Teacher’s day – Offering gratitude

People celebrate too many occasions, sometimes “insignificant” or “meaningless,” that we glance at a particular day and not even pause to think about its relevance. Many times, we forget why a particular day is celebrated. It is just another day, except it is not.

My daughter made a presentation for teacher’s day today and she also did a dance performance in honour of her teachers. Her sincerity and love for her teachers reminded me about my teachers and how much I must remain indebted to them, and offer gratitude, at least in my heart.

We often take teachers’ work as something done in exchange for a salary and demand customer service from them. This American customer service-centric view of seeing things increases as you become a parent and demand that the school give you, the parent, that same respect and care as any other high profile organization.

But the agony of the matter is teachers are paid so little. Many of them are overqualified and underpaid. This is a grave injustice to the teaching profession.

Why would anyone try to work as a teacher when you can stay home and make more money with your investments? This is a valid question, but it misses the point. These teachers are not working in the education sector to make a quick buck. These teachers are working to ensure a bright future for our children.

I remember my elementary teachers many of whom I picture vividly even today in my mind’s eye. I can go back into the past, pull the file related to these teachers and experience the same moments in my mind.

Some walked confidently, some with little arrogance, and some were kind. But many of them had certain things in common: Passion for the subject, a kind word or gesture, and a presence that inspired me.

The best of these teachers have had a significant impact on my life.

I remember my principal, Madam G.S., who created the school I studied in with hard work and sweat. Madam G.S. ensured all of us had a Hindu, Indian-centric education at the core, with great patriotism and love for the country. This Indianized Hindu-centric education makes me who I am today, and for that, I remain fully indebted to the school principal.

I also remember my history teacher very fondly. Her name was Ms G. She shared the same name as the school principal. She had short hair, wore specs that showcased her nerdy history, and a walk that meant business. She was a no-nonsense, serious teacher who taught us all about world History and Indian history in such a way that I became fascinated by the subject.

The sole reason why I didn’t take the subject further was there was no History as an option in Grade 11 and 12 in the school that I studied. It was a bitter moment for me. But I attribute this love for historical fiction, ancient history and Indian history to this teacher who made me fall in love with the subject.

Even now, given any chance to read, I prefer history-related books. I also love motivation and self-help books, but history books give me a sharp dopamine kick. I fantasise about the past, which conveniently keeps me in my wonderland of fiction and history. The fact that I wrote a historical fiction novel could be attributed to teachers like her.

I will tell you more about my teachers in future blog posts, as I have a lot to talk about.

For now, I want to offer my love, gratitude and hugs to the teachers who have shaped me into who I am today.

Happy Teacher’s day 2024!

Love,

Sri Laxmi