Shomie Das, a renowned figure in Indian education, passed away at 10:30 pm last night in a Hyderabad hospital. Das had been in a coma following brain surgery and ultimately succumbed to his injuries.

Shomie Das, an eminent figure in Indian education, has a distinguished academic and professional background. He graduated from St. Xavier’s College at the University of Calcutta and subsequently from the University of Cambridge. Early in his career, Das taught at Gordonstoun School, where his students included Prince Charles. He served as the principal of Mayo College from 1969 to 1974, before taking on the role of headmaster at the Lawrence School, Sanawar, a position he held until 1988. He then became the headmaster of The Doon School, where he left a significant mark on the educational landscape. His tenure in education was marked by a commitment to fostering curiosity, self-discovery, and critical thinking. Notably, Mr. Das’s grandfather, SR Das, was the founder of The Doon School, linking him to a deep legacy in educational excellence.

Shomie Das’s association with Naga Prasad Tumalla of People Combine led to the establishment of Oakridge International School, which was eventually acquired by Nord Anglia Education. Just two weeks ago, Mr. Das attended the launch of a book titled ‘Shomie Das – The Man Who Saw Tomorrow.’ Authored by Naga Tumalla, the book delves into how their collaboration founded a school that encourages students to think beyond traditional educational boundaries.

As we mourn the loss of Mr. Das, we celebrate the legacy of a visionary who viewed education as a transformational journey rather than a transactional process. His profound impact on education will continue to influence countless lives, instilling a passion for genuine learning. We are profoundly grateful for his commitment and the indelible mark he has left on Indian education. His presence will be missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Advertisement

Thank you, Mr. Shomie Das, for your unwavering dedication to the transformative power of education.

Let’s take a walk through a memory we all share. Picture a classroom from years ago—rows of desks filled with students, and at the front, a teacher, often feared, seldom questioned. The boundaries were clear, and so was the unspoken rule: the teacher was the ultimate authority. For many, respect wasn’t earned; it was demanded, and it was often respect cloaked in fear.

Now fast forward to today. Walk into a classroom and you might notice a shift, subtle yet profound. It’s not the same classroom anymore, and the role of the teacher has evolved. But here’s the catch: while education has progressed, our respect for the role of the teacher seems to have lagged behind. Today, on Teacher’s Day, it’s worth asking—why are the true nation-builders, the ones shaping our future, often undervalued and underpaid?

Perhaps the answer lies in how we’ve misunderstood what a teacher really is. For too long, society has viewed them merely as deliverers of information, bearers of authority. But teachers are so much more than that. They are the silent architects of our minds, the ones who help build the bridges between what we know and what we have yet to discover. Yet, somewhere along the way, we began to take this for granted.

The Shift from Fear to Friendship

Advertisement

There was a time when respect was born out of fear. Teachers ruled with a strict hand, their word was law, and questioning them was unthinkable. But was that true respect, or just submission disguised as respect? Today, we are seeing a new wave, where the teacher-student relationship needs to be redefined, not by fear but by mutual respect, communication, and, yes, even friendship.

But let’s be clear—friendship here doesn’t mean a blurring of boundaries. It doesn’t mean a loss of authority or a casualness that erases the lines of respect. Instead, it’s a different kind of connection. Teachers no longer stand on a pedestal looking down; they stand beside, guiding students through their own paths, understanding that each student’s journey is different.

Communication is key. It’s in the conversations where teachers take time to know their students, not just as learners but as individuals. It’s in the way they listen as much as they speak, creating an environment where students feel heard, valued, and respected. In turn, this earns the teacher a respect that is deeper and more lasting than the fear-based reverence of the past.

Why Do We Undervalue the Nation Builders?

Despite this evolution in the role of teachers, why does it feel like they are still fighting an uphill battle for recognition? In a world where education is hailed as the foundation of success, why are the people responsible for delivering that education often the ones most undervalued?

Advertisement

Part of the problem lies in how we measure success. Teachers don’t build skyscrapers, but they build the minds that will one day design them. They don’t operate on stock markets, but they shape the critical thinkers who will one day make important decisions. Their work is not tangible in the moment—it takes years, sometimes generations, to see the full impact of a teacher’s influence. And perhaps that’s why we forget.

