Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu 

Gurur Devo Maheshwaraha

Guru Saakshaat Param Brahma 

Tasmai Shri Gurave Namaha

The following words resonated and occupied the auditorium filled with students and teachers. It was the day we celebrated our teachers, our second parents, and our guardians.

“We all know the popular saying that ‘God can't be everywhere, so he made mothers.’ But I won't be wrong if I re-quote the following for our dear teachers.” I started the program organized on the occasion of Teacher's Day. 

“Respected teachers, esteemed principal sir, and dear fellow schoolmates. Today, we gather to celebrate a profession that shapes the minds of future generations.” Yukti began with the introduction.

“A profession that requires patience, dedication, and passion. A profession that is the backbone of our education system – teaching. ‘A good teacher is like a candle - it consumes itself to light the way for others.’” I continued, as a small applause encouraged our speech.

“Teachers are more than just educators. They are mentors, guides, and role models.

Our teachers not only teach us just subjects but also values, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.” Ronika added over the mic.

“Teachers help us students to discover our strengths, overcome weaknesses, and unlock our potential. They shape the leaders, innovators, and citizens of tomorrow, which would further lead us to bring about changes in society.” Akshit addressed.

“To our great teachers, we salute you. Your tireless efforts, late-night grading, and endless questions answered are not going unnoticed. Your influence is profound, and please continue to inspire, motivate, and educate.” The four of us stood together.

“Thank you for all that you do.

Happy Teachers' Day!” We ended our speech and headed backstage as Miss Joshi took over, addressing the meeting and asking our dignitaries to enlighten us with their speeches on the occasion.

Backstage.

“Good job, bachhon!” Shukla sir appreciated our speech as we went and touched his feet for blessings. “May you achieve peaks of success in your life.” He said with a smile.

“Sir, what are the timings for all the competitions?” Yukti asked. “Well, the sports club is almost done with their work, and Ketan sir has asked to start the football competition after an hour or 2.” He informed us.

“And sir, what about the debate competition?” Ronika questioned. “That will begin just after the speeches are done, and tokens of appreciation are given to the teachers.” Shukla sir stated as we nodded understanding. 

A while later, he got called on the stage to receive the token himself. We clapped from backstage. A slight hint of nervousness started to caress me as the time of the competition neared. 

While I was fiddling my fingers, I got a small tap on the back of my hand. “You've got this! And I'll be right in front of you to cheer you up. So, take deep breaths and relax.” Akshit helped me ease my mind a bit.

“Yukti, Ronika, and Aarohi, please gather up. The competition can begin any moment soon.” Miss Joshi instructed us. “And all the best to you guys.” She added while a competitive smile played on her face.

“To you too, ma'am.” Yukti replied, reaching her hands out for a handshake. Miss Joshi's smile brightened as she shook her hand and went back to the stage to make the announcement. “Don't worry, you can do it! And all the best to all of you.” He said and left to take his seat in the audience.

“Now, the most awaited time has come for all the students as well as the teachers. It's time for the commencement of your favorite ‘Debate Competition’.” The crowd erupted with claps and applause.

And I exactly knew the reason why. Because this was the most controversial event that occurs every year. This competition takes place between 2 teams; Teachers V/S Students, with interesting and debatable topics.

“Thus I request the representatives of the teacher's side, Ritu ma'am and Vaishali ma'am to join me on the stage.” She took a brief pause as the mentioned teachers joined her on the stage. Soon they settled on the right side which had 3 sofas, a table and a set of 3 microphones.

[Vaishali ma'am, is also an English teacher who teaches students from Secondary to Senior Secondary.]

“I would also like to welcome the representatives of the student's side, Aarohi Govind, Ronika Trivedi and Yukti Sharma.” Shukla sir hosted further as we re-entered, and took the other side which had the similar setting.

Then our Principal sir took the mic from Shukla sir and notified everyone with the topic of the debate, “The matter of discussion of the day is ‘Human v/s Technology’.” An audible chatter ran across the earlier silenced room.

Both the teams had been informed about the topic a day prior the event so we were firm and well prepared. “So teams, please inform us first which one of you are supporting ‘Human’?” Shukla sir asked. “Teachers are.” Miss Joshi replied.

“Okay then, first I would like to request both the teams to give an introduction about their respective topics.” He said and pointed towards the teachers to begin.

“Warm greetings to everyone present over here. Today we are gathered here to discuss an important question: ‘Can technology replace the existing human structure and establish a better alternative?’” Ritu ma'am started off.

“Maybe it can; but are the ethics, values, and emotions portrayed by humans in every field they work and give their best in, be replaced by a functioning machine, also manufactured by the human?” Miss Joshi added to the argument. 

“Switch!” We heard Mr. Jay Goel, our guest, judge as well as a renowned English professor of esteemed YBJ college say, indicating that their time limit for the mentioned segment has been reached. Yes, each team has been given a limit of 3 minutes for each turn.

