Well, today’s my last day at our Kendram for this academic year. My L1 students insisted on a group photo (I suspect they wanted proof their teacher actually existed 😀), and one of my L4 students surprised me with a piece of artwork as a thank you for my teaching. As a self-declared art enthusiast (read: I get emotional over stick figures), I was genuinely touched and made a beeline to the Kendram to pick it up.
Meeting my student and receiving the artwork gave me a much-needed shot of positivity—better than coffee! Honestly, moments like these feel like blessings from my dear Samskritamata. The picture and the words were spot on. If I ever needed a reminder of why I love teaching, this was it. (And as for my student, I see a masterpiece-filled future ahead for her—watch out, art world!)

My L1 students didn’t just want a group photo—they also surprised me with a gift I absolutely wasn’t expecting. I had planned to give that to my TA(since he was the one taking the class from March—God bless him. Honestly, I could write a whole post about how grateful I am to have him as my TA—no drama!) but the students beat me to it and insisted on giving him something themselves. Such kind-hearted souls!
Honestly, I’ve felt a bit guilty for not being able to teach them consistently since March(first in my 11 years of teaching), thanks to my voice issues and work commitments. That’s why I made it a point to visit them today and take a picture together.
My hope is that all of them continue their studies for the next two years and eventually register for L4—that would truly make my day! I love their enthusiasm, positivity, and genuine passion for Samskritam. Sending a big pranam from the bottom of my heart. I fervently pray that each of them carries Samskritam in their hearts and continues to flourish in life.

When leaving the Kendram, I ran into an L3 student who, fun fact, was once in my L2 class back in the wild days of COVID Zoom sessions. This student insisted that I teach them again next year. I told them I’ve already put in my wish to teach my current L4 students, but apparently, word gets around—because even people from L3 I barely know were asking me to teach! Honestly, that made me extra happy for two reasons: 1) people actually want to learn Samskritam, and 2) they actually want to learn it from me. Who knew?
I’m really hoping my throat heals soon so I can get back to my three-hour teaching marathons (with only minor tea breaks, I promise). But seriously, I’m just grateful to have made a difference in these students’ lives and to have inspired them to pick up Samskritam. If enthusiasm was contagious, this group would be a pandemic of positivity! :)

वन्दे संस्कृतमातरमित्युक्त्वा विरमामि। शुभमेव भूयात्।