We forget that every doctor, every scientist, every artist, and every leader was once a student sitting at a desk, shaped by a teacher’s encouragement or wisdom. And if we continue to undervalue teachers, we run the risk of weakening the very foundation upon which we build our future.

Redefining the Role, Rekindling Respect

So, how do we redefine this relationship? How do we remind ourselves, and society, of the immense value teachers bring? It starts with respect—respect that is not just expected, but earned through communication, understanding, and empathy.

Teachers need to be seen not just as authority figures but as mentors, guides, and facilitators of growth. This shift is already happening in many classrooms around the world, where teachers are creating spaces that are less about control and more about collaboration. They are empowering students to think for themselves, encouraging curiosity, and fostering a love for learning that will last long after the classroom doors have closed.

Advertisement

And in return, students are responding with a new kind of respect—one that comes from understanding that their teacher is not just there to lecture, but to guide, to support, and to inspire.

A Personal Yet Universal Connection

Whether you are 15 or 50, we’ve all had that one teacher. The one who went beyond the textbook, who saw something in us we didn’t see in ourselves. The one who stayed a little later after class to help, or who asked how we were doing when no one else did. That’s the power of a real teacher-student relationship, one that goes beyond authority and delves into mentorship.

On this Teacher’s Day, let’s redefine what it means to be a teacher. Let’s not just celebrate them, but value them in a way that goes beyond one day of appreciation. Let’s pay them what they’re worth, respect them for the role they play in our society, and recognise that the future of our world is, quite literally, in their hands.

Because the truth is, without teachers, there is no future. And that is something we can all understand, no matter our age.

Advertisement

Today is the Kargil Vijay Diwas, a day of victory for the Indian armed forces celebrating 25 years of victory in the Kargil War of 1999. This day represents pride and strength of the nation, as well as a reminder of the price that is paid in any armed conflict. While appreciating the courage and the efforts of our soldiers on this day, it is equally important to explain its importance to our children.

Understanding the wars of the past is essential for the younger generation. The Kargil War was a high-altitude conflict between India and Pakistan, fought in the treacherous terrain of the Kargil district in Jammu and Kashmir. Despite the harsh conditions and the strategic disadvantage, the Indian Army emerged victorious, reclaiming the occupied territories. This victory, achieved through immense bravery and sacrifice, is a testament to the indomitable spirit of our armed forces.

It is always good to celebrate victories in war as a sign of prowess, but it is equally important to pass this message to the young: War should always be the last solution. These depictions of bravery during the Kargil War should evoke feelings of respect and gratitude for those who sacrifice their lives to secure our freedom and security. However, it should also highlight the importance of peace and non-violence. India’s history is rich with examples of resolving conflicts through diplomacy and non-violence, a legacy of ahimsa championed by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi.

Schools play a pivotal role in shaping the perspectives of young minds. By incorporating lessons on the Kargil War and other significant historical conflicts, educators can instil a deeper appreciation for the freedom and security that we often take for granted. These lessons should not only be of triumphs in battle; they should also include the destruction and suffering that war entails. This way, students will be able to appreciate the efforts of the soldiers and have a deeper respect for the armed forces and their principles.

Advertisement

However, it is also important to complement these stories with the ones of peace and diplomatic victories. Explaining India’s policy of non-violence and the use of diplomacy in the conflict can help children learn about the benefits of living in harmony with others and the effectiveness of negotiations over fighting. This dual approach makes sure that while we are rejoicing and acknowledging our champions, we are also promoting peace and proper utilization of authority.

Therefore, Kargil Vijay Diwas is not only a day of victory and celebration but also a day when our children should be made aware of the bitter truth of war and the need for peace. In this way, we can raise a generation that appreciates freedom, honors the soldiers’ sacrifices, and aims at a society where people solve their problems with understanding and not violence.

