Meet Mrs Lipika Kale: 39 Years. Countless Lives. One Enduring Legacy at CMS

 

I am Lipika Kale, and I have served City Montessori School, Aliganj Campus I, for close to four decades. I joined in 1987 under the dynamic Principal, Mrs Gauri Khanna, who has truly been a motivating factor in my life.

I joined CMS just after completing my graduation (B.Sc.), and was immediately appointed as the class teacher of Nursery grade. Working as a pre-school educator, I completed my Master’s degree and professional course, that is B.Ed.

As you can imagine, it has been a long journey, full of experiences of various kinds and very good memories. I have always been very attached to my students. Though I was often known as a strict teacher, I was also a very popular one.

When I look back today, I feel that what I have earned in my life is my relationship with students and parents. There have been many incidents where I have learnt a lot from my students as well. My mentor, Mrs Khanna, taught me administration, while my students taught me to be patient.

Yes, friends, patience is a virtue every teacher must possess. One day, a student pointed out that I did not have the patience to listen to them. That was a turning point in my life. I learnt that listening is more important than talking, especially when you are in an administrative position.

Today, my students return looking for me, and when they sit opposite me and share their lives, their work and their journeys, I feel very proud that I have been a part of their lives.

Today, having retired and left the school, I am full of so many memories that I will cherish throughout my life, for as long as I am alive.

I would ask all my students to come back to their alma mater, halt for a while, and promise themselves that they would give back to society whatever they have earned from here.