The teacher is someone who can teach you something; something that you lack or something that needs polishing. I believe there is something to learn from everyone. After all, as humans, the one thing that differentiates us from animals is that we can articulate. We understand the difference between good and bad.

In my journey as a journalist, blogger, writer and mom I have met a lot of people. Everyone has an inspiring story to tell and everyone is doing his bit, hence there is something to learn from everyone. This Teachers Day I will list down a few such stories that made a big impression on me.

teachers day stories

Paralympic Player

This was one of my first independent interviews as a journalist. Way back in 2006, there was hardly any news of sports, except cricket. Paralympic players were nowhere on the scene back then. A chance meeting with a friend got me this story and I decided to interview him. The player was an ex-army soldier who had lost his legs in action.

After interviewing him, I learned about determination. He was a young lad, who lost both his legs and had to undergo really long physiotherapy and rehabilitation process. In his own words, it was depressing and scary yet he found his joy in sports and decided to do something about it. After 3 grueling years, he was ready and had participated in Paralympics, winning a medal for our country.

Cerebral Palsy patient

This man taught me the meaning of persistence. Affected by cerebral palsy as a child, he did not give up. He continued learning with the only goal of being independent. A fiercely independent guy, he tried different odd jobs till he found his calling. He is a mobile shop owner who sells all devotional needs door-to-door. Apart from taking care of his mother, he participates and willingly supports all national disaster help calls.

A writer who discovered herself at the age of 55

She was a regular homemaker till the age of 50. That does not mean she didn’t have hobbies, she simply didn’t have the time to pursue them. Once her nest was empty, she focused on her hobbies which were singing and writing. She found a new world opening up for her and her writing was highly appreciated. She became a published author at the age of 55 and a proud grandmother who translates Sanskrit shlokas into simple language for small children to understand.

I learnt that age is just a number. You can learn anything that you set your heart on at any age.

A gynac working selflessly

She is a popular gynac in a small town. Both husband and wife were doctors, however, she lost her husband in a tragic accident. Raising two kids as a single mother, she managed her house and profession well. After her kids were settled, she decided to use her experience for the greater good. At an age when most people prefer to retire or take things slow, she traveled to war-ravaged countries and helped women there with gynac and medical care for free. She taught me that your knowledge never goes to waste. Always try using your knowledge for the greater good.

These are real-life people that I have met over the years. These people taught me something that no book could teach hence I would like to pay a tribute to them this Teachers Day.

25 Replies to “Teachers for Life #TeachersDay”

  1. We learn Many things from the people we come across. Enjoyed the article, interviewing great personalities and listening Thier experience and learning from them is great.

  2. This is so motivating and inspiring. The way u learned so mny things from them evn i learn alot by reading anout them. Definitely we learn so much from Othrs. Loved reading it. They etr true teachers

  3. My wife is a teacher. One can learn so much from her as a person also. I feel the best teachers are not the ones who teach us education but the ones who teach from life experiences. I feel the love we received from our teachers throughout our formative years, we owe it to them.

  4. If we pay close attention, we meet several people who come into our lives and each us something valuable. It is up to us how much we learn from them.

  5. Life is a great teacher. The different people that we meet in our life, have a lesson for us to learn. Learning is a continuous process, and for those with humility, learning can come from anywhere.

  6. That’s such an inspiring post. We meet many people in our life and each of them, even the kids teach us something.

  7. There are so many inspiring stories of survival and hope if we look around us. Loved this post. The determination with which these people carried on with their lives is commendable.

  8. This is so inspiring to know that she rediscovered herself at 55, she is truly a rare inspiration. and what a great way to dedicate the teacher’s day. Great post Neha.

  9. I loved reading this inspiring post. Such people not only carve a successful path for themselves but also encourage others to stretch their limits.

  10. Reading this post filled me with so much of motivation. Determination and never say die attitude are virtues for life and one should have them.

  11. Wow love each one of these stories, especially of the person having the hobbies even after 50. Beautifully written each one of them and yes life is surely a wonderful teacher.

  12. There is so much to learn when you look around. You rightly said every person is unique and have one quality that we can learn and thanks for sharing such inspiring stories of people who are doing so great. lets be a life long learners.

  13. Teachers always play an important role in shaping our life. I loved this tribute and salute to every teacher who is building a strong human being.

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