Shri Rabindranath Mitra, fondly remembered as Robin Sir, was more than just an English teacher at Raisina Bengali High School in New Delhi; he was a towering figure of inspiration, wisdom, and profound knowledge. As we commemorate his birth centenary, it is an apt moment to honour the remarkable legacy of a man whose influence shaped generations of students, not just in academics but in life itself.
A Teacher Like No Other
Robin Sir’s approach to teaching English was both unconventional and deeply impactful. With his characteristic dhuti, a cigar in hand, and a commanding yet kind demeanour, he brought literature to life in ways few could. His passion for the subject transcended the confines of the syllabus, opening our eyes to the timeless worlds of Charles Dickens, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and William Shakespeare.
In his classroom, English was not merely a subject but an experience. His baritone voice carried us through the cobblestone streets of Victorian England, the moral dilemmas of Russian classics, and the grandeur of Shakespearean drama. Texts that once seemed distant and intimidating became relatable, thanks to his ability to connect them to our everyday lives and broader human truths.
Beyond Books: A Guide to Life
Robin Sir’s contributions extended beyond the four walls of the classroom. He directed school plays with the precision of a seasoned dramatist, teaching us not just acting but also the values of discipline, teamwork, and self-confidence. Iconic productions like Julius Caesar became more than mere performances; they were transformative journeys, instilling a love for the arts and a respect for the power of storytelling.
His life itself was a lesson in resilience and determination. From his modest beginnings in Bhagalpur to becoming a revered educator in Delhi, Robin Sir’s story was a testament to the transformative power of knowledge and perseverance.
The Man Behind the Legend
Robin Sir’s personality was as compelling as his teachings. He defied societal norms with his signature style—a dhuti and cigar—not as an act of rebellion but as a quiet assertion of his individuality and focus on substance over superficiality. His presence was magnetic, his intellect unmatched, and his humility endearing.
Beyond his role as a teacher, he was a mentor who nurtured values of inclusion, simplicity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His influence left an indelible mark on every student who had the privilege of learning from him.
A Lasting Legacy
Robin Sir’s impact on our lives goes beyond memories. His meticulous teaching of English grammar, enhanced by his role as an editor of the renowned Wren & Martin grammar book, has equipped countless students with the tools to excel in language and communication. His son, Rajat, aptly described him in a Facebook post as a voracious reader, a gifted orator, and a man with an extraordinary memory—a description that resonates with all who knew him.
As we celebrate his centenary, we do so not just with nostalgia but with a deep sense of gratitude. Robin Sir’s teachings continue to guide us, reminding us to embrace knowledge with humility, to find joy in learning, and to seek wisdom in simplicity.
Our Tribute
Robin Sir, your legacy transcends time, and your impact echoes through the lives of those you touched. On this momentous occasion of your centenary, we salute you with heartfelt gratitude and reverence.
Apnake shato koti pronam!
Wow… I met three great people three great people through your blog. The teacher, his son Rajat and the writer of this post. Hats off Sir, amazing post! I wish people of the newer generations had English teachers like Shri Mitra🙏🏻
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Very true, Shivangi. We are fortunate and blessed to have such teachers.
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Wonderful to learn about those who hold the power of humility, values of inclusion, communicating with the simplicity of a child…
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Yes Georgia, we do come across some people who inspire us to be successful in life and remain humble. They’re worth remembering often.
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Such a teacher, we can say, was The last of the Mohicans. A great tribute indeed… খুব ভাল লাগল পড়ে… 🙂
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Yes, such committed teachers are now in memories. ধন্যবাদ।
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A man has to wear trousers to speak English 🙂 Bhalo Ingreji bolte hole shirt, pant coat porte hoye. bangla chotoder golpote erokom shunechi.
My father also studied in Raisana Bengali High School in New Delhi. Will ask him if he knows Shri Mitra. The dress code of dhuti, coat and cigar remind me of my grandfather’s pictures that I have seen. Heard they went to the office in tanga. Very different days those would have been.
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The life has changed a lot!
It’s great to know that your father is also an alumnus of RBHS. He must be knowing Robin sir then. Give my regards to your father … from one of his juniors. 🙂
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Nice post. ” To Sir, with love.”
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very good initiative sir ….pleased to know k people like you who are thankful to teachers still exist…beautifully explained..
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Thank you!
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Hello, this response is not about the above post. But about Robin Babu, the English teacher of Raisina School, on whom you wrote a piece in 2017. I bumped into the write-up only yesterday and quickly forwarded it to my classmates from Raisina. Our batch was 1965, which probably makes us a
generation senior to your batch. We all were ardent fans of Robin Babu. My classmates and I are curious about one thing. We were in the science section. And had the benefit of Robin Babu’s teaching from 1962, the year I joined the school in class XI, and 1965, our pass out year. None of us remembers Robin Babu ever teaching us Julius Caesar and several of the prose you mentioned. Maybe, these were taught in later years. Which brings me to the question — which batch are you from? I just want to add one more thing — my friends of long-standing and I had a wonderful time in Raisina. With best wishes.
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Thank you so much for your lovely comment and for sharing your cherished memories of Robin Babu and Raisina School! It’s truly heartwarming to connect with fellow Raisina alumni, especially from a senior batch like yours. The camaraderie and respect we share for our teachers and alma mater transcend generations, and it’s delightful to hear that you forwarded the write-up to your classmates.
To answer your question, I am from the batch of 1980. Our school has always been more than just an institution—it’s been a place where we built lasting friendships, created unforgettable memories, and were guided by extraordinary teachers like Robin Babu.
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