I Am A Teacher!!!
When I trace the origin of Indian Education from the Gurukul system to the 21stCentury schooling system, I see an almost full circle. The Gurukul system was a place of personalized mentorship, with students living there learning scriptures in Sanskrit and classical languages .As we moved to the Colonial era , the focus shifted to mass education to be ready for jobs. This was the Information Age. We continued preparing students for the future in the modern times. More of technology and other teaching aids were used for a little more personalized education. Stepping into the 21st C, we are giving more opportunities in our schools for global citizenry, personalized education, skill-set training with emphasis on mother-tongue and Indian languages in the early years. With the NEP, learning work-oriented skills will set pace for a more defined learning path.
The purpose of Education has however, not changed. It has and will always beto develop human potential to its fullest. We are a witness today for what we achieved in the last five months. It made us stronger, more self-reliant, more resilient and more reflective. We have come across people doing extraordinary things in very ordinary environments. The transition we have made in our lives in a matter of days is amazing, considering that man takes time to rework on his habits.
So, what has changed? Social interactions have been moved to remote interactions. Our working styles have changed with the Work from Home (WFH) concept. While the Internet usage has increased drastically, family time has increased too with evenings spent with entertainment on Netflix, Amazon prime. Our priorities have changed with basic necessities being the most important. As a society, we have become more health conscious and environmentally aware. Most significant change has been in the Education Space. We have transitioned from a physical set up to remote onboarding, from linear education to non –linear education and from structured activities to more liberal education.
This is the story of a simple teacher who works her way through during challenging times …with a smile and hope for every student. “In March 2020, I entered the world of technology as a blank slate. I began to scribble. With training, I no longer felt burdened. In fact, it was fun competing with the strongest. I began to design my lessons more creatively. I reached out to every child in my class. The toothless smiles of my very special children encouraged me further. Itmattered to me that I keep myself so healthy that I don’t miss a day at school. I am not frightened by technology any more. I am convinced that technology is nothing without me.They are only tools .I am here to make my students think critically , communicate effectively and question the purpose of knowledge .I have brought the local flavor in Education through Art , craft ,poetry , music and sports have taught my children to respect themselves and others.I havefun doing what I love doing –teaching. My purpose is not to bring out the best marks but the best of human potential. “
Every teacher has a different tale to tell. Some story will find a place in your mind thatwill inspire you to become a teacher.I am one such teacher.
Mrs Revathi Srinivasan,
Director,Education and Principal,
Smt Sulochana Devi Singhania School