Madhavpur, Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) 

I was posted to this school in 2009, and if there is one thing I have learnt it is thatthe way a child from a village respects, loves and honours a teacher is unmatched. I doubt if anyone in fancy private schools can say the same.

For me, each day is a learning experience as much as it is for my students. I have so many takeaways from them. Their resilience, their respect, their unconditional love. 

I had a visually challenged student called Pankaj. I held his hand and taught him to write his name first. I taught him to speak with confidence and clarity. And, organised a special educator to work with him. Today, he is studying at a college in Lucknow. And in all these years, he has not missed wishing me on even a single Teachers’ Day.

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Every year on September 5, he calls me just to tell me that he is where he is because of the interest and care I showed him in primary school. Children from rural areas have that fire in the belly and acknowledge the role of a teacher. They never forget their roots and their culture. I have learnt a lot about respect and love from them.