“Technology, the tool which has the potential to elevate the quality of living of not just an individual but the whole population. As we advance towards the complexities of the 21st century, technology is the element which bridges the human lives with the rising changes.” I began with the introduction.

“Taking in consideration of the statistics, the existing growth of technology in different fields of work, let it be health, education, transportation, defense etc. is itself a profound statement as to how beneficial it is to us.” Ronika added.

“Switch!” He voiced out once again. I saw teachers, jotting down some points maybe to use as arguments for further. “As we are now aware of the topics and the ideology of the teams; let's get on to the debate aka questions and justification round.” Shukla sir announced. 

“The student's team can begin with their first question.” He mentioned and gestured towards us. Yukti, with a slight nod, turned on her mic and asked the first question. 

“So, as Miss Joshi has stated earlier, human resources cannot be overpowered by machines. But teachers, what about the efficiency, and the time reduction in manufacturing of the goods? Do you think humans can match the same level?” 

There was silence in the room for a fraction but then Vaishali ma'am took the charge. “No doubt that machines add on to the efficiency but it can not function by itself now, can it? Be it any field there is always a need for those who can operate it and that is us humans.” She ended.

I glanced at the judges who were fairly impressed with both the question asked and the answer. Now it was the teacher's turn to ask us the next question. 

“Aarohi, as you've mentioned in your speech earlier, ‘Technology is the bridge that connects human lives with the rising changes.’ But do you miss out the fact that technology is something which has been developed by man?” Ritu ma'am questioned.

To buy me some time, Ronika answered on my behalf, “Fairly it is ma'am. And I can never deny the fact that it was the human mind which has added on to the gradual rise made and achieved by technology like Artificial Intelligence in various fields today.”

She took a pause and gestured to me to continue. “But the debatable point here is, why did we feel the need to have these things? And the answer is simple, it is because technology, once coded and put to work, can give you the required accuracy, precision and reliability for a prolonged period, unlike human resources.” I concluded.

The crowd was now filled with murmurs and discussions. While the judges were also discussing among themselves. I then subtly glanced over to find Ritu ma'am staring at me with a look that I couldn't fathom.

The debate went on for another 15 minutes when Ritu ma'am again questioned me the following, “So do you think that teachers can be substituted by artificial intelligence?” I fumbled at that point. I knew it was more personal for her than for the sake of the competition.

And suddenly I got the familiar scenes flashing in my mind from the Teacher's Day celebration of a few years back. The same day, same arrangement, same teams, where Ritu ma'am and I had a heated argument in order to prove our points.

“Indeed-” the audible gasps that arose in the crowd made me nervous, thus stopping me from speaking. “But it can only be beneficial for the pupils if both teachers and technology come together to create the best possible experience for the learners.” I continued.

“There there, you can't be diplomatic with your answer.” Mr. Goel pointed out standing from his seat. I was silenced once again. Yukti and Ronika tried to encourage me to continue the argument but I just couldn't. 

“You are right; I shouldn't be diplomatic sir, but all of us present over here know very well that only the balanced approach of both sides can enhance the overall betterment of everyone.” I replied as he smiled slightly and forwarded his steps towards the stage.

“Seems like we have the winning team right here.” He said and glanced at our direction. Yukti almost squealed in happiness while Ronika celebrated the win with seal claps. “Good job students, and yet again the bright minds of the future have won-” “Excuse me sir.” I interrupted him.

“What's the matter child?” He asked. “Sir, I think it's a win of both the teams because without them I don't think we could have done all this.” I suggested, as my teammates also supported me with wide smiles.

“Yes sir, that would be great if we could share this win.” Yukti suggested. “Or better, if we could just dedicate this win to our teachers, who have paved our way to get the knowledge which was why we could stand here at a competition, against them.” I added.

And by now Mr. Goel looked both amused and proud. With a deliberate shift in his demeanor, he requested teachers to come forward and announced both the teams as winners. “It's a win for both teachers and students.” He stated with a smile.

We were each awarded with trophies and gifts. I grazed my eyes out for Choudhary ji, and there I found him cheering through the crowd, in the middle row along with Manav bhai who looked a lot more tired.

“Excuse me sir.” Ritu ma'am said and went to the side to have a chat with Principal sir. A while later she returned with a dubious face. She then headed to the podium with a brief sigh. “Ladies and gentlemen, I don't want to waste much of your time but I just wanted to umm… make up for a very silly mistake that I have made a few years ago.” She started off.

“Previously on the same event, I felt utterly disrespected when we lost. I always thought it was because of a particular student which was why I have never liked her.” She paused and glanced at my direction. ‘Is this a confession or something-?’

“And that day, I had vowed myself to make her pay back for the disrespect I had faced. Yes, I know you must be thinking how evil I must be. But today, on this occasion, I really want to apologize for all my mistakes and troubles that I've given to not just her but many students present here.” She then motioned me to join her.

