True meaning of education - as per Vidya Bharati alumni and Professor, Sri Piyush Upadhyay

Since ancient times India had always held the prestigious position of educational hub in the world and continues to be so till date. This is because of the high respect that is given by Indian citizens and the dedicated teachers that provide high quality education from the primary level to the higher education.

In an interview with Sri Piyush Upadhyay, professor of Jubali Sanskrit College Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, he talked about his passion for teaching.

Interviewer: Can you share with us your academic and professional journey so far?

Mr.  Upadhyay: I was fortunate enough to study under the umbrella of Vidya Bharati schools till my standard 10th board examinations. My first school was Saraswati Shishu Mandir Bairiya Ballia, where I studied till the 5th standard. Then I shifted to Nagaji Saraswati Shishu Mandir Math Nagaji Bhrigu Ashram Ballia, where I had studied from 6 to 10th standard. My graduation and post graduation was from Satish Chandra College. Later I did M.B.A from Nagpur University,Maharashtra

After completing my education I travelled extensively. Presently I am working as a professor in the department of Sociology.

Interviewer: What made you take up teaching as a profession? And what according to you are the qualities of a good teacher?

Mr. Upadhyay: Same reason a lot of my teacher peers will state, that is the satisfaction that the profession provides. 

In my profession, I have come across students who study just to pass and get good grades, but that is not the true meaning of education, so I give a lot of case studies in my subject and encourage students to mix with people from different backgrounds and strata, so that they gain practical understanding and knowledge.

As for the qualities of a good teacher, I hold the opinion that he/ she must not only impart bookish knowledge but provide valuable experiences to the students which will help them in their future. A good teacher should be able to draw and hold the attention of the students and help them develop a love for learning - a thirst for knowledge.

Interviewer: How was your experience at your school?

Mr. Upadhyay: Schools are important towards the development of students and positive experiences at that point of time can help to develop a well rounded personality. One of the most important qualities in my life is ‘decipine’ and I had learned it from my school. I will be ever grateful to my teachers for their selfless guidance and encouraging us to think beyond boundaries.

Vidya Bharati thanks Sri Piyush Upadhyay for sharing his thoughts with the community.

If you are a Vidya Bharati alumni and would like to share your experiences and achievements as well, please email us your contact details to info@vidyabharatialumni.org  and we will contact you back.