Education, in a wider perspective, is not merely the accumulation of knowledge and information in various academic disciplines--though it is essential in order to earn one’s living and survive in an increasingly competitive world. In its holistic sense, education is a means of total development of a pupil—physical, intellectual and emotional development. Holistic education aims at the awakening of intelligence that leads one from knowledge to wisdom. Such an educated person has a great insight not only into the way human mind works but also into the ways of the world, and therefore is capable of living sanely in this seemingly insane world.
Taking a more pragmatic view, it is the function or role of education to keep society supplied with various kinds of skilled professionals needed for its smooth functioning, thereby contributing to the prosperity and stability of the nation. In the contemporary educational landscape, as a pupil graduates from the elementary level of schooling to the higher level of learning, the definition or scope of education increasingly narrows down to what could best be described as training rather than holistic education. I never lose sight of what Mark Twain once said, "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education." As an educator, I strive to strike a balance between teaching with a holistic and inter-disciplinary approach and teaching that is focused on specialized knowledge and skills relevant to the topic at hand--all in an engaging manner. I strongly believe that a teacher worth his or her salt is, first and foremost, a lifelong learner. While teaching, I not only impart the subject knowledge to my students but also help them gain a deeper insight into a given topic. As an educator, my emphasis is not on knowledge but cultivating in my students a sense of perspective, which goes a long way towards broadening their horizons. Beyond the academic realm, I try to impress upon my students that instead of merely feeling proud of their country and community they should do their country and community proud by their noble deeds and accomplishments.
I try my best to keep my students in good humour while facilitating learning in an animated class environment. No matter what teaching method or technique I am following at a given moment in class, I strive to nurture in them an intense abiding urge to learn anything with a conscientious approach without ever slipping into a state of complacency. While equipping them with valuable skills to enable them to earn their living one day, I try to ensure that they learn the art of living at the same time.