Every year on July 10, people all over the world celebrate Nikola Tesla Day and think not only about the inventions of this great scientist but the core value of innovation and knowledge-seeking that Tesla embodies. His journey holds numerous lessons for modern education curriculum today.

Born on the tenth of July in the 1856 in Smiljan, Croatia, Nikola Tesla had an incredible curiosity from his early years. From a village boy to being among the most prominent inventors of all time, his story is an inspiring indication of the impact of creativity and hard work. Some of these include work done in alternating current systems, the invention of wireless communication, and early X-ray imaging to mention but a few. But what can we, as educators and stakeholders in the education sector, learn from the story of such an extraordinary person as Tesla?

Cultivating Curiosity and Imagination

Tesla’s success was driven by his boundless curiosity and vivid imagination. He often emphasized the importance of nurturing these traits, stating, “The gift of mental power comes from God, divine being, and if we concentrate our minds on that truth, we become in tune with this great power.” Encouraging students to question the world around them and imagine the possibilities beyond the obvious can foster a generation of innovative thinkers. Incorporating more open-ended projects and inquiry-based learning can help in this regard.

Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool

Tesla also had many failures and downfalls throughout his life, but he never let them stop him. He said “The present is theirs; the future, for which I really worked, is mine.” Such an attitude towards failure is something that every student needs to grasp as it is the key to success. The implementation of a curriculum that embraces the process rather than the product, and encourages learning, experimenting, and perceiving failure as a part of overcoming a challenge is effective.

Advertisement

Hands-On Learning and Experimentation

Tesla’s approach to learning was hands-on. He believed in experimenting and learning from practical experiences. Modern education systems can draw from this by integrating more laboratory work, maker spaces, and real-world problem-solving activities into the curriculum. Students should be encouraged to tinker, build, and experiment, thus applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

Tesla was involved in a variety of professions including electrical engineering, physics, and several others. This is evident in his method of integrating different fields of discipline to show the need for a balanced curriculum. The modern school curriculum should discourage compartmentalization of knowledge and encourage students to work across disciplines, with the ability to draw on different knowledge bases to create and solve multidisciplinary problems.

Learning as an Ongoing Process

Tesla never stopped learning. Being an inventive man, he was always learning and implementing new concepts and ventures till his last days. This shows that we need a philosophy of lifelong learning that is crucial in today’s ever-changing society. Challenge students to look at their education not as a quest that has an end goal, but a process that goes on for as long as one is alive. This can be supported by education through encouraging learners to pursue education on their own and offering them resources where they can continue learning beyond formal education.

Nikola Tesla is an inspiring example of the fact that it is possible to change the world by making education based on curiosity, perseverance, practice, and feedback. On the day dedicated to the great inventor Tesla, it is important to reflect on his life, work, and ideas, and, as educators, try to develop young people not only knowledge but dreams and ambitions that can change the world.

Advertisement

Children up to grade VI who secured a rank within the top 15 were exempted from sitting for the annual exam at the school I attended. My academic performance was below average, so I never missed writing the annual exam. During classes, I struggled to learn the notes by rote; instead, I found myself drawn to discussions and debates on the topics at hand. Unfortunately, the classroom environment rarely encouraged such interactions, with teachers predominantly delivering monologues rather than fostering open dialogue. I neither listened to the teacher’s dictation of the book nor dictated the book in my answer scripts. As a result, my academic performance suffered, and I became accustomed to being identified solely by my exam marks.

Reflecting on this, I realized I was a curious mind asking questions, but since I was not meritorious, I often felt overlooked and misunderstood by both peers and parents. However, these challenges ultimately sparked a curiosity within me that transcended boundaries of traditional education. I discovered my passion for human interaction, leading me to pursue social work and later psychology. I specialize in the intersection of psychology and social work. Along the way, I realized that economics partly determines people’s behaviour in social contexts, which expanded my interest to include economics and a bit of history to understand the origins of human societies. This varied perspective was a burden to me until I read “College – Pathways of Possibilities” by Saikat Majumdar. The author’s discourse on education liberated my mind and soul, changing the course of my life. Through reading, I have come to realize that from the very start of my educational journey, I have been fervently seeking knowledge. However, when the expectation was to solely acquire information and reproduce it for marks, I struggled.

