Unlocking the doors to knowledge

1. My innings in Birla High School as a Geography teacher in the senior school was fulfilling to say the least. Not only did I teach Geography but was actively involved in co-curricular activities. Birla High School gave me many opportunities to better my teaching skills and learn new methods of teaching by critical thinking and technology, sending me to work shops, exchange programs, conferences etc. both within the city and elsewhere. They also gave me the opportunity to organise the Annual Days with big musical productions like the “The King and I”, “Treasure Island”, “The Pied Piper” etc. Over all, it was a great learning experience. Birla High School gives ample opportunities to teachers to enhance their skills as well as grow as an individual and a teacher.

2. I came to Birla High School in Class 11 to study Humanities. I was scared of not only shifting schools but starting a new discipline which was outside the logic of science and commerce. Remarkably, I found myself not only in the capable hands of benevolent teachers but the warmth of new friends. The labyrinthine building, with its endless corridors and hidden staircases became the site of some of my happiest memories. Even though High School is supposed to be a serious time, the teachers ( Rochita Ma'am, Indrani Ma'am, Rohan Sir and Piyali Ma'am ) ensured a right mix of play, humour and learning.

 I remember vividly the long band sessions with Shubhayan, as well as the after school hours which were spent in the nearby shops and walking down to Park Street. 

Two memories are equally precious: the German Exchange Program where Pallavi Ma'am accompanied us and we travelled to numerous cities like Cuxhaven and Berlin; and secondly, debating consecutively in two LN Birla Memorial Debates. 

I attribute this ability of a school to forge new families and communities to the incredible teachers and the capable leadership. They changed my life and trajectory.

3. I joined Birla High School in the 1980s and it was a pleasure imparting English as well as life lessons to the students of classes VI to XII for more than 3 decades. During my tenure,

I participated in workshops, seminars, conferences and training programmes organised by the school for both teachers and students .With the sea change in education the school took up the role of getting us computer literate and Tab classes were introduced. Teachers became Smart teachers with the use of Smart boards. To arouse awareness on health and hygiene, Waste management including E-waste programmes were seen to be organised by school. I was a witness to regular talks by dieticians, and anti-drug drives, all for good. Felicitation ceremony for the deserving candidates and Career counselling programme for the plus two sections were always looked forward to. At the same time I pride myself in being a part of International Students Teachers exchange programme which has become a mandatory part of school curriculum. The school also has been the venue for the CBSE Board Examinations Corrections (X, XII) where many of us have been working as head examiners. My journey at BHS has thus been a meaningful one as I was an indispensable part of all these programmes during my service years.

4. Birla High School has been home to me from kindergarten all the way to Grade 12, and I’ll always be grateful for the holistic learning it provided. The passionate teachers made sure to pique my interest in all subjects. Their emphasis on thinking outside the box has taught me the precision and creativity required to tackle complex future projects. Outside the classroom, I was involved in a range of activities—the student council, quizzing, debating, MUN, and community service. I also got the chance to attend exchange programs in Delhi, Ajmer, and Germany. These experiences are now showing their impact to me. The emphasis placed on scholastic, extra-curricular and social development at BHS have allowed me to fit into with any group or situation with ease. I shall always carry forward the values and experiences I gained at BHS—they have shaped who I am today.