“Aarohi Govind, one of the best students of our school. I have always shown so much negativity towards you and I- I'm really very very sorry for that. I really am. Please, forgive this teacher of yours if you can.” She said and joined her palms.

“Please ma'am, don't do this.” I couldn't say anything else. I was amused myself. It was like a ball of joy, surprise, shock, realization, and a lot more has wrecked my mind altogether. 

“I request the authorities to take the rightful action as I know I deserve this.” She said. “We definitely will. But it's good that you have realized your mistake.” Principal sir replied and dismissed the assembly for the upcoming event.

Ritu ma'am then walked up to me once again and gently tapped on my shoulder and said, “I wish you the best and may God bless you.” And she exited the room, followed by Ronika who also passed a smile to me while leaving.

“Oh my God! Aarohi Govind, who was once hated by the strict Lady Hitler has changed her and made her the Ritu ma'am she used to be. How does it feel to be that girl, miss?” Yukti asked, over exaggerated.

“Great!” I replied simply as she hugged me and soon Akshit and Manav bhai too came and congratulated us both. “Bro, you really made the most unexpected thing happen today.” Manav bhai's humor can never go wrong. 

‘Can this day go any better?’ I thought to myself as I had a trophy in my hand, smiling faces cheering for me and most importantly my teachers' blessings with me. “Shall we go for the sports event?” I asked when the three nodded and Manav bhai led our way.

At the ground.

“Fasten your seats ladies and gentlemen because now it's time for the annual Football match between Teachers and Students.” Shukla sir announced as cheers erupted through the school ground.

The ground was set, the pits were busy, the players were stretching and discussing tactics for the game and all along our referee, Mr. Gautam Prasad, ex School Principal as well as our very fond Binee ma'am, his wife, was also there.

We were cheering aloud for Manav bhai and his team even though he wasn't the captain for the event but who cares. “Let's go Manav!” Yukti almost shouted on top of her lungs once the game began and the ball was thoroughly handled by Manav bhai.

The constant passing of the football from one player to another maintained the anticipation and a nerve wracking situation for who's gonna make the first goal. With another kick Manav bhai passed the ball to a junior who then swiftly aimed it into the net. “Goal!” All the students cheered.

The atmosphere got more tense once Ketan sir made a goal for his team all by himself at the penalty shoot out. But it was now down to the final few minutes. Everyone was on the edge of their seats, fingers crossed and faces that almost shouted “Just get over it!”

“Last minute of the game, and the score is still 1 each. Now, it all depends on Ketan sir, will he be able to make a goal?” Shukla sir's commentaries made us more nervous. Ketan sir was running fast after Kaushik sir passed the ball. It seemed as if it was affixed to his shoes until,

“And, Oh! We see Manav, the sports captain, trying to approach the ball from his teacher's lead and… here, he succeeded in it.” Manav bhai managed to get the control over the football once again and he dashed off to the opposite quarter.

25 seconds remained on the clock when he reached near the penalty area. “Goal! Goal! Goal!” The students cheered but he stopped there. And after a small fraction, he passed it to a junior who had a relatively better chance of scoring the goal. 

“And goal!” The whistles went off but the cheers only heightened. Everybody was jumping in joy, Yukti was on the verge of throwing herself over Manav bhai if she could while Akshit also shouted in triumph while his friends added him in a group hug.

The whole campus seemed to celebrate the victory even the teachers danced together for the win of their students. But I stood alone, near the stands not because I didn't feel like going but because I wanted to capture this picture evidently in my heart for the last time.

“Aarohi.” I heard Ritu ma'am call me. “Yes ma'am.” I replied. “Aren't you going to join the celebration?” She asked while standing beside me. “Well actually, I wanted to hold this memory clear in my mind and my heart forever so…” I replied with a smile.

“That's great! And well hey, I'm once again really sorry for what all I've done.” She apologized. “It's alright ma'am. I won't hold any grudge in my heart ever. And also, thank you, thank you for giving me another reason to remember my days at school.” I added.

“Hey, are you saying this in a good way or a bad one?” She was puzzled and I chuckled at her expression. “Whatever helps you to remember that ‘Aarohi Govind, was really a headache and a sweetheart at the same time.’” I joked, earning a laugh from her as well.

“No but really, thank you for being the bigger person here. May God bless you and your friends.” She passed me a sweet smile and went away. I retraced my eyes back to the celebration where Akshit and a junior had lifted Manav bhai on their shoulders while Yukti was merrily dancing with Ayushi.

‘I could just spend my whole life living with these people and I wouldn't complain even a bit.’ I thought to myself and that's when Yukti and Ayushi spotted me standing alone and rushed to drag me, to dance with them. ‘I just love these crackheads.’

♡

Sushi's note: Hey readers, hope you liked and enjoyed this chapter!

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