The book acknowledges my distinctiveness and is likely to do so for any reader. It is only fair if children who are natural learners are seen as individual persons functioning collectively for knowledge, with knowledge made available collectively. The author poses a radical question to the colonial system of education that is worshiped: Can fundamental arts and science education, or fundamental education per se, be imagined accommodating every individual? This is a magical question to me! I met some students today with whom I closely work on a Psychology student magazine. I asked them, in twelve long years of their school education and one year into undergrad, were they seeking knowledge or information. Their time paused for seconds, their pupils dilated, they looked at each other and collectively said, “Information!” Isn’t this true for most of us? When school and college students are confined within this rigid system that is not eclectically inherited and approached but rather coaches them to consume volumes of information, the nation buries thinkers, engineers mediocrity, instils low self-worth, and compromises their mental health. For a populous nation like ours, the scene is tragic!

This tragic outcome can be contained by opening our minds to the philosophy of liberal education, a luminescence elucidated by the author. The framework of liberal education, as described in the book, is a distribution model where inter-related related and contra-related disciplines speak to one another, offering new perspectives. Essentially, it is a framework that is less framework. This model of education provides the foundational work that allows for choosing a well-thought-out specialization. Specialization here is not about mastering a discipline but achieving a disciplinary depth that enables critical thinking and problem-solving. After all, problems in real life do not come to us specialization-centric. Do they? Even if they seem so, the solutions are seldom specialization-centric.

Advertisement

To cite an example I recently came across, a renowned architect mentioned in an interview the gap between architectural academia and practice. He said that architectural engineers fail to consider the impact of climate change in their designs, thus missing out on addressing architectural dangers. The gap the architect mentions is indeed alarming, and this gap can begin to close right in the classroom by cultivating a contra-disciplinary understanding.

Liberal education can assert the emergence of true well-being, ending the rat race of firsts and seconds in educational institutions. I take this determinative stance for many reasons, coming from the perspective shift the book has driven me to acknowledge.

Knowledge! Do we acquire it, experience it, or create it? I believe knowledge is a culmination of all these. The author says there are two sides to knowledge: one is the consumption of knowledge, and the other is the production of new knowledge. We are trapped in a colonial system of education that attempts to train us to consume information, and the quantity of consumption is scored, possibly creating an uninspiring relationship with the subjects, as it did for me. Information in education is crucial, but information alone is not education; it is merely a component. Knowledge, which is education, is crucial for a life of sustenance and progress. Sadly, the colonial-influenced Indian education system is producing aspirants of information, facts, and data alone.

In a conversation with the author, he highlighted how even aspirants cracking the Indian competitive exams such as CAT, JEE, etc., focus on facts and figures but fall short on knowledge that connects them to the real world. They reach only a certain point in their careers and life overall, then lose themselves. These aspirants are supposedly the intelligent bunch, so what is the lacuna? This applies to anyone who is an active part of this education system. This broadens the vision to something primal. While information learned within a syllabus is vital, it alone does not suffice to thrive. After a certain stage, there is no syllabus handed over. It is knowledge seeking that drives the human race towards individual and collective development and well-being. How is knowledge seeking cultivated and nurtured from a young age?

The focus here shifts from the consumption of information to the consumption of knowledge. But how is this achieved? The author emphasizes the power of big-think questions in classrooms. When students studying any discipline are guided to ask and are asked big-think questions, they engage in the fundamental spirit and methodology of the discipline, as mentioned in the chapter “The Souls of Disciplines.” To quote an example from the book, history, at its heart, is a narrative of people, groups, communities, and places in time, beyond mere information about specific historical periods. Unfortunately, this spirit is often silenced under the maze of facts and information that constitute the body of the discipline, the author contends.

