Believe in the impossible

by Hrridaysh Deshpande

Today, the country is celebrating Teachers’ Day. It is a day that we celebrate the contributions of the teacher to the building of our society and nation.

As educators, we share a common vision: to inspire and nurture our young people, helping them grow into their best selves. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment that caters to the unique strengths, abilities, and passions of each student, enabling them to flourish and reach new heights. By equipping our students with the necessary tools, knowledge, and skills, we empower them to succeed in an rapidly changing world and become lifelong learners, equipped to adapt and thrive.

In the acclaimed play “A Man for All Seasons“, Thomas More counsels Richard Rich to abandon his political aspirations and embrace the noble calling of teaching. A powerful exchange in the play eloquently conveys the glory and fulfilment of a life devoted to education.

Teaching not only contains glory, but also enormous powers. To teach is to become immersed in ideas that are often at the heart of improving life and lives. Thanks to teachers inspiring students, we enjoy progress at its best. Who would have thought that we could fly coast to coast in a matter of hours? If a teacher had not planted the thought of this possibility, this may not have happened.

Cardinal John Henry Newman’s “The Idea of a University” beautifully captures the essence of ideas as beacons of light. Teachers have the unique opportunity to explore, share, and nurture these illuminating ideas, bringing light and vitality to ourselves and others. Regardless of age, ideas keep our minds young and curious. The true beauty of teaching lies in immersing ourselves in this endless world of ideas, where illumination and inspiration await.

Imparting education in today’s day and time has become complicated. Regulators set their own criteria as well, the managements has its own thoughts and the education leaders have their own views. In such a diverse set of directions, alignment is a challenge. Irrespective of it, what is most important is what happens in the classroom and with the students.

The learning goals you set for yourself and your students are equally important as are any  to any prescribed standards or outcomes mandated by authorities. It is vital that the teachers along with the students pursue these individualised goals, recognizing that they are essential to a meaningful and effective learning experience.

Oscar Wilde once said, we need to believe in the impossible and remove the improbable. It begins with a clear purpose and a strong sense of mission, inspiring us to envision and achieve the extraordinary. This clarity of direction enables us to prioritize actions and goals that align with our core value of empowering students to reach new heights and “do more.” By focusing on this central mission, we can drive meaningful progress and make a lasting impact.

We often overlook our own capacity to drive change and rely too heavily on others to propel us forward. It’s time to shift this mindset, recognizing that we hold the power to create momentum and make meaningful progress through our own actions.

I firmly believe that finding purpose in our work is essential. When we understand that our efforts extend beyond mere tasks and have the potential to positively impact others’ lives, that’s when we unlock our true potential. This realization should be the driving force behind everything we do, inspiring us to strive for excellence and make a meaningful difference.

Start a new story of great learning. Today. Go be amazing …