Sunday Series 2: When Experience Meets Expectations From The Heart
When Experience Meets Expectations
Stories We Don’t Talk About
Opening
Generation gap has always existed, but today it feels wider, sharper, and more complicated.
Earlier, grandparents filled that gap with stories, values, and gentle corrections. Today, most of that emotional space is taken over by screens and instant entertainment.
In this changed world, even classrooms are affected.
Advice, discipline, or genuine concern from senior teachers sometimes appears outdated to young learners. At the same time, young teachers with fresh energy and modern communication styles are celebrated quickly - even before time tests their depth.
This is not a blame story.
This is a reflection.
A quiet truth we rarely speak about.
And today, I am opening my heart.
Real Incidents
1. A Friend Who Chose Silence Over Insult
One of my closest friends, a senior and respected teacher in a reputed institute, spent decades shaping young minds. But near retirement, he faced repeated humiliation - only because he continued to correct behaviour and guide students with discipline.
His methods were questioned.
His integrity was doubted.
And slowly, his presence became “old-fashioned.”
Unable to bear the emotional burden, he resigned and moved to his village to heal. He disconnected from everyone - not out of anger, but out of pain. When his heart feels lighter, he may return to teaching. Until then, he has chosen silence as strength.
2. A Student Turned ‘Demo Celebrity’
Many years ago, a bright student of mine - excellent in communication and math - was showcased in a coaching class like a celebrity.
He was brought in well-dressed, introduced with excitement, and asked to take a demo lecture before a crowd.
The purpose was simple: attract enrolments using youthful charm.
After the session, he received token money and was taken away on a bike.
A talented young mind used more for impression than for education.
3. The Hospitality Illusion
In many private companies, young and attractive faces are placed at reception - not because of competence, but because clients feel more comfortable with them.
Experienced staff silently remain in the background.
This formula has quietly entered the education world too.
Parents look for packages, facilities, and “appeal” - often more than experience, concept clarity, or classroom wisdom.
Reflections
■ Experience is becoming invisible.
■ Youth is becoming a marketing tool.
■ Real learners want clarity, not glamour.
■ Both young and senior teachers have unique strengths, but the balance is slipping.
■ Education is shifting from a relationship-based model to a customer-based one.
Takeaways
● Concepts matter more than faces.
● Senior teachers deserve honour, not sidelining.
● Young teachers need mentoring, not instant stardom.
● Education must remain a bridge between generations, not a battlefield of expectations.
● Students grow best when energy and experience work together.
From the Desk of the Author
These thoughts come not from frustration, but from decades of watching classrooms change.
My intention is not to judge or generalise anyone.
I write this to remind us that teaching is not entertainment - it is a relationship built on patience, trust, and connection.
When we lose that, we lose the soul of education.
Disclaimer
The incidents shared are true but narrated with altered identities and complete respect for every individual involved.
The intention is never to hurt, blame, or accuse any institution, generation, or professional.
These reflections aim only to highlight the silent emotional challenges teachers face in today’s rapidly changing educational environment.
Question to Readers
Are we truly progressing in education, or are we drifting away from the human values that once made learning a beautiful experience?
Reflections on learning, life, and the silent truths of education.
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With heartfelt regards,
— Rakesh Kushwaha
An educator, a learner, and a storyteller straight from the heart
Education today may look progressive, but it is steadily losing its soul. Along with technological excess and exam pressure, dirty politics played by administrators for vested interests is killing the education system and its charm. Deserving teachers see no monetary gain or recognition, while benefits flow to those who butter up and support the wrong decisions of Principals. Flatterers thrive, ethics decline, and merit is sidelined. In such an environment, honesty feels costly and silence is rewarded. True progress in education demands ethical leadership that values integrity, fairness, and genuine contribution over favoritism and blind loyalty.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such an honest and thoughtful perspective.
DeleteWhat you’ve expressed reflects a concern many educators silently carry but rarely voice.
When ethics, merit, and integrity are overshadowed by convenience and favoritism, the true purpose of education suffers.
Real progress will come only when leadership nurtures fairness, respects sincere effort, and restores dignity to the teaching profession.
Your words add depth to this discussion and remind us why reflection is necessary.
💐
Thank you for this heartfelt reflection. As a teacher with over two decades of classroom experience, I deeply resonate with the balance between experience and youthful energy you described. Your stories remind us that real education is built on relationships, respect, and genuine guidance — not just surface appeal. We must value both seasoned wisdom and fresh enthusiasm so that students truly benefit. Well said!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your generous and thoughtful words.
DeleteComing from an educator with such rich classroom experience, this truly means a lot.
I completely agree - education flourishes when wisdom earned over time and youthful energy walk together with mutual respect.
When relationships and guidance remain at the center, students naturally benefit.
Grateful for your resonance and for adding strength to this reflection.
💐
Nowadays, people who possess authentic, genuine, and accurate knowledge often seem to lag behind on the ladder of success. On the other hand, individuals who actively publicize and boast about their skills—sometimes without strong theoretical understanding—tend to move ahead more quickly. I recently met a student who questioned the relevance of theory, saying that everything in the world is practical. Despite explaining the importance of theoretical foundations, he remained adamant. This reflects a shift in the mindset of the younger generation, where immediate application is valued more than depth of understanding.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such a meaningful observation.
DeleteThis shift toward immediate results and visible application is indeed becoming common, especially among younger learners.
While practicality is important, theory gives direction, depth, and the ability to adapt when situations change.
Without strong foundations, practice remains limited and fragile.
Your reflection beautifully highlights the need to balance understanding with application - something education must continue to nurture.
Your expressions are so apt and thought provoking. God bless you for taking this initiative to tell the hidden feelings of teachers. 🙏
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind and encouraging words.
DeleteIf these expressions could touch hidden feelings, then the purpose of writing is fulfilled.
Your blessings truly mean a lot. 🙏
True reflection. Well penned sir I hope these reflections reach every teacher who suffers and the blind management who backs the leaders who are not capable to retain real talent.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughtful reflection.
DeleteMany educators silently carry such experiences, and giving them a voice was the intention behind this piece.
Change takes time, but awareness and honest dialogue are the first steps toward creating healthier educational environments.
Your words add meaning to this reflection.