Advertisement

When education drives a student to understand the epistemic form of the discipline, she will navigate her life well with her knowledge alone, with stealth and sensitivity, without needing to rely on a syllabus for support. Life with education begins with understanding the epistemic form of one’s primary discipline of interest and extends to drawing attraction to other disciplines, either interdisciplinary or contra-disciplinary. Reading about contra-disciplinarity can leave anyone amused! Can one imagine literature and computer science communicating? The friendship between the abstraction of literature and the concreteness of computer science is disruptive, and the author calls for it for a deeper sense of knowledge. Consumed in this way, knowledge transitions into the production of new knowledge at all stages of consumption. This makes education increasingly interesting, sustaining, evolving, and useful.

What resonated with me most was the author’s perspective on teaching questions and research questions. According to the author, no question is directionless. A question that lacks a definitive answer but stimulates the mind, ignites curiosity, and encourages deeper exploration into a paradigm is a teaching question. Such questions foster openness to various perspectives, acceptance of experiences, assimilation, and the consumption of knowledge. On the other hand, the counterpart of consumption is the production of new knowledge rooted in research questions studied empirically, theoretically, conceptually, and empathetically. Research allows for a deep relationship with knowledge and the process of scientific inquiry to produce new knowledge grants one a real agency. This process of questioning, learning, and constructing knowledge cultivates critical thinking grounded in knowledge. In essence, both the consumption and production of knowledge occur through questioning. When knowledge naturally flows between consumption and production, who better than students and teachers can move in and out and back and forth? This affirms the truth that education involves lifelong consumption and production of knowledge.

The book also reflects the reality, empathizes with the plight, and identifies the aspirations of a teacher-researcher trapped in a college constrained by the Indian university system of college operations. As a professor caught between the desire to lead oneself and counterparts with knowledge and piles of files, reading the book broke the silence. Bringing change to this system requires individuals, institutions, and policies to unlearn and relearn, marking the onset of a liberal mindset for liberal education. However, it only takes openness to begin this change in my classroom.

To conclude and commence, I borrow the author’s words, “Whatever the how, here’s the now.”

Advertisement

Authored By-
Swathi Priya D,
Assistant Professor (Psychology),
Kumaraguru College of Liberal Arts and Science

In an unprecedented move to integrate Artificial Intelligence into the educational framework, Kerala is set to launch a comprehensive AI training programme for approximately 80,000 secondary school teachers. Scheduled to begin on May 2, this initiative, spearheaded by the Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE), aims to revolutionise teaching methodologies and learning outcomes across the state.

Empowering Teachers with AI Skills

The three-day training programme is designed to empower teachers from Classes 8 to 12 with essential AI skills, enhancing their pedagogical techniques and ensuring they are adept at utilising advanced technologies in their teaching practices. The focus is on summarisation techniques to simplify complex documents and generate concise summaries from PDFs, images, and videos, ensuring key information is retained and even creating new content using AI tools.

Innovative Training Modules

Advertisement

Further enriching the training curriculum, KITE has incorporated sessions on Prompt Engineering and Machine Learning, which will enable teachers to craft precise prompts that maximize the utility of AI tools. This hands-on approach not only enriches their understanding of AI mechanisms but also allows them to apply these skills practically in educational settings.

Additionally, the programme will introduce AI-driven assessment techniques, providing teachers with new methods for designing diverse question formats and optimizing the assessment process through customisable tables, graphs, and charts.

Master Trainers and Personalised Learning

Under the guidance of 180 Master Trainers who have undergone a comprehensive one-month AI training, the programme is set to deliver high-quality education and support to teachers. According to K Anvar Sadath, Chief Executive Officer of KITE, “This programme not only equips teachers with cutting-edge AI capabilities but also fosters a culture of responsible AI usage.”

The training also aims to personalize learning activities to cater to individual student needs and adapt resources to be inclusive for students with disabilities, ensuring a holistic and equitable educational environment.

Advertisement

Pioneering a Future-Ready Educator Workforce

This bold initiative by Kerala not only promises to transform the educational landscape within the state but also sets a stellar example for other states to follow. The integration of AI into teaching practices is not just a progressive step towards modernizing education but also essential in preparing a future-ready educator workforce.

