I want to thank all my teachers who have made me who I am today as we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Day. It is not just my teachers at school but everyone who has taught me something in life such as Rajen uncle, my spiritual guide; Coach Robby, my karate teacher; and my mother who has been my teacher since birth. I would like to dedicate this blog to all the teachers and mothers around the world who go the extra mile and influence thousands of lives every day.

When we think of teachers, we often do not realize how challenging their jobs are, it surely does not end when school ends at 3:00 pm. Teachers and Mothers are working 24 by 7 as they own the growth of us children. From all the late-night emails I have received over the years, having spent numerous hours with them after school, and my teachers have always been available when I needed help. I have learnt that they are not just working but living their profession.

What would the world be without teachers and mothers? From our leaders to athletes, it is not the individuals that achieve anything, but it is the guidance and more so the belief of the teacher in the students what makes them who they are. If we look at history, most of the times the students are willing to give up somewhere in their life journey, but it is the determination and dedication of the teacher or a mother which makes the student move forward in life. There are many true stories we have all seen in movies such as Super 30, Hichki, and Yeh Ballet, where we witness the role of a teacher in our life. Similarly, in stories like the Blind Side, Saand Ki Aankh, Panga and The Liftboy the mother who guides the child. Teachers and mothers rarely get the credit they deserve but are the true secret behind one’s success.

I have rarely seen a teacher complain about their profession, but more often I witness a glow of pride on their face when anyone asks them of what they do or how their day was as they know that they made a difference in the life of their students each moment of the day. While most young children always would complain about how teachers or mothers never understood their point of view including myself when I was young. Now as I have grown, I know it is only my teachers and mother who has truly understood me and I could not be where I am today without the unconditional love, care and belief in me.

During these times we all have been presented with new opportunities which we have never experienced. Such as I have gotten more time to spend with my sister and got a chance outside of karate to help her with her studies and gain some firsthand experience as a teacher. I took on the task of teaching her math and grammar, and I am not sure if she learnt anything, but I am confident that I learnt the art of patience and taking a pause. I sometimes wondered during these times whether I am teaching her, or she is teaching me.

As I travel my journey forward to high school, I want to thank all my teachers and mother who have believed in me and has given me the love and care needed to be where I am today. And with that I would like to wish all the teachers a Happy Teachers Appreciation Day and for all the mothers who work hard every day a very Happy Mother’s Day.