By Shahid Amin, FDP 2023
A teacher is like a builder whose industry is to build and develop the soul of a human. Teachers have influenced us all, no matter what one’s station in life. One enters the teaching profession fully knowing it is not a way to become rich. But a real teacher’s dedication and motivation are hard to crack and beyond monetary gains. Teaching is a noble profession and teachers have a tremendous effect on our thinking and beliefs and their contribution in society is significant and valuable. If I am civilized, cultured, well-mannered, tolerable, employable, and fit to serve my family and society; it’s thanks to teachers I met throughout my life.
My educational journey includes schools like CPM Tral, MTI Tral, and Islamiya Hanfiya College Anantnag to institutions like Govt. Boys Higher Secondary Tral, Govt. Degree College Tral, University of Kashmir, IUST Kashmir, Jiwaji University Gwalior, ITM University Gwalior, IIM Ahmedabad, Manipal University and beyond, I have been blessed with remarkable mentors. Each of them—my school teachers, college professors, or university guides—has shaped my path with the best support and guidance. They have instilled in me knowledge and the values of integrity, perseverance, and curiosity. I also extend my gratitude to my PhD classmates, whose companionship made the journey fulfilling, and my colleagues and seniors at my workplace, who have always supported me and provided valuable insights.
Caption: With Prof. Yogesh Upadhyay in Famous Mughal Garden Kashmir
In 2008, I was fortunate enough to meet an extraordinary figure—Professor Yogesh Upadhyay from Gwalior. Currently serving as the Vice Chancellor of ITM University Gwalior and a distinguished professor at Jiwaji University, Gwalior, Professor Upadhyay is an FDP alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad and has been my research guide. He is an outstanding academician, researcher, and exceptional human being. His vast knowledge, expertise across various fields, innovation-driven mindset, and inspiring oratory make him an unforgettable figure. One lesson from Prof. Upadhyay that I will never forget is that authentic learning comes from experience and active engagement. Recently, he introduced Project-Based Learning (PBL) at ITM University Gwalior, a method designed to empower students through hands-on, practical activities. Inspired by this direction, I implemented a similar practical-based learning approach in my entrepreneurship class. The students enthusiastically embraced it, showing high interest and engagement in these real-world learning experiences. It was gratifying to see their positive response, a testament to the power of Prof. Upadhyay’s approach. What makes him remarkable is his ability to guide without criticism. He never condemns anyone; instead, he gently supports and steers individuals in the right direction. This quality reflects his wisdom and empathy, a trait I deeply admire. His influence continues to be a driving force in my academic and personal journey.
Caption: Dr. Daulat Singh Chauhan- Pro- Chancellor, ITM University Gwalior
Another great mentor in my life has been Dr. Daulat Singh Chauhan, the Hon’ble Pro-Chancellor of ITM University Gwalior. His humility and deep wisdom matches his dynamic leadership. His ability to lead with both vision and compassion is a testament to why he is so highly respected. As an Edupreneur and philanthropist, Dr. Daulat Singh Chauhan’s efforts have led to the rapid development of institutions like ITM University Gwalior, ITM Hospital and Research Center, and ITM Global School Gwalior, each known for their state-of-the-art infrastructure and excellent educational standards. I remain deeply grateful for his approval of my sponsorship for the FDP program at IIMA which proved to be a life-changing opportunity. His support was especially significant during the COVID-19 crisis and other challenging times when he stood by me, offering great encouragement and guidance. He always assured me that I was on the right path and would move forward in my career with great success. Throughout my journey, I felt a sense of ownership regarding the university which stemmed from the faith and opportunities given to me by the university and by leaders like Dr. Chauhan. His mentorship, combined with the university’s environment of trust and development, has been the driving force behind my progress and achievements.
I deeply admire two extraordinary personalities– Rama Shankar Singh, the visionary Founder Chancellor of ITM University Gwalior, and Prof. Purushottam Agarwal, the renowned retired professor from JNU. From them, I have learned that while it’s essential to acquire wisdom and achieve significant milestones, it’s equally crucial to recognise the weight of our responsibilities as citizens of this nation. What sets these eminent personalities apart is their intellectual brilliance, critical thinking, and role as social reformers. They embody the values of tolerance and broad-mindedness, and as a society, we are truly fortunate to be guided by such towering and thoughtful figures.
Caption: With Prof. N. Ravichandran in IIMA Library
I owe much of my confidence and growth to Prof. N. Ravichandran, retired professor from IIM Ahmedabad and former Director of IIM Indore. His wisdom and command in the field are unparalleled, yet he remains grounded and humble. Watching Prof Ravichandran teach and engage with his students sparked my desire to experience IIM Ahmedabad firsthand, a dream that eventually became a reality. Prof. N. Ravichandran’s ability to elevate even the simplest cases into profound intellectual discussions is extraordinary, and his humility is equally striking. Prof. N. Ravichandran is a versatile academician and a great leader who continues to inspire all who can learn from him.
Prof. Shiv Kumar Singh, my esteemed PhD co-supervisor from Jiwaji University Gwalior, has been a constant pillar of support during my PhD journey and beyond. Even after thirteen years of completing my degree, he remains responsive, always willing to lend a helping hand and offer encouragement. What I admire most is his unwavering dedication—he never misses an opportunity to reply to my messages and continues to be a true well-wisher. Through his actions, he has imparted a valuable lesson: the importance of maintaining lasting, cordial relationships with one’s students.
