A former student pays homage to his teacher from Demonstration School on this Women’s Day

By Nitin Ningaiah

On October 18, 2023, in the grandeur of the Crawford Hall at the University of Mysore, amidst an esteemed gathering of senior academicians, professors and students, entered Anita Madam, 55-year-young teacher, bravely battling health ailments, yet wearing a smile as she received her Doctor of Philosophy in Education.

The crowd erupted in applause, as this Ph.D was no ordinary achievement, and at her age, it was nothing short of a miracle.

Through years of struggle with physical disability, overcoming cancer, fighting harassment and injustice, all while teaching economics and moulding students into responsible citizens, being the voice of physically challenged community, her life was truly extraordinary. Her perseverance to achieve her dreams, determination to overcome injustice and humility — marked by love, care, and kindness toward everyone she met — defined her character. She motivated students to inculcate social consciousness and responsibility, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Early days

Anita Madam was born like any other child, but fate had other plans. At just six, she suffered a gruesome accident when a lorry ran over her, resulting in the loss of her left hand and left leg.

During treatment, exposure to high doses of medication also left her partially hearing impaired. Despite challenges, she remained undeterred, pursuing her dreams to become a valuable contributor to society.

She pursued her schooling in various towns and cities across Karnataka and obtained a Master’s in Economics from Bangalore University. Her love for teaching and children led her to pursue a teaching career at Demonstration School (DMS), Regional Institute of Education (RIE), Mysuru. For over 32 years, she has not only imparted lessons in economics but also inspired students to become responsible citizens of India.

As a teacher

Anita Madam was popularly known as AR Madam. Her focus was to inculcate discipline, a strong value system, as well as constitutional values and fundamental duties among all students.

Alongside her regular academic work, she wholeheartedly engaged in student activities. I remember, she initiated the oath-taking ceremony on fundamental duties back in 2002 and was also instrumental in forming DMS Alumni Association.

Indiscipline was something she firmly stood against, and her values left a lasting impression on her students. One incident I recall from my 9th grade was that she would never tolerate any student wasting, throwing away, or not eating their lunch from home.

She would remind students of the struggles of mothers, fathers and farmers who worked hard to ensure we had the privilege of lunch on our plates.

This lesson has had a long-lasting impact on thousands of students, including me.

Every time she walked in to teach, she was energised and passionate about her work. She emphasised practical learning and encouraged students to conduct physical census to enhance their grassroots exposure.

In 2004, during a Teachers’ Day celebration organised by students, Anita Madam’s participation in musical chair and other events was the most enthusiastic of all. She was full of life, lived her profession with joy and her character was a source of inspiration for students.

She was curious about everything happening around her. Every time I met her, she would ask about how to make videos on YouTube to teach others, what LinkedIn is, how she could connect with her students digitally and countless other topics. She made sure to learn newer innovations to stay updated.

Phase of struggle

The saying “Life is unfair” resonates with many, but the degree of unfairness varies for each individual. For Anita Madam, it wasn’t just the battle with physical disabilities; it was the mockery and harassment faced by physically challenged, the limitations of public spaces for the disabled, cancer and many other obstacles that made it difficult for her to live a normal, peaceful life.

Anita Madam always strived to be self-reliant and independent, a quality that was deeply ingrained in her personality. Dependence on family or public transport limited her freedom to pursue her interests, but the fighter in her refused to let limitations hold her back.

After researching, evaluating and testing various mobility options, including EV cars, Anita Madam began using a specially designed two-wheeler, which helped her overcome commuting struggles. This allowed her to seamlessly travel to school, teach, pursue her Ph.D and become well-integrated into society.

Battling challenges

It’s easier to overcome physical challenges, but mental and inhumane treatment leaves an everlasting impact. Unfortunately, the injustice led to legal battles.

It was not an easy journey, with systemic delays, administrative apathy and multiple court visits stretching out the litigation for years. Anita Madam’s fight was not just her own; it was for all those who silently suffered, in the hope of building a more inclusive society for both women and the disabled.

At the same time, her passion for education and aspiration led her to enrol in the Ph.D programme at the University of Mysore’s Department of Education. She worked tirelessly, researching, studying, teaching and taking care of her family.

While settling into normalcy, she was diagnosed with cancer, another unexpected and unplanned barrier in her path. However, the fighter in her never gave up. While her body grew weak, her spirit remained high.

While battling cancer and undergoing treatment, she worked on her thesis and ensured that she took her teaching classes regularly, so that her students never suffered. Her dedicated efforts, despite the draining toll it took on her, were finally rewarded with a Ph.D. Though she was able to overcome cancer, fate had other plans. [Dr. Anita Ravindra passed away on                   Jan. 22, 2025, aged 57].

Giving back to society

During the COVID-19 pandemic, while we made efforts to stay safe and avoided venturing outside, Anita Madam, along with her husband M.S. Ravindra, distributed grocery kits to Divyangjans, an effort that was also recognised by the Government of India. This is just a small example of her endless contributions to society.

Through her academic work, she made efforts to include sign language as part of inclusive education, raising awareness among students about the needs of the physically challenged.

She has helped many physically challenged youth gain access to education and jobs across various sectors. She also leveraged her students working in large MNCs to identify opportunities for the physically challenged.

Anita Madam strongly believed that persons with disabilities are on par with others, all they need was moral support. She was the voice of disabled individuals and a role model for many. Throughout her career, she received numerous awards and accolades in recognition of her contributions.

Support pillar

“Behind every successful man, there is a woman,” is a popular saying, but the reverse applies to Anita Madam. Her ability to fight, overcome challenges and support her decisions would not have been possible without the unwavering support of her pillar, Ravindra, and her loving son, Aditya.

Ravindra is well-known in the cricketing community and among the BEML community. The only regret she ever expressed was that her family members had to suffer because of her challenges, something she never wanted.

To summarise, some of the life lessons from Anita Madam are: To be self-reliant and independent without being a burden to others; to understand that being privileged comes with the responsibility to help those in need in society; to never bow down in the face of injustice, and always fight it with courage and confidence; to not let limitations restrict one’s aspirations, but to work harder to achieve one’s dreams; and above all, to smile, treat others with warmth and be full of energy and life.

To Anita Madam

While you have left for the heavenly abode, your fighting spirit will always remain in the lives you have touched. May your soul rest in peace.

From one of your students whom you inspired…

—Nitin Ningaiah