A Teacher Beyond the Classroom
By Deepak Khanna
At Khanna Opticians, nestled in the heart of our community, we take pride not only in serving vision but in fostering values that bind families, friends, and neighbours together. Our store is more than a business—it’s a reflection of the life we lead, where work, learning, and love for one another intersect meaningfully.
As a single parent, I often find myself balancing responsibilities—between guiding my children through life and running the family business. Like many others, I teach my children wherever I can, and sometimes that space happens to be right behind the dispensing table of my store.
It was on one such a day that Mr Samir Dhingra, a long-standing patron of Khanna Opticians and someone I consider a brother, visited. A man whose distinguished career spans over 27 years at the prestigious Welham Boys’ School, Dhingra has taught generations with wisdom, discipline, and unmatched passion. But on this visit, he did something that moved me deeply.
Observing me guide my son through a Physics concept, Mr Dhingra spontaneously offered to take over for a while. What followed was not just a lesson—it was an experience. In a quiet corner of my store, under the warm lights usually reserved for trying on spectacles, a seasoned educator lit up a young mind with clarity and kindness. My son’s eyes gleamed with understanding and inspiration—a moment every parent longs to witness.
In a world where time is currency and expertise often comes at a premium, Mr Dhingra’s generosity stood out. He didn’t do it for recognition or reward. He did it because that’s who he is—a true teacher at heart. His humility, depth, and genuine desire to share knowledge left an impression not just on my son, but on me as well.
This act may seem small to some—but in it lies the essence of what our society needs more of: selfless mentorship. Teachers like Mr Dhingra don’t just belong in classrooms—they are national treasures whose wisdom should be shared, celebrated, and supported. Their reach goes beyond institutions, and their impact beyond curriculum.
It is my heartfelt belief that such educators deserve to be richly acknowledged by the state, for their acts of silent heroism and continued generosity. If every neighbourhood had a teacher like Mr Dhingra walking in, lending a hand, and lighting a spark, our collective future would be far brighter.
From all of us at Khanna Opticians, and from one parent forever grateful—thank you, Samir bhai. You reminded us what it truly means to see clearly—not just with our eyes, but with our hearts.
