6th ainet international conference

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6

THE TRANSFORMATION

Throughout my significant career as a teacher, I had dealt with different kinds of students ‐- difficult, lazy, stubborn, naughty and disinterested ones. There were many students who were shut up tight inside themselves like boxes, yet they would open up, unfolding quite wonderfully, if only one was interested in them. I would empathize, appreciate and applaud before criticizing them. The positive impact was profound.

On one particular day, I was busy preparing my next day's schedule for school when my phone rang incessantly. Visibly disturbed, I attended the call. " Is this Ranjana madam?" The voice on the other end questioned. Taken aback, I paused for a second. My affirmation elated the caller." Madam, I am Gaurav, your ex-student." He started sharing his details to enable me to recognize him and was successful.

My 38 years long career dotted with some unforgettable moments were etched in my memory. After jogging my memory, my mind raced back to the classroom where Gaurav sat fifteen years ago. Gaurav held a treasured place in my heart. The story unfolded. Mine was a new job in a reputed school run by a famous industrial house. I was class teacher of class 8. I was confident that my previous experience would stand me in good stead.

My first day in school flagged off triumphantly. I was able to establish a rapport with my students. Next day I stepped into the classroom, full enthusiasm. When I called out the name of a student called Gaurav Patil, the class was abuzz. Students started whispering. I became curious. On quizzing, they spilled the beans.

Gaurav had failed twice in the same class. A rebellious student who had hurled all caution to the wind and had set his own rules for the school. An unpunctual student who attended school in civil dress as and when he wished to, at his own choicest hour. He dominated the class so students called him ' Gabbar Singh’. He had also spent a night with students of another co-educational school. Unimaginable at his age.

I braced up for Gaurav's entry. No one has a career free of challenges and obstacles. What if one could look at every obstacle that confronts him or her as a fabulous way to assess one's coping mechanisms, management skills, ingenuity, strength and resilience?

One fine day, post recess, I noticed a new boy in civil dress, sitting on the last bench. Students whispered in my ears that he was the infamous Gaurav Patil. I readied myself for the battle. I looked up at him. He wore a charming smile. He too might have come prepared to face the storm.  Our eyes met. Seconds of heavy silence. I buried my head in the sand. Brushing aside my fear, I responded with a smile. It seemed that both of us were measuring up each other.

I ignored his civil dress instead of uniform. My sixth sense told that Gaurav was expecting an admonition. I held my horses. I inwardly thanked my other students for appraising me of Gaurav's nature. I switched my attention to my class. I desired for a student with a good handwriting to write ‘the thought for the day’ on the noticeboard. Students instantaneously mentioned Gaurav’s name. Gaurav eagerly stood up. I chose him. He was the earliest to step into the classroom to write on the noticeboard and the routine continued. The responsibility made him punctual and he was in school uniform - the first step in his transformation. I didn't wait for the perfect moment. I took the moment and made it perfect.

Next was to appoint a class monitor. My eyes settled on Gaurav. His eyes spoke of willingness. Responsibility, duty, the feeling of power might change him. With this hope I entrusted him with the duty. Gaurav rewarded me with an ear-to-ear smile. The class too accepted him wholeheartedly. Students held him in awe. They were very cooperative with him. They too might have desired for his positive transformation.

Gaurav's transformation to an obedient, sincere and punctual student caught the attention of other teachers who had tutored him. They had neglected him out of disgust. Their astonishment vied with disbelief. The class worked in unison, a disciplined class. Gaurav eased my burden. My mind swelled with a lot of positive feelings- hope, admiration, acceptance and humility. Gaurav turned over a new leaf in his life.

One day Gaurav disclosed to his friends " This teacher has changed me for better." This must be the best gift for any teacher. Nothing can be more rewarding than this for a teacher. Each one has an ember, a potent fire hidden somewhere under the ashes. All that is needed is little exposure to air and the embers would be ignited, illuminated. Inspiration can do wonders.

A day came when I had to resign from my service for my health issues. A pall of gloom descended on the class room when I announced it. It was so sudden that students were dumbfounded. With a heavy heart I left the classroom.

Suddenly Gaurav dashed out of the classroom to meet me personally. He blurted out, " Are you leaving because of me?" I was stunned, an explicable sadness engulfed me. I hiccoughed back a tear. I felt that as a teacher, I have failed here, leaving Gaurav at a time when he needed me most. It may thwart his improvement. Both were drawn into a cobweb of emotions. Tears pearling down our cheeks. I placed my hands on his shoulders and said," No, my boy it's due to my personal problem." He felt relieved, a guilt which he would have carried throughout his life.

I beseeched him to remain good and build a decent career. I advised him, “It’s character that can cleave through adamantine walls of difficulties. Therefore, stand up, be strong. Take the whole responsibility on your own shoulders and know that you are the creator of your own destiny. Life is like a cricket field and yes, definitely you are the batsman, you are the only player of your life. It's on you to bat for a sixer or let the ball pass over you by not trying and wasting your time. Life will give you many opportunities. Stay there, try, and try until you achieve your target. Dare to dream big. Quitters never win and winners never quit." Overwhelmed, Gaurav promised wholeheartedly and took my phone number. Both of us parted on a heavy note.

Gaurav's voice jolted me back to the present moment. After 28 years I heard his voice. His established life brimming with peace and happiness, his chartered career brought forth immense joy in me. I was freed from the guilt of deserting him when he needed me the most. Gaurav made my day. It rekindled my belief in humanity and the confidence in luck.

" Adding wings to caterpillars does not create butterflies. It creates dysfunctional caterpillars. Butterflies are created through transformation.” - Stephanie Pace.

Ranjana Majumdar, a resident of Mumbai, India, has been in the teaching profession since the last 30 years. She has served as ‘Resource Person' for English at state level for teachers of English. She is an ex-Moderator for English of State Board HSC Examinations. She was the Editor of a well- known publishing house for the guidebook for XI std Textbook of English. She has presented ‘Academic Papers’ at State level as well as at the International Level of English Teachers Association. She is an active member of all India English Teachers Association (AINET) an associate of IATEFL, UK and also of Mumbai English Educators Team (MEET). She has presided over as a judge in various literary competitions at District and Ward level of Maharashtra. She is a recipient of ‘Best Teacher’ award, twice. She is a recipient of Indian Women Achievers Award 2020 in Literature category. She is a writer. Her 12 short stories have been published.  She is also a columnist in newspaper.

You can reach out to her at - Building No 3E, Flat No 406, Heritage Apt, Ganesh Gawade Rd, Mulund West, Mumbai. 400080

Mob No: 9969840343  |  Email id: majumdarranjana2@gmail.com

RANJANA MAJUMDAR

Teacher & Writer, Mumbai