A story that was shared with the students of Asoka World School, Kochi, Ernakulam.
It was just another ordinary school day, except the mathematics teacher was on leave. This brought joy to one particular boy who absolutely despised math. Usually, when a teacher was absent, the headmaster would send someone else — maybe an English or science teacher — to take over the class. But on this day, much to the students’ surprise, the science teacher walked in and said something completely unexpected.
“I’m not here to teach you today. Let’s talk children.”
Now, for students, hearing a teacher say, “I’m not going to teach” is pure happiness! Would you agree with that my young friends? The teacher continued, “Let’s talk about you, your interests, and your life.”
Then came the age-old question, one that still sparks curiosity: What would you like to be in your life?
The girls, as always, were eager to answer. Asha, the brightest in class, confidently declared that she wanted to be a teacher. No surprise there — Asha was always one of the teacher’s favourites. Next, Deepa said she wanted to be a doctor. Gopi proudly announced he wanted to be a police officer, just like his father. And Siju, with certainty, declared that he would be an engineer.
But then came a response that changed the mood of the classroom.
One short boy stood up and said with great confidence, “I want to be a mahout.”
The entire class burst into laughter. A mahout? While everyone else was dreaming of becoming doctors and engineers, this boy wanted to care for elephants! But despite the laughter, he remained resolute, dreaming of controlling the mighty elephants and training them with pride.
Years passed, and in another class, another teacher asked the same question. This time, the boy replied, “I want to be an engine driver.” He had been fascinated by train journeys with his family, admiring how the driver controlled the longest vehicle on the tracks.
As time went by, his dreams shifted. He wanted to be a Navy officer, captivated by the spotless white uniforms. Then, he thought he’d become a writer because of his love for books. At one point, he wanted to be a lawyer, then a journalist, and later, a secret agent after immersing himself in Sherlock Holmes stories, often imagining himself as the great detective with his trusted friend, Dr. Watson, by his side.
Eventually, he studied computer science, worked as a bank apprentice, and started in the sales division of the first mobile operator in his state. But then, fate led him to his true calling — A fresh and a vibrant industry called event management. Today, after 25 years in the event management industry, , I stand before you, the same short boy who once dreamed of being a mahout.
Looking back, I now understand why I became an event manager. I’ve always loved organizing, communicating, and entertaining. It was a natural fit.
What I want to share with you is this: no matter what you dream of becoming, your path will eventually unfold. went through many aspirations before finding what truly made me happy. In my time, aptitude tests and career counselling were not popular, but today, you have the advantage of psychometric analysis and expert guidance.
There are professions beyond doctors and engineers — thousands of opportunities to match your skills and passions. My dear students, if you’re unsure about your future, don’t worry. You’ll gain clarity over time. Seek advice from teachers, career counsellors, or even psychometric analysts, and most importantly, trust your instincts. Talk to your parents, share your true interests, and pursue what makes you feel alive and energetic. Destiny has a way of guiding you to the best career path.
Now, let me ask you, dear students, what would you like to be in life?
Did I hear someone say, “A mahout?”
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This story was shared with the children of Asoka World School, Kochi, Ernakulam, on 28th September 2024.