The journey of The Echo of My Chalk – A Teacher’s Enduring Bonds
Some books tell stories. Some preserve memories, and some are written out of gratitude.
The Echo of My Chalk was born from my desire to honour the students who were part of my 18-year journey as an educator. I wanted to celebrate the unique teacher-student bond and the memories that endure long after the classroom empties.
When I launched the book on 14 November 2025, Children’s Day, I had no idea where this journey would lead. I only hoped the stories would resonate.
As the book completes its first year, 867 copies have reached readers’ hands, and each milestone has brought its own story.
An Unexpected Beginning
Initially, I had planned only a soft book release. But two former students, Suraj, visiting from Sydney, and Abhijeet, visiting from the US, happened to be holidaying in Pune. They insisted on getting paperback copies!
I hadn’t planned for this, so I had to quickly find a printer in Pune. I reached out to another former student and owner of The Positive Diary Amit, who helped coordinate the printing and get the copies to Suraj and Abhijeet.
Soon after, I received my own set of paperback copies, and the book had its formal launch at Rotary Bangalore Lakeside.
ooking back, it is amusing how two former students visiting Pune set the wheels in motion for the paperback edition. Sometimes, the best beginnings are the ones we haven’t planned!
The Journey Continued with Beautiful Gestures
One of the earliest surprises came from Meena Mehta, who placed the first bulk order of 30 copies to gift as return presents at her Sankranti Haldi Kumkum gathering. I had never imagined my book becoming part of such a celebration.
Shishu Mandir purchased books in bulk several times, taking their total to nearly 200 copies. Through this association, I had opportunities to interact with teachers, speak about the book, and personally sign and hand over copies. These interactions introduced me to educators from different schools and opened unexpected doors.
Another unforgettable surprise came in August when Tushar Ashtekar, a former student, ordered 100 copies to gift within his business circles. It was heartwarming to see a book celebrating teacher-student relationships find a place in the professional world through a former student’s thoughtful gesture.
Mukund Ware introduced me to Pustakancha Hotel in Nashik, and my friend Tomsy Thomas placed them there. He also gifted a copy to the Parshuram Saykhedkar Sarvajanik Vachanalay, popularly known as ‘प. सा.’, in Nashik. It was wonderful to see the book find a place in a library and, hopefully, reach many more readers.
Several former students generously sponsored copies for educational institutions and libraries, helping the book reach readers who might otherwise not have had access to it. This was especially meaningful. The students I once taught were now helping carry the book’s message forward.
Then there was The Positive Diary, which helped place the book at the Pune Airport Flybrary. The thought of a traveller discovering its stories while waiting for a flight gives me a special kind of happiness.
From classrooms to conversations
The book also helped me reconnect with the world of education in a new role.
I had the privilege of interacting with student teachers at Tilak College of Education, where I had once studied for my B.Ed. Sharing the thoughts behind the book with those preparing to enter the profession was especially fulfilling. After all, the book is as much about a teacher’s journey as it is about the students who leave lasting impressions.
Podcasts such as Adventra, Soch Aur Samvaad, and Anuj Kapoor’s Saffron Speaks gave me opportunities to speak about the book, its backstory, and my experiences as a writer. Mangal D Karnad captured my author journey in a thoughtful interview.Each conversation helped the message travel a little further.
A few more feathers in the cap
The first year also brought some wonderful moments of recognition.
The book was launched by Rotary Bangalore Lakeside, making the occasion particularly memorable.
It was featured in the 50th edition of The Literary Mirror and received an excellent review in Hans India’s Womenia section. My dream came true when The Times of India covered the book.
Another special milestone was receiving the SheSight Award for Education and Upskilling in March 2026. Travelling to Hyderabad to accept the award made the occasion even more memorable.
Every feature, mention, and award encouraged me to keep sharing the stories and message behind the book.
When Readers Surprised Me
One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been the thoughtful feedback from readers across different walks of life. Some felt the book was a powerful read for parents; another suggested it should be prescribed as a textbook in B.Ed. colleges. I was equally intrigued when readers pointed out that the lessons extended beyond classrooms and were relevant to all working professionals.
That feedback changed the way I looked at my own book. It also inspired me to start sharing instances and reflections from the book through my LinkedIn articles.
What I had written as a tribute to my students was finding relevance in places I hadn’t imagined. Perhaps that’s the beauty of writing. Once a book leaves your hands, readers find their own stories and meanings within its pages.
Beyond the Book
The year also gave me an opportunity to share another side of my journey. On Adventra, I spoke about solo travel for women over 50, sharing experiences and thoughts on exploring the world independently.
It was a wonderful opportunity to talk about something I enjoy and encourage more women to step out, discover new places and embrace independent travel. Watch my conversation on Adventra
Looking Back with Gratitude
I wrote The Echo of My Chalk as a tribute to my students and the bonds we shared. A year later, I am humbled by how far those echoes have travelled and by the many people who have embraced the book along the way.
Some lessons are taught in classrooms. Some bonds last a lifetime, and some echoes never fade.
Here’s to the first year of The Echo of My Chalk and to many more stories, connections, and echoes ahead. ❤️
Google Drive link for photos of major landmarks during the year
Explore the Book and More
If you would like to discover The Echo of My Chalk or listen to some of my conversations around the book, here are a few links:
- Discover the book on Amazon: The Echo of My Chalk
- Listen to my conversation on Soch Aur Samvaad: Watch the podcast
- Listen to my conversation on Anuj Kapoor’s Talk Show: Watch the interview
- Read my interview with Mangal D Karnad: Author Interview
