Ambalapara (Palakkad): In a touching display of gratitude and affection, a former student made a surprise visit to his teacher on her 77th birthday, travelling all the way from Botswana, Africa.

Savitri Namboothiripad, a native of Kadambur Veman Cherimana (Kadambur Mana), was delighted when Francisco, one of her favourite students, appeared unexpectedly at her home, rekindling memories of the care and love she once showered during his school days. It was a reunion after 30 years.

Savitri, who was a teacher at the Government High School at Kozhikode Medical College campus, took leave in 1993 and went to Botswana, where her husband VMN Namboothiripad, the then Principal of Malabar Christian College, joined her the very next year in 1994. There, she continued her passion for teaching as a mathematics teacher at a higher secondary school in the village of Mbaula, where she taught Francisco. In 1999, the couple returned to Kerala. Savitri rejoined service and later retired in 2004 from Kadambur Government Higher Secondary School. The same year she lost her husband.

Francisco, who rose to success as a businessman, never forgot the teacher who had such a profound impact on his life. He often tells his friend Ramachandran, who was also a family friend of Savitri, about the role she played in shaping his future. Following this, Francisco got a chance to contact her through video calls.

During this time Savitri’s sister, Shailaja, has made a visit to Botswana for a three-month stay with her son who works there. When Francisco learned about this connection, he eagerly expressed his wish to visit his teacher in person. It was Shailaja who informed him that Savitri’s birthday would fall on July 6. Following this, Francisco flew to Kerala without telling Savitri on Saturday and made a surprise visit on her birthday, which falls on Sunday.

Francisco spent the entire day with his beloved teacher before returning to his home.