Solitude, Sanctuary, and the Deep Blue Sea
My last post, “Solitude: Finding Peace in the Deep Blue Sea,” detailed my escape to Lakshadweep in 2008. I went as a solo traveler, desperate for a breather from a draining IT job. The scuba diving experience proved to be a day when my teaching identity saved my dive.
But that trip was more than just a search for inner rhythm; it was a moment where the life in the classroom I thought I had left behind actually reached out and protected me. The “shadow of the chalk holder” was about to become a powerful, unexpected shield.
Trading the Cubicle for the Cabin
While the cruise itself brought calm, my anxiety still followed me onto the islands. The highlight of the trip was supposed to be scuba diving. We met the trainer, Shaukat Sir, for the basic briefing. I was nervous and, unfortunately, struggling to master the breathing apparatus—a simple task that felt impossible under pressure. The feeling of failure, so familiar from my corporate job, was suffocating.
This was a moment when I was “Sneha,” the stressed tourist.
The Teacher Identity Endures
Then came the roll call. As I gave my name—“Sneha”—Shaukat Sir stopped, his focused demeanor softening into curiosity.
“You are Sneha teacher?“
Behind the scenes, my former student Chetan—who had organized the trip—had already told Shaukat Sir about my visit. The question hung in the humid air. I was instantly surprised and awkwardly aware as every eye turned to me. I smiled and confirmed it: “Yes.”
The moment I was recognized, my status changed. It wasn’t my demeanor or my politeness, as in the small anecdotes from my memoir—this was direct, personal recognition that transcended the situation.
The Lifeline Underwater
The ripple effect was immediate and tangible. The stern trainer vanished, replaced by a patient mentor who understood the unique respect an educator deserves.
Where he might have simply moved on, Shaukat Sir stayed. He was determined to ensure “Sneha teacher” succeeded, offering multiple extra trials and gently helping me master the technique. When it was time to move to the deep water, he personally handed me over to the best scuba diver guide, ensuring my safety was paramount.
This wasn’t just kindness; it was a genuine gesture of protection rooted in my earlier profession.
The True Anchor
The solitude of the ocean had brought me peace, but the enduring bonds of the classroom brought me safety and care. I went to Lakshadweep to escape the pressure, but I realized that my greatest source of support—my strongest anchor—was the community I had served years ago. My identity, forged with the chalk, reached out across the miles to save me when I needed it most.
It was the ultimate proof that an educator’s influence never truly leaves the world.
Reflection: Have you ever had a moment where an old relationship or past professional life unexpectedly showed up to support you when you needed it most? Share your story!
Links:
Solitude: Finding Peace in the Deep Blue Sea
For more such stories, explore my memoir The Echo of My Chalk – A Teacher’s Enduring Bonds
6 Responses
Very few professions gain the respect that a teacher gets, even years after one has left the profession. I personally have not undergone any such personal experience but yes my wife working in school, though in admin, still gets respected by many parents who recognise her and acknowledge her support to them
The story is i can think of is the one my mother had told me. My ( rather our) maternal grandfather was a headmaster in their village school. He as more obvious those days was hugely respected by all in the village. But the story is heard was years after he died and the relatives who were living in the same house as our grandfather decided to sell a part of the land but there were no buyers as all had thoughts that it is revered land and should be sold for money. That is the kind of respect a teacher should be getting anywhere in this world.
Appreciate the wonderful gesture shown by the instructor towards the teacher in you.
True that teachers gain unparalleled respect.
It’s great to know that as an admin in a school your wife is respected.
That says it all. 😃
Your story about your maternal grandfather is a powerful reminder of the impact a teacher can have on their community. 🙏
As times change, the way we show respect to teachers has also transformed. Teachers now are not just gurus, but mentors, guides, and facilitators.
Let’s honour their dedication and contributions! 🙏
What a beautiful story and reminder the impact of teachers in everyone’s life.
it was also the respect of a fellow teacher (scuba instructor) showing his respect for a school teacher.
Thank you. What stayed with me was the beautiful exchange of respect between two teachers from completely different worlds. A scuba instructor honouring a school teacher—reminded me that teaching is a universal language, no matter the classroom.
You got that bang on!! 💞
I am tickled with the thought that – teacher ko bhi dar lag sakta hai!! Every teacher deserves respect and adulation and I am so happy to see how in your moment of almost panic you found someone who calmed you and himself became a wonderful and caring teacher.
Lol…..of course teachers also get scared!! 🤣🤣
I was fortunate to have the support of a fellow teacher. It was a moment that reminded me how much respect, care, and understanding can exist between two teachers.