I am grateful to all my mentors in the 43rd FDP at IIM Ahmedabad. Pedagogically, IIM Ahmedabad shines, with educators wielding pedagogical knowledge and content mastery. The professors at IIM Ahmedabad have displayed their impeccable time management skills, which undoubtedly contributed to the seamless orchestration of the classes. What sets them apart is their artful approach to time management, blending creativity and productivity in perfect harmony. This alchemical blend ensured that every moment spent in the classes was not just instructive but also a testament to the mastery of their craft. Immediate evaluation and feedback created a dynamic atmosphere, spurring constant improvement. The art of board management, a unique facet of IIM Ahmedabad, kindled a profound appreciation for this essential teaching and learning tool. IIM Ahmedabad, despite its laurels, remains perpetually on the hunt for avenues of improvement and innovation. From an inspirational Director, Prof. Bharat Bhasker, all IIM Ahmedabad professors are down-to-earth personalities. Everyone is unique in their ways, and they make students think beyond and more profoundly. God has blessed me with mentors as Prof. Dhiman Bhadra, Prof. Rajesh Chandwani, Prof. Devasmita, Prof. Namrata Chindarkar, Prof. Avani Desai, Prof. Subhadip Roy, Prof. Arvind Sahay, Prof. Saral Mukherjee, Prof. Kathan Shukla, Prof. Sourav Borah, Prof. Abhiman Das, Prof. Vishal Gupta, Prof. Prashant Das, Prof. Pankaj Setia, Prof. Anuj Kapoor, Prof. Kartik and others. The process is simple there and learning is of the highest priority in IIM Ahmedabad.
College life, as they say, offers invaluable lessons in various fundamental aspects of life. I found this valid under the mentorship of the esteemed Professor and environmental scientist M R D Kundangar, the dynamic Principal of Government Degree College Tral Kashmir. His unwavering commitment to his principles and leadership qualities inspired immense respect and admiration. Through his selfless dedication to the institution, he exemplified what it means to lead with integrity and vision. Another influential figure during my college years was Prof. Lakhwinder Singh Sodi, an educator who firmly believed in fostering confidence among his students. I vividly recall how he encouraged us by allowing students to teach junior classes. This opportunity was instrumental in boosting our confidence and preparing us for future roles as educators.
Caption: With Adventure Coach, Late Mr. Muhammad Yusuf on Ski Slope in Gulmarg
Legends are timeless, and Late Mr. Muhammad Yusuf from University of Kashmir epitomises this truth. As one of the finest adventure coaches Kashmir University has ever known, his influence extended beyond the physical to profoundly impact the spirit of his athletes. His legacy as a writer and explorer further showcased his multifaceted brilliance. I will forever cherish the vibrant and enriching lessons he imparted during the Gulmarg skiing camps of 2003, 2004, and 2005. His blend of strict discipline and familial warmth created a unique environment where athletes thrived under his guidance. His unwavering dedication, spending dawn to dusk on the slopes, was a testament to his passion and commitment to extracting the best from his students. Reconnecting with him on Facebook after more than a decade was a blessing. His encouragement and heartfelt wishes continued to inspire me, and his belief in my potential remained a source of motivation.
Every teacher is unique in their way and has contributed to shaping the lives and careers of their students. At the higher secondary level in my hometown of Tral, Kashmir, I was fortunate to be taught by dynamic lecturers Mr. Nazir Ahmad Rigoo, Mr. Javaid Ahmad Reshi, Mr. Mukhtar Ahmad Mir, Mr. Khursheed Ahmad and others. Their innovative use of play methods and approachable teaching style made complex lessons accessible and engaging by connecting them to real-life scenarios. This approach not only facilitated understanding but also made learning enjoyable.
Caption: Famous Teacher from Anantnag Kashmir- Late Master Gh. Nabi Khan
During my school days, I had the privilege of being tutored by the Late Master Gh. Nabi Khan in Anantnag Kashmir, a renowned teacher of his era. Due to his advanced age, his teaching services were reserved for close family when I met him. Nonetheless, I am fortunate to have been guided by someone whose knowledge, discipline, and exceptional teaching abilities left a lasting impression on many district intellectuals. More than anything, I admired his holiness and his role as a remarkable family leader.
Leadership goes beyond mere titles or authority, rooted instead in purposeful actions. It’s an ongoing growth process marked by continuous learning, relearning, and adaptation. Genuine leadership requires resilience, commitment, and the agility to navigate change while always seeking self-betterment. Remarkable leaders and mentors always set high standards and embody “simple living, high thinking.” Their relentless pursuit of knowledge, innovation, student engagement, and institutional and societal progress inspires them. Such leaders and mentors effortlessly draw devoted followers, as students are naturally drawn to their example. When I reflect on the influence my mentors have had, it fuels my determination for more significant effort, personal development, and positivity.
Dr. Shahid Amin is pursuing Advanced Business Consultancy Programme by AIMA and is former Associate Professor in ITM University Gwalior and an IIMA (FDP) Alumnus and can be reached at fdp23shahidb@iima.ac.in
