At the convocation of Lucknow University, an emotional Singh remembered that when he was traveling to his hometown, he saw the "Maulvi sahab" holding a garland to welcome him.
But as a tribute to his teacher, who was particular about discipline, the minister garlanded the Maulvi sahab instead.
"When I was in primary school, a Maulvi sahab, who was our physical education teacher, used to cane students if they indulged in indiscipline. After the punishment, we would do the right thing.
"I got my vehicle stopped. The Maulvi sahab was holding a garland to welcome me ... I garlanded him instead, touched his feet and sought blessings. My teacher started crying and that made me emotional too," the minister said.
Singh asked university students not to their teachers and always "love and respect" them.