Author’s Note: For the last few months, humanity’s thoughts have always been underscored by the all-pervading presence of the pandemic. This humble author is no different. I have struggled for the last few months to write because everything I want to write about seems to revolve around this. So I give up today and launch the CoviMusings series. Stories of humanity finding the new normal.

Until 2020, an education in a physical institution, surrounded by fellow students, intelligent and passionate teachers, and all the fun that comes with activities, events, contests and the like was something everyone of us took for granted. This was a minimum expectation of life, a given. We didn’t give it a second thought.

Well yes, parents ensured they enrolled their children in a place that they felt best met all their expectations and so on, there was no further thought given to the fact that we were lucky to even have schools, colleges and universities to physically go to.

Until 2020.

This year, a lot changed on a global scale like never before. One of those changes happened in education.

Students found themselves behind a computer screen, using a videoconferencing app of some sort, the entire physical experience of an education suddenly yanked away from under their feet.

Teachers found themselves having to adopt to a whole new normal that involved teaching to a screen while somehow trying to manage an entire class of children over a call.

The struggle is real. The challenges seem impossible. And yet, day after day, week after week, month after month – those with the responsibility of educating the next generation wherever they may be in the world have put every effort not to let up on the foundations of a sound education that go on to build character, impart life skills and strengthen a child’s abilities at a holistic level.

On the occasion of Teacher’s Day, I just want to thank everyone out there who in some way or the other is putting a firm foot forward to uphold the very values that a good education provides.

Whether you are a parent, a sibling, a work colleague or an educator – if you are keeping that thirst for knowledge alive through your efforts… take a bow and pat yourself on the back. Generations from now, you will be remembered as the warriors of 2020 who fought the battle to keep education alive. And won.