I often find myself ensnared by the echoes of the past, as if an elusive spirit from my childhood lingers around me—a kind, nostalgic presence. I am transported back to my school days, mingling with peers in the familiar surroundings. Yet, reality eventually pulls me back, and while I seldom remember my dreams, those I do recall are from my school years. The memory of that time seems more vivid and enchanting than it likely was, highlighting the beauty of nostalgia.
A school, or any educational institution, is fundamentally just a structure of concrete, painted in shades of white and red. It truly comes alive with the bustling activity of students guided by their teachers. Despite the myriad of events that occur within a school, the symbiotic relationship between students and teachers remains the most crucial, both inside and outside the classroom. Personally, I never enjoyed attending school just for the sake of classes. I relished learning new things and hearing historical tales, since I was naturally inclined toward academics, achieving above-average grades was never a challenge. However, my fondness for my school isn’t merely tied to academics.
I can still recall the distinct scent of my classroom, reminiscent of the petrichor that follows a rainstorm—a scent that evokes calmness, tranquillity, and the joy found in simple pleasures. Our school was expansive, with long distances between floors and to the canteen. Lunchtimes were particularly lively, with students eating in groups, sharing food, and sometimes even joining their teachers. I never felt a sense of belonging as profound as I did at my school, where teachers felt like family. As a student raised on the principles of discipline, respect, and punctuality, I owe much of who I am today to my teachers and the school I attended.
This isn’t just another Teacher’s Day tribute with anecdotes and praise. The truth is, teachers are perhaps the only figures in our lives who offer their knowledge and care selflessly, with no expectation other than our success. This selflessness might even place their role above that of our parents. While parents and teachers both play crucial roles, the nature of the teacher-student relationship is uniquely profound.
I must admit that much of my real-world learning has occurred outside the classroom, often in more comfortable settings. The dynamics change when teachers engage with students as friends rather than mere instructors. Unlike your formative years, you can now be candid with your teachers, seeking their insights freely. I have been fortunate to know a few such mentors who have imparted life-changing lessons, inspiring me to express my gratitude on this Teacher’s Day.
From the moment I joined the Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication, I knew the faculty here would support me beyond the college walls and into the future, as long as I remain eager to absorb their wisdom.
In my view, one of the greatest joys of being a teacher or mentor is witnessing a student’s successes and even their failures up close. While we might conceal our failures from our parents, we stand before our teachers with all our vulnerabilities exposed. There is no pretence; they understand us perhaps better than we understand ourselves. This depth of connection makes the teacher-student relationship truly unparalleled.
Of all the lessons I’ve learned from my teachers, one that has deeply influenced who I am and could serve as a measure of success is this: No effort, no matter how small, in pursuit of success is ever wasted, as long as it is achieved without taking away from someone else’s rightful place.