Mrs. Kagal and why your English Teachers Matter

English is indeed a funny language. Though when your foundation in the language has been laid by Mrs. Usha Kagal, the language is anything but funny. It is fluid, accepting, non-judgmental and a conduit for the mind to think, explore and discover. Today in 2026 we talk about leaders who are vibrant and energetic. If anyone was in a classroom in 1984 where Mrs. Usha Kagal was a teacher, she epitomized vibrancy and energy! So here I am, 42 years later - putting pen to paper or rather typing to reconnect with the joie de vivre I experienced when I was in Mrs. Kagal's class.

As a Teacher she may have realized that ten year olds will share their emotions and feelings with the written word. In hindsight, it's also apparent that she was also doubling as a class psychologist. No paragraph was too silly, too much or too little.

Mrs. Kagal's class was our first foray into developing our sense of individuality. Unlike the humanities, sciences and mathematics, teaching and learning a language encouraged individuality. In a society where one was labelled as being someone's daughter or sister, the ability to express oneself with the written and spoken word was remarkable.

The fact that I vividly remember her classroom and was fearless in walking up to her to make a point, again in hindsight was possibly my first introduction to be able to communicate effectively. She always gave me a patient hearing!

My love for all things related to beautiful stationery began in her classroom. When I finally gathered my thoughts and settled down to write, I loved how the words just flowed.

Mrs. Usha Kagal, thank you so much for laying a foundation of creativity, expression and individuality and igniting so many young minds to write fearlessly.