The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls currently underway in Chandigarh has turned my neighborhood into a bustling hub of verification and documentation. Seeing the enumerators going about with their job reminds me of the heartwarming story of a remarkable government school teacher.
Though teachers are meant to be in classrooms teaching students, they are often deployed on tedious field assignments that have nothing to do with academics. I first met this young teacher a couple of summers ago, when she visited our sector to compile and update the voters’ list.
We crossed paths again just before the Lok Sabha elections. In the sweltering heat, she went door to door distributing election slips. While most people would understandably show signs of agitation and exhaustion under the scorching Sun, she carried out her assigned task with an enviable enthusiasm, without a trace of irritation. I was amazed by her vibrant spirit, the way she performed her non-teaching electoral duties with pride.
Our next encounter occurred on the polling day. She was stationed near the entrance corridor of the school-turned-polling station. The moment she spotted my husband and me, she rose from her chair, greeted us warmly, and personally escorted us to our designated polling booth. After we cast our votes, she even walked us to the exit gate.
Her official mandate was merely to guide the voters, but the courtesy she extended to us went far beyond the call of duty. I was touched. Intrigued by her persistent positivity, I tried to make small talk. “It’s a grueling duty,” I empathized. “It must be incredibly hard on you.”
With a breezy smile, she replied, “So what, Ma’am? It’s just a matter of a single day.” Her cheerful resilience left me momentarily speechless.
In an environment where many treat a routine official task as an irritant or a burden, her sincerity came as a breath of fresh air. I couldn’t help but muse how often we encounter people who habitually play truant, endlessly procrastinate, and relentlessly complain about their workloads. Yet, here she was: an epitome of dedication, countering the common perception that public servants are rude and inherently apathetic towards the citizens.
We left the polling station feeling good about fulfilling our civic duty as responsible citizens. We were happy with the management and arrangements, but the ultimate feel-good factor that lingered long after the day was over was undeniably that teacher’s attitude. She reaffirmed my belief that courtesy doesn’t just elevate the person who shows it, but uplifts everyone around, imbuing an ordinary day with unexpected joy.
(Published as Middle in The Tribune dated 10 July 2026)
Yes ma’am,here also SIR and election process is going on in full swing,state election will be held in March next year.
Many school teachers are deployed for election duty.Every process is online and computerised , which is not easy .Theirs hard work and cooperation is appreciated.
Ma’am, We come across with many people in our daily life who are humble ,polite and cooperative.They are remembered for long time by us.
That’s right Garima . We come across many good people in our life who leave a mark on us because of their goodness .
Normally we carry a negative image of public servants as indifferent and rude , but this lady stood out for her sincerity and infectious enthusiasm. I just couldn’t help writing about her .I am glad the editor carried the story ,though it is a very ordinary piece .
Thanks dear for reading and sharing your thoughts.
The positive approach to the call of duty by the teacher you mention, Rama, is what drives our administrative staff towards execution of tough tasks with aplomb. She is not an exception, though a laudable one, as most government employees belong here. Putting there stories in public spaces is a duty we all owe to them. Thanks for sharing the story.
That’s a sincere civil servant speaking in support of government employees. Wish and pray public holds the same view. Normally the impression is that government employees are pampered-spoilt lot.
Of course , it is wrong to paint every public servant with the same brush. There are all kinds of people everywhere. And you are right, Atul. We must acknowledge and applaud the ones work with dedication and sincerity.
By the way, I am a proud daughter of a sincere- honest gazzted officer.
Thanks Atul for much your valued comment .
A delightful piece. It made me reflect on how we remember people far more for how they made us feel than for what they were required to do. What stayed with me wasn’t just the teacher’s kindness, but the reminder that dignity and grace in doing ordinary work can leave an extraordinary impression. Courtesy is indeed contagious. And it helps to have people like you to acknowledge it.
Ramesh , you always bring smile on my face with you your feedback full of positivity.
Thank you so much .
Teachers teach the students to exhibit courtesy, mannerism, conduct in the society under all and especially under trying circumstances. Here this teacher whom you refer in your SIR campaign and then during ballot , herself implementing all such qualities. This lady is a live example of ” Practice what you preach”.
Absolutely! Values cannot be taught through sermons but are learnt from the example set by the parents and teachers.
Thank you so much Narinder for always reading whatever I write with interest and also sharing your views.
The article is indeed a very motivating piece. I appreciate your habit of making the ordinary and the lesser known as extraordinary and special. Bringing the government teacher’s attitude and actions into the limelight is indeed appreciable . It will inspire many others to act like her. You truly have a keen sense of observation and the ability to express it in vivid detail.
Delighted to read your comment. Sounds music to my ears .Yes dear , I love to write what I observe and feel . Needless to say, my joy gets multiplied when friends read and appreciate .
Thank you so much dear Praveen for your well-worded lovely comment.
Courtesy n duty…
You picked Rma with love all those vibrations of responsibility… Sincerety… Cheerfulness…. N very positive attitude of that lady teacher apponited with extra load of election duty n various tasks attached other than their teaching work….!!!!!!
How well was her behaviour… Courtesy… Deep Sanskars of giving respect to persons n situations around…
N very shameless ways of spending si less on our Education Policies… With reduced percentages along with…..
N hats off to lady teacher who left you awed n write about her passion for duty n Karmas…..
Whenever i was given Election duty… I remember my heart sinking… Not having proper linkage to get its cancellation… N jeolousy of those who could get it…. Againt pleasant n joyful attitude of my sister.. A school teacher… Having same temprament of the teacher whom you meant…
I offer my respect n blessings to you madam n also to yoh Rma for your recognising n praising this angel…
Be blessed always..
Di, I can’t thank you enough for reading with interest whatever I write and leaving your honest, detailed comment on the subject.
Being a government college professor, you have had the experience of election related duties , and you have been honest in admitting your own dislike for the duty . This speaks volumes about your character- simplicity and honesty .