A Teachers Journey Shankaramma’s 36 Years in the Classroom

It was Independence Day when Shankaramma, now a retired teacher, sat down to reflect on her life in the classroom. With a gentle smile, she described her career in just three words—“a beautiful dream.”

That dream began more than three decades ago in the quiet village of Mavinahalli in Gubbi Taluk. The school was small, the classrooms modest, but the moment she stepped inside, she was greeted with the bright faces of children whose joy touched her heart forever.

In those early days, sending children to school was not every parent’s priority. But Shankaramma believed education could change lives, and she carried that belief into every doorstep conversation. Her persistence paid off—within just a year and a half, student enrollment rose from 18 to 48. Each new child walking into the classroom felt to her like a victory for the whole community.

Lessons Beyond Books

Over the years, Shankaramma witnessed the changing nature of childhood. “Today’s children are more hyperactive,” she observed, attributing it to the overuse of mobile phones and the loss of free playtime. Parents, she noted, often send children to tuition classes immediately after school, leaving little room for games, friendships, or simply being children. Her words carry a quiet reminder—that education is not only about learning lessons but also about living a balanced childhood.

Pride in Every Student

Across 36 years, Shankaramma guided and inspired thousands of students. Each success story—big or small—filled her with pride. For her, every child who overcame struggles and found their path was a personal achievement. To her, teaching was never about producing toppers alone, but about nurturing confidence, values, and resilience in every student who came her way.

A Message for Tomorrow’s Teachers

As she reflects on her career, Shankaramma’s advice to aspiring teachers is clear and heartfelt:

• Be knowledgeable. A teacher must know their subject deeply.

• Be patient. Every child learns at their own pace.

• Be adaptable. Teaching is not about rushing through a syllabus, but about finding ways to spark curiosity.

“Teaching,” she says softly, “is not just about finishing lessons. It is about understanding how children learn, and helping them discover the joy of learning.”