Gurushala

Stories of Indian Classrooms

A Profession full of all Professions: Story from Chhattisgarh

Bhagwati Thakur’s journey of landing in the teaching profession is quite interesting. As a child, she was more interested in starting her own business or going into the banking sector. Her father encouraged her to write the exam and surprisingly, she was amongst the toppers.This unexpected journey led to various turns and memorable experiences in her life. Initially, she took some time in order to settle in this profession but it was students’ curiosity that encouraged her to keep teaching to the best of her abilities. Bhagwati Thakur is a teacher from a district of Chhattisgarh who teaches class 4th and 6th.

Let’s know more about Ms. Thakur and her ideas on teaching

How has your experience been as a teacher?

After my few initial years as a teacher, I started enjoying the process so much that I used to keep talking with students even after my classes got over. Now, there is no field where my students are not engaged. I personally feel teaching is a profession which includes all the other professions, you can be a dancer when you are teaching them dance, you are a coach when you are teaching them any sport. Now, I am always excited to learn something new for myself as well as for my students. It's important for teachers to also be curious like their students.

I like to teach through a mix of methods such as the lecture method, by sharing images and videos, by giving group activities, making projects and much more. Now people know me as a ‘Navachari Shikshika’ which means a creative teacher. I always tell my students that it's easy to give an example but hard to become one. So, whatever you do set an example. Do something for your children or your students that you don't need anyone else's example. For me, my mother, my father and my teachers are my examples.

What is your best memory so far as a teacher?

Recently, there was a state level program ‘Angana mein Shiksha’ in which we need to set up a fair where educational activities are conducted. The main aim was to make their parents evaluate their children where I was the second "Nayika." Nayak and Nayika are the terms we use to encourage and it really boosts my confidence. After that many people started recognizing me.

How were you introduced to Gurushala?

We have a teacher group on Telegram. There I read about Gurushala. Firstly, I was so impressed by the name Gurushala for using the word "GURU" in this modern era and immediately after seeing the message, I joined it. After that I downloaded the app and learned to use it.

I like the videos especially when I watch them in Hindi. I really enjoy the webinars where teachers from all over the country are being connected and sharing their views. I specifically remember one where we were discussing whether boys and girls should be in one school or separate. The thing that attracts me the most about Gurushala is they always try to connect with their audience. I have joined many platforms like this but they never try to contact their users like this.

How has Gurushala helped you in your journey as a teacher?

Gurushala connects me with technology and I learn so many things on mobile. Their webinars really help and I attend all of them. On Teachers' Day, I attended their session and it was really informative.

What is your life motto as a teacher?

I have many mottos but here are a few I would like to share: "Whenever my students hear the word teacher, they remember me as an example or in any way. People know me or remember me by my name as well as my work. Whatever I do in my life I always feel that the self-satisfaction I get in teaching children is nowhere. I always feel as a teacher that whatever I learn it means nothing until I teach it to my children.”

How do you wish to bring change in society?

As a teacher, teaching is the only tool we can use to change society. I will try my best to teach as much as I can, not only to children but also to their mothers. I will speak wherever we are invited as a guest. I also believe in the saying, "Be the change you want to see in society." I always teach my children that self-satisfaction is very important in whatever you do. For teachers I will say academics are important but also teach your students the right values. If the student is very good in academics but if that is not showing in their behavior it means nothing.

Kudos to Ms. Thakur for undertaking and sharing an incredible journey of changing lives. It is often the most basic and fundamental things we do that bring most of the change. Read more articles under the category ‘Stories of Indian Classrooms’ to read about more such teachers.

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