By investing in such forward-thinking programmes, states can ensure that their educators are not left behind in the rapidly evolving technological world. The benefits of equipping teachers with AI skills extend beyond enhanced educational outcomes; they include fostering an environment of innovation and critical thinking, crucial in nurturing the next generation of thinkers and leaders.

Why Other States Should Follow Suit

The success of Kerala’s initiative could serve as a catalyst for national educational reform. Other states stand to benefit immensely from implementing similar training programmes, which would not only elevate the quality of education but also strengthen the infrastructure of learning by integrating technology and innovation.

Advertisement

As reported by India Today, Kerala’s AI training programme is a pioneering effort in the realm of educational technology in India, setting a benchmark for others to emulate. It underscores the state’s commitment to creating an educational system that is inclusive, innovative, and in tune with the needs of the digital age.

In conclusion, Kerala’s approach provides a scalable model of how technology and education can intersect to create impactful learning experiences. This initiative not only enhances the capabilities of current educators but also ensures that the educational sector can adapt and thrive in an increasingly digital future.

A little over a month ago papa passed away and as I sit down to reflect on the remarkable journey of my father, Dr. Jagdish Gandhi, I am overwhelmed with a sense of pride and admiration, and the need to share his extraordinary life.

Born in 1934 in the quaint village of Barsauli, nestled in the heart of Aligarh district, his story is a testament to the power of dedication, compassion, and unwavering determination to make a difference in the world.

I remember countless evenings spent with him, engrossed in discussions about education, peace-building, and the importance of serving others. His enthusiasm was infectious, and his dedication to his mission served as a constant source of motivation for me and my siblings. My father taught me the true meaning of leadership – as a responsibility to uplift and empower those around you, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Growing up under the influence of his uncle, a Gandhian freedom fighter, my father was instilled with values of simplicity, service, and social justice from a young age. His longing to meet Mahatma Gandhi was shattered when he fell to an assassin’s bullet in 1948, leaving behind a nation mourning and a young Jagdish grappling with the loss of his idol.

Advertisement

It was this loss that motivated him to become an agent of change in his own right. Inspired by Gandhi’s teachings on service and selflessness, he embarked on a journey of grassroots activism, mobilizing his peers to engage in community service projects aimed at uplifting the lives of those around them. His unwavering commitment earned him the endearing moniker of ‘Jagdish Gandhi’, a name that would become synonymous with his lifelong mission of service to humanity.

Despite the hardships he faced living in a temple and wearing humble attire, he pursued higher education and his tenure as the President of Lucknow University’s Students Union was a testament to his popularity and leadership qualities.

In 1959, he embarked on a new chapter of his life, founding City Montessori School in Lucknow alongside my mother, Bharti Agarwal. What began with just five students blossomed into an educational institution that today serves over 62,000 pupils, with the motto of ‘Jai Jagat’ echoing the principles of peace and unity that defined my father’s vision.

Driven by a fervent belief in the need for a world government to ensure global peace and prosperity, he ventured into politics, winning a seat as an Independent MLA in 1969. However, it was a journey fraught with disillusionment, as he realized that true change could not be achieved through partisan politics alone.

In 1974, during a conference on World Peace Through Education in London, my parents were introduced to the teachings of the Baha’i Faith, which emphasized the importance of unity, spirituality, and global governance. This encounter marked a turning point in my father’s life, leading him to renounce politics in favor of a more holistic approach to peace-building through education and interfaith dialogue.

Advertisement

Freed from the constraints of political ambition, my father devoted himself to the cause of peace education, pioneering initiatives such as international exchange programs and annual International Conferences of Chief Justices of the World to promote the rule of law on a global scale. His efforts were recognized with numerous awards and honorary doctorates, including the prestigious UNESCO Prize for Peace Education. But beyond the accolades and achievements lies a man of remarkable humility and integrity, whose life serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who aspire to make a difference in the world.

My father was so many things to so many people. To his children and grandchildren, he was a doting, loving and sacrificing father and grandfather; to his devoted wife, he was a considerate and protective husband; to his employees, he was a generous, just and empowering boss, instilling in them a sense of their own capacities, believing in them, giving them autonomy and agency and trusting them. To his critics, he was forgiving, charitable and munificent. He rarely disappointed anyone and never turned away any soul. He went to every wedding and family celebration he was invited to, from the humblest employee to the highest.

