Experiences: Happiness in Professional Life
By Vijaya Parthasarathy
Retired Teacher, Springdales School, New Delhi
I have been a teacher for 25 yrs in very reputed schools. I taught history to middle school and secondary classes. I was also the Supervisor for Class 8.The role was not only in academics but also to see to the parent teacher meetings, counseling students as and when required. I was involved in many activities of the school. I was in charge of the quiz clubs and the students have won in many of the inter-school quiz competitions including the Prestigious All Asia Bournvita Quiz Trophy. I was in charge of the UNESCO club of the school and participated in many of UNESCO education related activities. It was through this club that I represented India in the International Educators Conference held by the Japan Foundation in Tokyo. Again it was on the invite of the UNESCO club of Vietnam that I took a delegation of 10 students of Class 11 to Hanoi. As a member school of the International school to school exchange program, I took 6 students of the middle school to Melbourne for 3 weeks.
My involvement in all of school functioning aspects has made me very confident and forthcoming. Now in my retirement I involve myself in organizing some cultural events for the apartment I live in.
Introduction by Venkat
The ultimate aim of teaching is to bring a change in the way students think, in order to equip themselves better to solve problems for themselves and for a better world. Hence teaching is a noble profession by design and life transforming by execution. Those who hence carry this intent with responsibility reap the happiness of seeing their students groom, grow and become valuable humans on earth. Nothing can touch the heart better than the respect earned from those students. Mrs. Vijaya Parthasarathy is a living example of a teacher who has discharged this noble responsibility to the best in teaching tradition. In this article she recounts her beautiful experiences as a teacher and the happiness cherished from the deserved respect shown by her students even decades after they completed their school education. .
This is dedicated to all the school teachers in the world who can relate to Mrs Vijaya both in experience and fulfillment.
Experiences: Happiness in Professional Life
The purpose of life is to live, to taste experiences to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences
Eleanor Roosevelt
When we talk of experiences in our life we dwell on the joyous moments when we achieve happiness and contentment. I feel in every walk of life one has some happy experiences which remains a part of their lives. So memorable and full of rejoice that in later years we recall these experiences as a learning process.
I taught in a well known school in Delhi for 23 years. Each day in Springdales school, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi was a learning experience for me. I took up teaching at the age of 36 years after my two sons reached middle school. Joining a profession so late did not deter me from learning and achieving. I always loved teaching and the students gave me an identity.
Through my journey of teaching in Springdales I learnt so much from my students. The love respect and attachment the showed me made me give my best in teaching. Though I was the teacher, there were many times I was taught by my students. Their laughter, naughtiness, joy at everything around was so infectious. In fact it was through my students I learnt laughter is the best medicine to be in good health and spirit. Their innocence ready to accept, forget, forgive easily is to be admired and applauded. Even though I was a strict teacher within the classroom, expecting discipline and decorum, they accepted my dictums in their stride with no displeasure. My day began with their ‘Good Morning’, the good being a long musical one. That was enough to cheer me up for the day.
Their love and feeling for me would come to the forefront if I showed any signs of physical discomfort. Each one would suggest some impromptu medical advice. Some so hilarious that I would forget my discomfort and cheer up. I never had a dull moment in the 23 years I taught in school. In the twilight years of my life the joy I get is when many of my students send me messages on Teachers Day. Also I stay connected with my students thanks to Internet. It takes me back to my classroom.
Many students visit me whenever they come to Bangalore. Recently a student from US visited me 28 years after he left school. I have no words to express the joy and happiness I experienced. I wished the 6 hours he spent with me had not ended. Someone penned these word rightly.
The classroom is Sanctum Santorum
The students are the Gods
Teaching is a religion for the teacher
It is only because of students that we teachers stand tall with an identity in society.
By Vijaya Parthasarathy
Retired Teacher, Springdales School, New Delhi
As I would walk around with my Vijaya Chitti (aunt) in Janakpuri during my college years, we would invariably hear “Hello Maam!!” from Springdales students present and past. During the first 2 decades of our ed journey we cross paths with many many teachers – we remember the good ones fondly. For me she is Chitti (irrespective of profession), but for the many students who stopped to greet her, she was a teacher to be remembered fondly.
WoW😍, beautifully written. True that students steal the teachers heart and it is fulfilment per se.
As a God Mother, she was instrumental in mentoring me during my stay in Janakpuri in my early years. I remember her simultaneously stiching and teaching me lessons. She is such a strong personality spreading positivity without we consious of it. A big salute ro her. I know that she is still active involved in multiple philonthrpic activities and again humble pranams.
Reading your experience as a teacher, kindles nostalgic moments for me too. Knowing the person you are, it is not surprising that your students adore n respect you till today. Being around with children brings out the child in you n the fact your boisterous and fun loving ways shows how much you must have enjoyed being a teacher.
Teaching is the noblest of all profession as it the source of creation of other professions. Ours is a land of guru parampara n we have been taught to have high regards for our teachers.
Mrs vijaya parthasarthy has commanded that respect n regard from her students and earned the name of being the most favorite teacher too.
Wish you all the best in your future activities !
Padmamala
Very inspiring, well written and meaningful article written by my friend Vijaya. Being myself a teacher and having taught in various schools in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Saudi Arabia, I can relate very well with the spirit and content of the article.
Vijaya’s article reflects her deep involvement in the profession and commitment towards the students. Needless to say that her students are a lucky lot, I too consider myself blessed to have her as my close friend and neighbor.
Such a sweet, heartfelt note aunty. Your positive attitude, magnetic personality and willingness to listen are what keep you surrounded by people who respect and adore you. I’m sure this is the reason so many of your past students are still in touch with you.
I am so happy that you are with us now! 💕
Mrs. Vijaya Parthasarathy’s narration of her life experiences as a teacher gives me nostalgic memories of my own school days when we looked up to our class teacher as a role model to emulate. Next to our parents, our teachers give us knowledge, guidance, direction, encouragement and appreciation. Like the phrase goes mata, pita, guru, daivam”.
Mrs. Parthasarathy’s lucid writing style is beautiful and motivating. I am truly inspired by her sense of determination and hard work. Her rich professional experience as a teacher has had a positive influence and enriched her student’s lives. To be able to impact a young person’s life is no mean achievement and the profound satisfaction with which Mrs. Parthasarathy relates her bond with her students after so many years is testimony to her sincere efforts to fulfill her responsibility towards her students with passion and dedication.
Having known Mrs. Vijaya Parthasarathy personally for the past several years, she is a true example of a person with a lot of energy and drive. A go-getter and achiever with effortless conversational skills. She leads from the front and is tremendously involved in the activities of our community . She can break the ice with a joke at any party or meeting. An extrovert in the true sense. A great friend and a loving neighbour. Thank you Ma’am.