Know Your Teacher: ‘Teaching has been my passion since childhood’

Establishing a positive relationship with your teacher is crucial for your academic success as a student. By taking the time to get to know your teacher better, you can cultivate a supportive and comfortable learning environment that promotes mutual respect and understanding. This can lead to a more fulfilling and effective educational experience for both you and your teacher.

Meet Vineet Kumar Dwivedi from Apeejay Svran Global School, 21-D in Faridabad who teaches Hindi and Sanskrit.  Dwivedi has been teaching Sanskrit for classes VI to X and Hindi for classes VIII, IX, and X since January 2020.

“After completing my studies up to class VIII in a private school in Jambusar, Uttar Pradesh, the family moved to Delhi and completed my class XII at a gurukul in Chattarpur. I did my graduation from Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha; which is now called Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit University and then went on to do my BEd. After that, I did my master’s in Sanskrit from the University of Delhi,” Dwivedi said.

Excerpts from an interview.

What made the teacher choose teaching as a profession?

I have always had an interest in teaching since my childhood. When I was in the hostel, I enjoyed teaching my juniors. For the teacher, teaching is a way of imparting good education to others. It doesn’t matter who we are teaching; it is all about imparting knowledge to others. And teaching is my passion. So much so, that I had even applied to do my PhD. Sadly, my name came up for Sanskrit literature instead of Sanskrit grammar. Hence, I decided to drop the idea of doing a PhD, for now, and began teaching at a private school.

How long have you been teaching?

I started my professional journey in 2011. My first job was at a school in Paschim Vihar. I taught there till January 2020, and the same month I shifted to Apeejay Svran Global School in Faridabad. And so far, it has been an amazing experience. I get to teach the two subjects that I love here. So, that is good. I get to work with very good colleagues in a great environment and that is the icing on the cake.

Why do Hindi and Sanskrit seem like difficult subjects to students?

One reason for this is that nowadays we mostly expose our children to an English-speaking environment. We speak to them in English at home and use English for most things. Even for small children, we use English words like ‘water’ instead of ‘paani’ and ‘love’ instead of ‘pyaar’. When we don’t provide a Hindi-speaking environment at home, the language that is used for everyday conversation becomes easier for them. From our homes to schools, Hindi should be used everywhere. Children cannot learn a language properly until they are familiar with the words.

What can be done to make it easier for them to learn these languages?

The teacher should tell the children there is a difference between spoken language and literary language, and that it is important to use formal language when they are writing answers. Teachers also need to help eliminate the myth associated with Hindi. Most students feel that there is no need for them to study this subject since they will ultimately go abroad and won’t need to know this language. But they are wrong. One should never give up on one’s culture and heritage. Look at any country in Europe. They may know English, but among themselves, they speak their country’s language – be it French, Dutch, or German.

Is there a lot of difference between spoken Hindi language and literary language?

Yes, there is. When we speak, we use words from other languages as well. It could be a mix of Hindi, English, and or even Urdu. But while at work, we have to use the official language correctly. However, children end up writing in the style of spoken language more. This is where they go wrong and during exams, this kind of language is unacceptable especially, when you go into higher classes.

Why did you choose Apeejay?

As is with every young man, I too wanted a government job. But then I came to know that there are some very good private schools as well that give teachers like myself the opportunity to teach in their esteemed schools. When I began my career, I started hearing the name Apeejay and how it provides a conducive learning environment to the students and an opportunity for the teachers to learn and grow. I love the structure of academic curricula in this education society. When I got the chance to shift here, I jumped at it.

What is the role of the teacher?

As teachers, we need to help students understand the value of learning. Since I teach Hindi, I must make it interesting for them. We can use interactive methods to teach. We can use teaching methods like storytelling and reciting poetry to help students learn and appreciate the language. It’s important to engage students in the learning process and make the subject interesting for them. When students feel connected to what they’re learning, they are more likely to be interested and enjoy the subject.

Should a student going in class IX take up Sanskrit as a second language or Hindi?

It boils down to personal preference. But, if a student has studied a language for three years, they may as well study that. Sanskrit is considered the mother of all languages. If a student has mastered Sanskrit, it will also improve their understanding of Hindi. Take my example. I have studied Sanskrit but I can teach and am teaching Hindi as well.