As his daughter, I am proud to carry forward his life’s work, knowing that his spirit lives on in the countless lives he touched and transformed. His example continues to inspire me to stand up for what is right, and to never lose sight of the power of love and compassion to create positive change in the world.

Let us all remember the profound impact that one individual can have on the world, and strive to emulate my father’s unwavering dedication to service, justice, and peace. May we be guided by his example, and may his legacy inspire generations to come.

Authored By: 
Professor Geeta Gandhi Kingdon,
Chair of ‘Education Economics and International Development’,
University College London

Advertisement

Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, Chair of ‘Education Economics and International Development’ at UCL Institute of Education, excels in the economics of education. Prior to this, she served as faculty at the Department of Economics, University of Oxford for 10 years. She advises global organizations like the World Bank and the EU, focusing on education aid in developing nations. Recognized for her impactful contributions, she received an Honorary Doctorate from Kingston University London. Notably, she manages the City Montessori School, Lucknow, the world’s largest school, recognized by UNESCO for peace education.

The scene opens in a cozy study, where a mother Nishi, sits on a couch reading the newspaper. Her son, Neil approaches with a questioning look on his face.

Neil: Ma, what does it mean to be a woman?

Nishi: [Sits up with a start and puts the newspaper aside] Well, that’s quite a question for a 6-year-old, Neil, but let me try to explain it in a way that you will understand.

Neil: Okay ma! Please tell me.

Advertisement

Nishi: Imagine you are a superhero and have this special power.

Neil: Like Spiderman and flying making webs all around?

Nishi: Well, something like that. Being a woman is like having the superpower of feeling. It means to be able to connect with people with the heart, without even touching.

Neil: Hmm, like when you know exactly what I want to eat when I return from school even though I do not ask you for it?

Nishi: Exactly so, my son. Together with that superpower, there is another added one. Do you want to know what that is?

Advertisement

Neil: What’s that?

Nishi: It is the infinite power of love. No matter what you do, a mother’s love for her child is always there, strong and 100 bags full.

Neil: Even when I went and pinched my little sister’s cheeks thinking it would make her happy?

Nishi: Yes, even then. Though it was a little difficult then for I had to show you the difference between what makes you happy and what makes the little one sad. You did take some time to understand that, and that my son is also a super power that we have. Keeping a balance when there are so many little things to be looked after. 

Neil: [Grinning sheepishly] So, being my Ma is really like being a superhero twice over?

Advertisement

Nishi: [Laughs] You could say that. What do you see I do not wear a cape, like spiderman does. I wear my heart on my sleeves?

Neil: Where is your heart? Which sleeve? Please can you show me that?

Nishi: [Pulling her son close to her in a tight hug] Can you hear the heart beat? Remember it beats for you and your sister and your father and all those whom you love.

Neil: That’s cool Ma. I can hear it loud and clear. Is Dad a superhero too?

Nishi: Absolutely! When he comes come ask him to hold you tight in his arms and you can hear his heart beat on his sleeves. Remember his heart too beats for you and all of us.

Advertisement

Neil: You have taught me something very important today, Ma.

Nishi: [With a smile] What would that be, my son?

Neil: We learn from whatever we do, wherever we are and whoever we are with.

Nishi: Why did you ever doubt that?

Neil: I am seeing it through my Spiderman lenses now and let me tell you what happened today in school, superhero.

Advertisement

Nishi: I am all ears.

Neil: I wore my costume and went on a rollercoaster ride. First, we went up and down with numbers, then I helped Rishi to take a wild turn with spellings and finally we all looped around with learning about earthworms and caterpillars!

Nishi: Sounds like a fantastic ride, spiderman. Did you overthrow any enemies today?

Neil: Oh yes Ma! I climbed the ‘Mount Fraction’ and spun the largest web around the ‘Spelling Summit’.

Nishi: That was amazing. Did you discover any treasures along the way, son?

