This section is dedicate to reconnecting with some of the people that have nurtured our lives and shaped our being, our teachers. Here, we interview some of the teachers that have retired from our alma mater and get to know a new and more personal side to them.

 

In this issue, we spoke with Mrs. Bharati Mehta, who was an integral part in the formation of the PGGS Alumni Assosciation and retired from school in 2022.

When did you start teaching? Which subjects do you teach? Until when were you part of the school?

I commenced my career as a Preschool teacher in 2001. I gradually moved on to teaching the Primary section and finally graduated to the Secondary section, where I taught Economics, Geography, English, and Environmental Education/Environmental Applications.
I was a part of P.G.Garodia School from 2001 to 2022.

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What is your educational background? What pushed you to take up teaching instead of any other career path you could have pursued with your qualifications?

I hold Master’s degree in Economics, Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies, B.Ed. (English & Economics), Diploma in Early Child care and Education and Post Graduate Diploma in Management of Education.
My passion for teaching and love for children, made me pursue this profession.

Why did you choose P. G. Garodia School?

P. G. Garodia school is one of the oldest and the most prestigious institution in the area. It was close to my residence and hence my first choice.

What was the first class you taught?

The first class I taught was Jr K.G. It was an overwhelming experience! I handled a class full of cranky toddlers. But I enjoyed with the little ones and would looked forward to meeting them every morning.

Throughout the years, there must have been several changes in the school, but I think what happened in the last two years must have been the most drastic and sudden. How did it impact you and your teaching style? 

Yes, COVID caused abrupt and profound changes around the world. The prolonged school closures disconnected us from students, but every cloud has a silver lining. It made us embrace technology and adopt a modern, blended approach to teaching.

We, teachers, showed our resilience and made the best out of the situation.

What do you remember most vividly in all your years of teaching?

There were so many beautiful memories. Golden Jubilee year was a special one. It was a year-long celebration. A special event during that year was the Marwadi week which had puppet shows, ghoomer dance, food fest, etc. I was fortunate to be a part of the celebrations.
I also remember our spectacular annual concerts, Garodia Cup and the list goes on.

 

You were also a part of the PGGS Alumni Association for a few years. What made you join? How was your experience working with past students?

A student's school journey does not end as they graduate from school. It is the beginning of a lifelong relationship with school.
I am proud to be a part of the founding team of the Alumni Association. It is a great way to stay connected to the institution that allowed me to grow and discover myself professionally.
I loved working with ex-students. Their persistent efforts helped the PGGS Alumni Association to grow. I have special memories of the events hosted by Alumni team at the golden jubilee celebrations and the Alumni Cricket match.

 

P. G. Garodia was a part of your life for several years. Now that you have moved on, how different is your day?

I spent the best years of my life in P.G.Garodia School. Twenty-two years later, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and explore the corporate side of education. I do miss the staff room, the noisy corridors, and the lively playground, but these memories shall linger forever in my heart!