As I sit back on my salon couch in Thane and think of 3rdeyetutor, a customized online tutoring platform, reflect on a quarter-century spent in the vibrant tapestry of education, a flood of memories washes over me, each thread woven into the intricate fabric of my career. The journey has been nothing short of a global odyssey, traversing different cultures, countries, institutions, and companies, leaving an indelible mark on my soul. Starting from the south of India- Mumbai- abroad, the classrooms I’ve stood in, the faces I’ve met, and the stories I’ve witnessed form a kaleidoscope of experiences that have shaped my understanding of the world.
How it started?
My journey began in a reputed college on 1997, in a quiet town, Vizak as a lecturer, where eager young teenagers college minds soaked up knowledge like sponges. I remember the palpable enthusiasm that filled the room, a contagious energy that fuelled my passion for teaching immediately after my Masters in Business Administration course in 1998. Those early years set the stage for what would become a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, as I embraced the diversity of thought and perspectives within those four walls.
Soon, the call of the unknown led me beyond borders, into the heart of different cultures and the embrace of unfamiliar landscapes. In Bostwana, cherry blossoms framed my view as I marvelled at the diligence and dedication of my students in a vocational college where I worked both as a lecturer and a center manager. Their commitment to excellence despite their earning struggles taught me the beauty of precision and the art of perseverance during hard times which let me sustain the COVID times. In India, the colours of Holi and Teachers day mirrored the vibrancy of the students’ spirits, their laughter echoing through the corridors of my memories.
Moving westward, the cobblestone and canal streets of Netherlands and France whispered stories of history and heritage. In Leiden, I encountered smaller students whose thirst for knowledge was matched only by their humility to learn. In Mongolia, they taught me that education is a reciprocal journey, where teachers and students walk hand in hand towards enlightenment. The dusty classrooms in Botswana echoed with the laughter of younger students hungry for education, their resilience in the face of adversity a testament to the transformative power of learning.
In the corporate classrooms of Datamatics and Citibank that I worked in Mumbai, I found a different kind of hunger – the hunger for success and winning the competition. Working with professionals from diverse backgrounds, I witnessed the fusion of theory and practice, where the application of knowledge became a bridge to innovation- the insurance, credit card and other sales. These experiences reinforced the idea that education is not confined to the walls of academia; it is a lifelong pursuit that shapes individuals and industries alike.
How it is going ahead
As the years rolled by, each institution, every private tuition which was a customized online tutoring platform, each company, and each student left an imprint on my heart. The bonds forged in those classrooms transcended the boundaries of time and geography. Being an introvert, I found joy in the successes of my students all the years, whether it was a shy student overcoming their fear of public speaking or a budding entrepreneur turning a dream into reality. These moments became the milestones of my career, the markers of a shared journey towards growth and enlightenment.
Attachments, both personal and professional, became the cornerstone of my narrative. The tearful goodbyes and the bittersweet farewells were tempered by the knowledge that every parting was a new beginning. My own growth mirrored the growth of my students, and together we embraced the ever-changing landscape of education.
In the tapestry of my memories, there are faces that linger, stories that resonate, and lessons that endure. They are carved deep in my daily memories that everyone -my colleague or subordinate or a senior- have done their work well, sometimes handheld, sometimes chided, many time enjoyed my company. There’s the story of a student from a developing country who found solace in my sessions, proving that education can be a sanctuary amidst chaos. Another tale unfolds of a collaborative project that transcended borders, where students from different continents came together to solve real-world problems through ISA projects as well as IAYP adventures, reminding us that education knows no boundaries.
As I navigate through the final chapters of my career, I am filled with gratitude for the privilege of being part of so many stories. The laughter of children, the earnestness of young minds, the resilience of colleagues and parents – each echo serves as a reminder that education is not just about transmitting knowledge but also about nurturing the human spirit.
In the ebb and flow of this educational odyssey, I’ve come to realize that the true essence of teaching lies in the relationships we build and the impact we leave behind. The memories may be tinged with nostalgia, but they are also a testament to the enduring power of education to shape, uplift, and connect us all in the grand tapestry of life.
I do not know whether this journey is an end here or it is still moving forward. But I know I am full of gratitude for the journey till now! Thanks to everyone who created these beautiful lasting memories in my ROM😊. Through these 25 years of journey, it was umpteen times that I felt helpless and chained and would pray to God that this shouldn’t happen to another teacher. My journey still continues with my new creation- www.3rdeyetutor.com, customized online tutoring platform, to explore the possibilities of being a social enterprise in order to help teachers- teachers who are looking for passive income, teachers who are unethically asked to quit, teachers who are taking care of homes, teachers who are retiring soon, teachers who are passionate, teachers who physically challenged and many more……..
Want to read more about it? Click here