During that period, I was actively seeking a teaching position in Pune. Having completed my MSc and BEd, I had relocated to Pune after marriage and commenced my job hunt. But, I found no relevant advertisements in the newspapers! Consequently, I decided to visit various schools in person to submit my resume.

As planned, I visited a school and handed my resume to the peon to submit it to the principal. After eagerly awaiting a response, I was summoned to her office. Regrettably, she informed me that there were no vacancies for mathematics or science teachers at the moment. Nevertheless, there was an opening for an English teacher for the fifth grade. She suggested that I accept the position for now and assured me I could switch to a mathematics or science teaching role once vacancies become available.

I was hesitant at first, but she was able to convince me. She provided me with the English textbook for the fifth grade and requested that I prepare a poem centered around the theme of rain for a demo lecture the following day.

Throughout the entire day, I dedicated myself to preparing the poem, diligently searching for difficult words, their meanings, and rehearsing my demo lecture repeatedly. Even while doing the household chores, I continued my preparation. When the day arrived, I got ready and headed to the school, where I met with the supervisor.

Together, we proceeded to the fifth-grade class for the demo lecture. Initially, things seemed promising. However, instead of delving into the wonderful poem, I unintentionally veered off track and began explaining the water cycle. I elaborated on how water transforms into vapor through evaporation, followed by condensation leading to the formation of raindrops. I even touched upon phenomena like snowfall and hailstones due to low temperatures, illustrating the concepts with a colourful diagram on the board.

As I delved further, I discussed the importance of water, its uses, contamination, resulting diseases, prevention measures, and remedies. My lecture continued seamlessly, oblivious to the recess bell ringing. While the supervisor waited for me in her office, engrossed in the lecture, I failed to notice her departure.

Eventually, she came to fetch me, and as I entered her office, she inquired, "Are you a Science teacher?" I affirmed, and undoubtedly, she rejected my application. Regrettably, my diversion from the poem led to missing out on a potential opportunity as a science teacher. However, the students benefitted from what I inadvertently termed "scienglish" – a fusion of science and English – due to my unintentional teaching approach.

Mrs. Manjusha Mahesh Garkhedkar ©®