Celebrating Educators

September 01, 2023

Dr Rosemin Belim
Principal, Pravara Central Public School, Pravaranagar, Loni

As an educator, I have had many delightful experiences. Days like the school annual day, Teachers’ Day and sports day are the best as our students’ hidden talents are exposed. The most memorable day for me is school reopening day. It is very refreshing to see kids new and old entering the campus of the school with hopes, dreams and excitement at the beginning of a new academic year. This day is a reminder to fulfil their expectations and do my duties with utmost dedication. There cannot really be a bad day in school. There may be experiences that are unpleasant. Crises like injuries to kids or any other medical emergency may be challenging but must be managed. At times, educators feel disheartened when their efforts are not appreciated.

Charu Nautiyal
Principal, Dunnes Institute, Colaba, Mumbai

As a career educator, I do not like the excessive, careless and unwanted use of technology by our students from a very early age. I am for the judicious use of technology where the teacher is firmly in the driving seat. Teaching must happen by the teacher where technology can provide assistance. If only it was so simple to replace the teacher, why was the world lamenting about online classes during COVID-19? The answer is simple. Teaching and learning are an emotional connection between two living humans. Only a teacher can hug and wipe the tears of a child, which a computer cannot do. Reciprocally, teaching is a source of joy and fulfilment for a teacher. I have had numerous pleasant experiences as a teacher. I feel thrilled when I get to learn from my students and when they tell me that my presence in their life’s journey has made a difference.

Mahenoor Asif Khan
Principal, Niyaz National School and Junior College, Bhiwandi

Teaching is all about transforming the lives of students with sincerity, compassion, dedication, patience and mercy. We as teachers witness some heartwarming and some disheartening experiences. A student of mine was diagnosed with learning disabilities. I became a mentor-cum-friend to the child and he displayed striking improvements in his academics. I was overwhelmed by the feeling of how I could uplift a child. This was the best experience for me as a teacher. Later, I was put off knowing that all my efforts were in vain as the parents of the child decided to change his school. It shattered my spirit and I was disheartened, yet I wish the child progresses and hope he is able to cope with his difficulties.

Ritu Chaudhry
Gopi Birla Memorial School, Mumbai

The beauty of being a teacher is that you are recognised and appreciated wherever you go. On one occasion when I was holidaying in Shimla, I heard my name being called out aloud, “Ritu Ma’am, Ritu Ma’am!” and I wondered to myself, “Who would know me here in Shimla?” A student came to meet me excitedly with her parents in tow, who were video-filming the scene. I was pleasantly surprised to see how happy they were to meet me. These are incidents that are very touching because children are so loving and we as teachers make a significant impact in their lives. On another occasion when I was transiting through Amsterdam, my student and her parents spotted me and came eagerly to meet me. We spent an entire hour together chatting while waiting for our connecting flights. To date when I meet my students and learn how well they are settled in life, it fills my heart with pride.

Anand Kumar Tripathi
Librarian, Sainik School Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh

Being a librarian gives me the opportunity to help students with a lot of things. The school library provides individuals with learning opportunities through multiple sources and builds their intellect. I work with the information centre of the school and we provide students with project material they need for a variety of purposes, from debates to speeches. As ours is a residential school, students are far from home. So, I feel it is my duty to help students in every way I can and give them the feeling of ‘home’. I feel happy when students engage in reading as it improves their vocabulary and boosts their knowledge.