The Architect in Every Teacher.

As the movie completed on the screen, “The Mehta Boys”, One specific scene captured my attention. Amay Mehta, a young and rising architect keeps watching his creations and the existing structures present in the city of Mumbai. At last, he realizes and puts in his art, his beliefs, his skills and creates a masterpiece of architecture. Completing the movie and getting inspired by the amazing movie and its story, I went up for a walk over the Sabarmati riverfront. Imagining the place some 30-40 years back I could see the sharp contrast. Past old havelis have been beautifully replaced by new tech parks, but still there are many resemblances to the soul and life and reflection of what Ahmedabad’s true culture stands for. 

Walls hold up roofs, but ideas hold up civilizations.

The Craft of Building Dreams

When Queen Udayamati commissioned the Rani ki Vav stepwell in the 11th century, her architects created more than just a water reservoir. They designed a marvel that cooled its environs, supported Patan’s agriculture for centuries, and celebrated spirituality through the beautiful sculptures.

The Statue of Unity, a modern marvel, a dedication to Sardar Patel, composed of thousands of tons of steel and iron collected from farmers, designed to withstand severe storms and time itself.

In the classroom, teachers apply similar principles as architects do, but with a focus on nurturing young minds.

Chisel Vs Chalk

Just as architects survey the land, teachers assess their students' backgrounds and needs. Teachers integrate subjects like science and math with lessons on emotional well-being and environmental awareness.Every lesson is a seed planted in the fertile minds of students, intended to grow into solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.

In our past Indian history, the guru-shishya tradition exemplifies the profound impact of educators. Consider the legendary sage Chanakya and his disciple Chandragupta Maurya. The  strategic acumen of Chanakya founded an empire. The legacy of such educators extends beyond academic achievement; it fosters the growth of individuals who continue to influence the world significantly. In more recent times, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, not just a scientist but a teacher at heart, ignited young minds across the nation with dreams of innovation and service.

From the ancient academics at Takshashila to modern classrooms,teachers have the opportunity and responsibility to turn challenges into educational opportunities to create the legacy, a legacy that has the potential to bring change, inspire the future generation and motivate them. Can we teachers look beyond the textbooks and for at least 1-2 lectures a week and think of connecting the learnings to real life. May we use geometry to create a structure in the class which has beauty as well stability. May we use history lessons and create a think tank in the class finding solutions to different world problems. The aim is to make the students understand the beauty of each subject. It’s about inspiring students to build their own legacies. Just as architects leave behind towers of steel, Educators leave behind a vision in the minds of their students.Let this be a call to every educator to teach like the Vishwakarma of wisdom. Chisel curiosity. Reinforce resilience. Let your “syllabus” be the compass students carry long after they’ve left your desk.

You’re not teaching children. You’re drafting India’s future skyline