“Teaching does not pay”—this is the oft-repeated cliché of the aam janata. True, teaching remains one of the most poorly paid professions across the world. Perhaps that is why we seldom come across “teaching families,” unlike those of doctors, engineers, or the armed forces.

Yet, let me share one of the most beautiful moments that reminds me why teaching is worth every bit of it.

Flashback, 27 years ago.
A teacher-training college.

Scene 1: An examination hall. A 22-year-old, newly married candidate, sits before her paper—nervous, fumbling, unprepared, and overwhelmed.

Scene 2: The teacher who had set the paper grows irritated when the candidate asks questions that seem trivial. His annoyance brings the young woman to tears.

Scene 3: Another teacher—on invigilation duty—watches quietly, then walks up to the distressed candidate. She places a reassuring hand on her shoulder and whispers: “Do what you can. It is not the end of the world.”

Scene 4: Fast forward 27 years. September 7. A creative writing competition, semifinal round. The former candidate recognizes the invigilator and approaches her with a smile: “You may not remember that incident, but I have never forgotten it.”

Yes, you have guessed it. The invigilator was yours truly.

Moments like these are the true reward of teaching—priceless, enduring, and far beyond the pay cheque.

#BeyondPaychecks #TeachersMatter #PricelessMoments #Inspiration #LearningsWithDrKudva