From Our CorrespondentLUDHIANA, Dec 1 — They may have retired, but are still full of zest for life. About 30 odd former principals and lecturers of the Government College for Women (GCW), Ludhiana, meet religiously, once every month to discuss various issues relating to education and social welfare.
This group comprises three generations of teachers and taught, who have a special relationship with each other. There are some who retired over two decades ago, while the group is ever increasing with the inclusion of those retiring now and then.
“We revive old memories and share a close bond. We are closer to each other than with our family members. We share our sweet as well as bitter experiences”, says Ms Kartar Singh, president of the retired GCW Teachers Association, who is over 80 years old now.
The GCWTA is seriously concerned over the declining standards in education. “In our times there was quality of education and there were excellent and regular form of studies and overall personality development, which seems to be on a decline”, Ms Singh said.
Ever since its inception, nearly a decade ago, the association has undertaken a lot of social work.
“The association is open only to those who have served the Government College for Women for at least 15 years. The objective of the association is to combine pleasure with work and hold discussions on issues concerning society in general and education in particular”, disclosed Ms Swarn Garewal, who retired as principal, Government College, Gurdaspur. She disclosed that most of the work for charity was done through institutions like Red Cross and Rotary club.
This is a platform that helps us keep in touch with our teachers and students, all of whom have been on the staff of the GCW at one time or the other. “Even after retiring from work, this forum keeps us active, unlike others who go downhill after remaining idle at home. I feel as if my student life gets alive when we enjoy playing indoor games here. Eating and chatting all goes together”, said Ms Khushpal Kaur.
Ms Savitri Mitta, working as principal in a private college after retirement, says, “We discuss every topic under the sun, including the books we have recently read. We try to come up with ideas on a social cause. This get together makes us nostalgic and ponder over the past. We thoroughly enjoy every minute together”.
Known as the nightingale of the association, Ms Ajit Bhalla keeps the environment in the meeting light with her music.
“We all are still engrossed in some work or the other that that comes up after our meeting, thereby keeping us busy, says Ms Kultar Kapur, one of the founders of this association. Mrs Raj Dhillon, secretary of the association, says that the meeting is held by rotation in the homes of every member. This, she said, serves a dual purpose of meeting each other and getting to keep in touch with every member’s family.
Finding three generations of teachers and taught under one roof is truly a delightful experience.
