“A Mindful Savior Teacher – Katyayini Urs”

I believe that life is a continuous process of learning, unlearning, and relearning. In life’s chronicles, something new and adventurous happens every day. In 2002, I expected an eventful day at the NCC camp in Mysore University’s playground, but God had other plans. Lunch was served at about 12:30, and I avoided mine because I was on a ritual fast that day. When a student complained of stomach pains hours later, I advised her to drink plenty of water and relieve herself. However, after hearing similar complaints from other students, I became concerned. A boy cadet vomited at one point, and I was convinced that these children were suffering from a food allergy.

“I persuaded myself not to worry and enlisted the assistance of the bus driver who had taken us to the camp.“

I directed the school bus driver to transport every one of us to the hospital. I escorted the pupils to the bus and then raced to a neighboring hospital. Doctors as well as other staff members examined the students with the utmost care at the hospital, and it was determined that the students had food poisoning. Following that, I informed the school administration as well as the parents. I told them not to worry because the issue was under control. It wouldn’t be incorrect if I didn’t admit that I was frightened; I was operating on instinct, but if anything went wrong, I would be held accountable.

“God was on my side, and all 56 students were released after 48 hours of observation.”

Only after I had sent the students home did I breathe a sigh of relief. Back home, my family wondered how I could muster sufficient courage to transport students from the NCC camp to the hospital on my own. As you might expect, my response was, “What would I do if my biological child became food poisoned?” Yes, I’m not their mother, but I’ve mothered them with love, care, and compassion. I honestly worried about them. I didn’t do anything expecting to be thanked; I did it out of love and compassion.

My family was equally proud of me as they had always been, and praise and recognition quickly arrived at our door. The school administration couldn’t thank me enough; they gave me an award for my services and praised my calm demeanor and crisis management skills.

My spirits were elevated even more when students from those 56 parents thanked me and expressed their gratitude. I felt so pleased and at ease; perhaps the joy and satisfaction I felt cannot be articulated in words. I felt more confident, and my bravery was publicized in the papers and on television. It was a joyful and proud occasion.

This incident shaped me into a more responsible person. Nonetheless, I’m attempting to share my learning, unlearning, and relearning experiences. As a result, I learned to behave wisely and make difficult judgments in times of crisis. During the unlearning process, I prioritized humility and humanity over everything protocols. When students returned the favor by sending me cards, flowers, and chocolates. I had to rediscover what it was to be compassionate, caring, loving, and grateful. That was my experience at Jnana Ganga Vidyapeeta School in Mysore.