'I would be lost without my students' - Nandini Sardesai

Do we really celebrate Teacher’s Day, or, has it, over time, been diluted to mere symbolism?

In India, Teacher’s day is celebrated today, September 5, marking the birth anniversary of the second President of India, academic philosopher Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan .

It’s a day that there are no classes in the school, when students ‘celebrate’ and honour their teachers.

Firstpost spoke to Nandini Sardesai, who, despite her retirement from a life teaching, continues as visting faculty in leading institutions, thanks to her love for the vocation. Ms. Sardesai is now a Visiting Professor at St.Xavier’s College, Jai Hind College and K.C.College.


This morning, Ms Sardesai received innumerable text messages and calls – from former students. Later in the day, she hopes, her current students will wish her.

Sardesai believes that being a good teacher is not dependent on which institute one teaches in or which village, town or city, but on a commitment to teaching. She wishes that management of institutes spent more time and resources on problems of teachers – which include damage to vocal chords caused by teaching, without the aid of a microphone, classes with 200 students, replacing the old blackboard and chalk with modern tools, and so on.

Is teaching a vocation she recommends to her 18 year old wards? Yes, and no, is the answer.

Listen to Sardesai on the importance of the day, on what government needs to do, on the rewards of being a teacher, and on teaching as a career option.