Bonding with children is essential in the teaching profession.
Bonding with children is essential in the teaching profession.
Archana Vyas is a dedicated Government Teacher at an Upper Primary School in Balicha, Udaipur.
Hailing from Jaipur, Archana Vyas completed her schooling and college education in Jaipur itself. Reflecting on her childhood, she fondly recalls watching movies and enjoying ‘chaat’ with her friends. Despite occasional scoldings for coming home late, her two elder brothers always pampered and took care of her. Sadly, she lost her mother when she was just ten years old.
At the age of nineteen, while still pursuing her formal education, Archana got married. Moving from the city of Jaipur to a remote village where her in-laws lived presented initial challenges. She had to adapt to a new way of dressing and covering her face, but over time, she managed to bring about some changes.
After her marriage, Archana Vyas didn’t want to continue her studies as she had an infant to care for. However, the women in her family encouraged her to persevere. She completed her B.Ed. from RMV, Udaipur, and eventually applied for government teaching jobs, despite her initial reluctance due to family obligations. To her surprise, she secured a teaching position.
Vyas’s early career was marked by significant challenges, including a posting in a remote location beyond Salumber in Udaipur, requiring a taxing daily commute. However, she persisted for a year and a half before being reassigned to a school in Balicha, which made things easier for her.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Archana Vyas was tasked with getting people vaccinated. Despite the risks, she fulfilled her duties diligently. Convincing rural residents to get vaccinated was particularly challenging, but she succeeded.She also served as a booth-level officer, and had to add names to voting lists. She also taught children by visiting their homes.
Archana Vyas credits her father as her inspiration, particularly during her B.Ed days when she considered giving up.
She believes that education is essential for securing a job, though experience has taught her how to work towards the holistic development of children.
Archana Vyas also teaches underprivileged and downtrodden children, often providing them with sweaters, clothes, and chairs through the help of NGOs. She notes that facilities at government schools have improved significantly, with better nutrition and increased enrollments.
Archana Vyas sees herself as a natural leader, a trait she believes she inherited from her grandmother, who was an MLA. She has established herself as a leader among her students through love and affection. She has tried hard to extend the classes in her school to the 8th standard.
Archana Vyas considers teaching a noble profession, appreciating its working hours and leave of absence policies that allow her to spend time with her family.
If given a chance to relive her life, she would still choose to be a teacher.
In her spare time, Archana enjoys outings with her friends and listening to music.