Advertisement

Neil: Oh, yes! As I was looping around the library, I discovered the hidden gems of knowledge there and collected quite a few in my big, red sack.

Nishi: What did you learn from this exploration, my superhero?

Neil: Learning is such an adventure, ma! Perhaps it is the greatest adventure of all. Now that we are all superheroes with our hearts on our sleeves, we can be fearless inquirers, brave thinkers and open-minded travellers.

Nishi: I have no doubt you will, my little Spiderman, be ready for every new challenge that life throws at you.

Neil: [hugging his mother] With my superhero ma with me, learning is going to be one great adventure.

Advertisement

Nishi: Light out time! Off to bed, son.

When Nishi goes to her room a little later, she finds a little envelope tucked under her pillow. She opens it and finds some lines penned in a familiar handwriting, her husband’s. She looks around and finds him fast asleep, and does not disturb him. So quietly under the moonlit night she sits by herself and as the tears come welling up, she reads these heartfelt lines.

TO OUR SUPERHERO: MA

In the rich tapestry of time, she weaves her grace,

Advertisement

A woman, in every hue, a divine presence.

Her worth, not measured in gild or gleam,

But in the strength of her being, God’s beautiful dream.

In her lap, the universe finds its peace,

Advertisement

A reservoir of love for families.

With each role she pens and embraces,

A new story, a new character emerges.

A child is nurtured with utmost care,

Advertisement

With hope and joy, beyond compare.

A mother, a wife, a sister, her roles unending,

She paints a new picture, a melody, unrelenting.

Her wisdom, a treasure trove, ageless and wise,

Advertisement

A harbour for stormy seas, a rainbow in the skies.

She is the creator of dreams, a beacon of light,

Warm food for all, and a bedtime song for the night.

A woman transcends the bounds of time and space,

Advertisement

For she is a marvel of creation, in God’s own image. 

This story and poem is Authored By: 

Sudeshna Sengupta
Director- Academics,
Vedanya International School, Gurugram 

Advertisement

In the echoing halls of Indian broadcasting, the voice of Mr. Ameen Sayani resonated with a warmth that touched millions, uniting a diverse nation in the golden era of radio. Today, at the age of 91, as we bid farewell to this stalwart of the airwaves, his absence leaves a silence that is palpable and profound. Mr. Sayani was not merely a radio presenter; he was a cultural icon who personified the soul of India, a voice that became the soundtrack of our collective memory.

The voice of Mr. Ameen Sayani has been a familiar comfort in the homes of countless Indians, a testament to his incredible journey in broadcasting. He is best known for his work on “Binaca Geetmala”, a radio program that became a weekly ritual for listeners, showcasing the latest and greatest in Hindi film music. His distinctive voice and charming style turned the show into an institution, one that charted the musical landscape of India for years. His journey in the world of radio began at a young age, and his natural ease behind the microphone made him a household name. Through his programs, he didn’t just play songs; he wove tales around them, connecting with his audience on a personal level, making each listener feel as though they were a part of a larger Indian family.

Why should Mr. Sayani’s legacy be a part of our schools and colleges? It’s simple: he was a master storyteller and communicator, whose skills go beyond radio. He showed us the power of reaching out and touching hearts, of crafting stories that linger in the memory. These are the kinds of lessons that are vital for every student, no matter what they want to do in life.

Mr. Sayani’s voice brought people together, crossing barriers of region and language. His approach to communication is something we should all try to learn from – it’s about engaging with others, being culturally aware, and building a sense of community with our words.

His radio shows did more than entertain. They taught listeners how to listen to each other, to share in the joys and sorrows of others, reflecting the society of the time. As educators, we should aim to teach our students not just to be good at a job, but to be good people – and Mr. Sayani’s life and work offer rich lessons in this respect.

Advertisement

To include Mr. Sayani in our curriculum is to honor a man whose passion became the heartbeat of a nation. We should use his story to inspire students to find their own voices, to tell stories that matter, and to understand the incredible impact they can have on the world.

As we remember him, let’s bring the spirit of his work into our classrooms, so that the power of his voice continues to inspire future generations to make their own lasting impact.