the assistance from college. We contacted students who were having problems with their online classes. If students had any other difficulties, our counsellors stepped in to help and guide them,” he professed.
The letter from Deevith astonished both the students and their parents. They contacted him and conveyed their gratitude for being such a wonderful teacher. He said that, “I treat my students as my friends. I always advise them to be truthful and not to deceive themselves,” he affirmed.
Expressing his happiness, he said, “students were very happy and said that they have never received such letters from anyone and even promised that it will be kept safe with them.”
He concluded by saying that, “I had taught them how to write letters in class. As a language instructor, I am happy that I was able to instil a positive attitude towards writing letters in my students. I believe they are now more drawn to it as it will remain safe in the hands of the students. They can open it whenever they wish and relive their college days.”
