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Ms.RadhikaGahlaut

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hikaGahlaut

hikaGahlaut

What inspired you to become a teacher, and how did your early experiences contribute to this decision?

I began my career in the banking sector. But, I soon realized that the work left me feeling unfulfilled and empty. After a year, I took a sabbatical and travelled to Leh- Ladakh in order to figure out what I truly wanted to do. While there, I decided to take a teaching job in the then-terrorism-torn Kashmir (long story), simply to have something to occupy my time. The salary was minimal, but the happiness and fulfilment I experienced after being with those students got me hooked. I feel incredibly grateful to have found something that provides me with soul satisfaction. When I'm in the classroom, it feels like a form of meditation and I find it healing. For that period of time, I'm completely present in the moment - even though I teach history!

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Who were your favourite or most influential teachers when you were in high school?

It wasn't until college that I began to appreciate the value of teachers. I had the privilege of encountering two particularly magical ones.

The first was Ms. Koreth, my English teacher at Miranda House. I vividly recall how she had the ability to make time fly by effortlessly. One particular memory that stands out is when she analyzed a poem on a wall. It was a powerful piece that led to an inner reflection on how we close ourselves off from the world.

The second teacher who left an indelible impression on me was a French instructor whom I had the privilege of learning from for only two months, a quarter of a century ago. Despite the brief period, I still recall the basics of French thanks to her magical teaching methods.

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