Paying it forward

“Paying it forward” has been central to most of my adult life. I am conscious and humbled by the fact that can never pay back - commercially or otherwise - my Guru’s (almighty has blessed me with a few). As a very small way of honouring these Guru’s, I have made a conscious call in my life to devote about 25% of my working time for Guiding / Mentoring / Teaching (GMT). I conduct this activity with the recognition that I cannot be anywhere near to their level of effectiveness.

Few days back, I was with one of my Guru - Shri Ramesh Lakshman. It was a catch up meeting with me continuously tracing various experiences with him which shaped not only my professional career but also my personal life. I was energized by the 90 minutes of exchange with him. I found him engaged and connected the same way I first met him way back in the year CE 2000. As I walked back from the meeting, I was filled with gratitude. Almighty blessed me with guiding me towards him in a phase of life where I still discovering myself. I had failed my CA final exams twice and struggling to make sense of what I could do with myself. Over the next 5 years, I discovered myself through his constant intervention and guidance. Its nearly 2.5 decades from that time and I still end up learning something from him whenever I interact with him.

I reached home that evening, received the following message from a student of a leading management school.

There are many milestones in a teacher’s life—completing a syllabus, seeing students perform well in exams, watching them grow into confident professionals. Yet, nothing quite compares to the moment when a student looks at you and says, “You are a good teacher.” That acknowledgment, simple as it may sound, carries a depth that years of experience cannot diminish.

Teaching is often a quiet profession. Much of the effort remains invisible: the hours spent preparing lessons, rethinking explanations, adjusting approaches for different learning styles, and worrying about whether a concept truly landed. Unlike many professions, feedback is not always immediate or measurable. Results unfold slowly, sometimes years later. When a student recognizes your role in their journey, it feels like a rare beam of light that validates all the unseen work.

What makes such acknowledgment especially meaningful is that it comes without obligation. Students are honest judges. They remember not only what you taught, but how you made them feel while learning. When they call you a good teacher, they are often appreciating more than academic instruction—they are acknowledging patience, encouragement, fairness, and belief. It is a recognition that you treated them as individuals, not just as roll numbers or grades.

For me, being acknowledged by a student is a reminder of the true purpose of teaching. It is not merely about delivering content, but about building confidence and curiosity. A good teacher does not aim to impress with knowledge, but to empower students to think independently. When a student recognizes this effort, it reinforces the idea that education is a shared journey rather than a one-sided transfer of information.

Such moments also bring humility. They remind me that teachers learn as much as students do. Every classroom interaction teaches us something—about communication, empathy, and adaptability. A student’s acknowledgment reflects a relationship built on mutual respect, where learning flows both ways. It reinforces the responsibility that comes with influence, urging teachers to remain sincere, grounded, and constantly improving.

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of being called a good teacher is its lasting impact. Long after lectures fade and textbooks change, that acknowledgment stays. It becomes a quiet source of motivation on difficult days, a reminder of why teaching matters. It strengthens the resolve to continue showing up with patience and purpose, even when the challenges seem overwhelming.

In the end, awards and titles may decorate a career, but a student’s genuine appreciation defines it. Being acknowledged as a good teacher by a student is not just a compliment—it is a confirmation that, in some small but meaningful way, you made a difference. And for a teacher, that difference is the greatest achievement of all.

I thank all students over the years who have engaged and interacted with me. I would also like to connect and know more about how life has evolved for you.