We all value a teacher’s contribution skilling of students and shaping their character to become a successful personality. Talking about Dr NUK Menon, he combines the talents and traits of a social worker and a teacher in a striking fashion.

After completing his early studies in Kerala and PG in Zoology from Bhopal, he joined Campion School in Bhopal where he served for 14 years teaching Biology. He was also Principal of Jawaharlal Nehru School and BHEL Vikram School.

He holds fond memories of his association with Fr. Joe Saldana who was the Principal of Campion School and considers him a friend, philosopher and guide.

After his retirement in 2008, he served for 11 years at International Public School as Academic Co-ordinator and later joined St. George Group of Schools. After a long stint of 50 years in education sector, Dr NUK Menon decided to call it quits in 2022.

True to this, students of Campion School, Bhopal can never forget the name of Dr NUK Menon, especially the Malayalee community. Many Campionites who are in touch with him from different parts of the world remember NUK as a professional whose job was more to guide learning than teaching. Known for his uprightness yet humble behaviour, students remember him as a mix of a teacher and guide.

One of his students, Shibu John said-I fondly remember Menon Sir from my Campion School days. He was our 11th class teacher. His responsibility stretched much beyond teaching and preparing us for exams, he was our guide and mentor during our formative years.

Kishore Pillai, Secretary, HEMA Higher Secondary School said- Dr NUK Menon is a member of the HEMA education Society. He has been a motivating force for the successful running of the school and one of the architects in building up the curriculum.

True to the saying that teachers also are agents of social change, Dr NUK Menon is the most sought after personality in the city when it comes to social organisations. Rarely any event passes by without the presence of Dr NUK Menon. You would find him in any one of the committees, sometimes judging speeches of students, assessing marks for meritorious student award or judging a ‘Pookalam’ competition.

Speaking about his motivational attributes, G Pradeep, former student of Campion School and Owner of Taste of India chain of restaurants in Bhopal said that his motivation to become the President of Bhopal Nair Samaj was from Dr NUK Menon who always believed in giving back to the society.

His acceptability across the social arena was vivid in the thoughts of O D Joseph, President of United Malayalee Association (UMA) when he said “Dr Menon is someone we've known for a long time. He is well renowned for a lot more than just being a teacher. Due to his popularity with the general people, we have invited him for many years to serve as a judge and election officer for our events. He carried out his duties with integrity and objectivity”.

One of his associates in the social sphere C. Ashokan, presently President of All India Malayalee Association, MP Chapter said- Dr NUK Menon was our election officer for many elections during my days as President of UMA which shows his impartial nature and acceptability among the Malayalee community.

Dr NUK Menon’s most daunting task came when he was the President of Bhopal Nair Samaj. He conducted the 17th AGM on 11.2.2001 at the designated plot of Mannam Bhawan of Bhopal Nair Samaj. He became successful in the construction of the Samaj’s Mannam Bhawan and the collection drive that he undertook to give the Samaj a permanent building, ”Mannam Bhawan “ named after NSS Founder Bharatha Kesari Mannathu Padmanabhan. He held the position of President of BNS for three terms and later several other positions in the organisation.

According to Dr SA Pillai, President, Ayyappa Temple, Berkhera, BHEL, “He was holding many responsibilities in his career and with his silent nature he was a successful administrator. Apart from all this he was a social worker with proven records. It is needless to mention that his voice of music was enjoyed by every Malayalee during his Bhajan sessions at Ayyappa Temple, Berkhera, BHEL”.

Bhopal Nair Samaj past President CA. M N G Pillai said that Dr N U K Menon is a soft-spoken, kind-hearted and pleasing personality with leadership qualities. Being associated with Bhopal Nair Samaj since long, I could attribute many achievements of BNS to his able leadership and vision.

His initiative in bringing together the Malayalees of Bhopal was successful when BMA, UMA and HEMA under the banner of United Federation of Malayalees conducted Onam and Christmas for some years. This shows NUK’s vision of a unified Malayalee community and it’s far reaching benefits as a dominant community which can go a long way in ascertaining our presence in the heartland of India.

Teachers fundamentally care about developing their people, their students. You need to grow your people if you want to grow an organisation. It was this that made NUK different from others. Without running after positions, he carved a space for himself in the minds of the Malayalee community of Bhopal.

Dr NUK Menon is relocating to Bangalore after his retirement in the first week of April, 2023.

By AG Vallabhan

(The writer is President, Bhopal Nair Samaj and Bureau Chief, Metro Vaartha, Bhopal)