My First Lesson: Being Born into a Legacy of Learning

Some people choose to become teachers; others are born into it. For me, it was the latter. I was born into the legacy of Prof. Vinayak Mahadu Gaike, a dynamic educator, social reformer, and visionary who gifted me more than just a surname—he entrusted me with the lifelong responsibility of being the caretaker of Satyashodhak Mahila Vikas Mandal (est. 1986) . I formally entered the education profession in 2008, but the lessons began much earlier—sitting at home, watching my father selflessly dedicate his life to teaching and social work.

At the time, I didn’t fully comprehend the depth of this responsibility. For 12 years, I managed the NGO’s daily affairs with no visible growth. But sometimes, it’s the invisible lessons that prepare us for the turning points.

A Pandemic, A Pause, A Purpose

Then came 2020. The pandemic halted everything—except introspection. For the first time, I stepped away from routine and looked at life through a wider lens.

That’s when the true teachers of my inner world started speaking to me.

• My first and most consistent guru, my mother, reminded me of emotional resilience.

• Deep conversations with Prof. Akshay Jadhav, H.B.P. Macchindranath Pawar Maharaj, and Dr. Pushpak Dabhade pulled me toward Bhagavad Geeta—a divine manuscript that didn’t just teach, but transformed my cognitive patterns.

• The guidance of Dr. Himmatrao Narke helped me realign my professional energy with psychological roots and scientific rigour.

2022: The Rebirth of a Career Coach

The beginning of 2022 marked a defining moment. After two weeks of silence, meditation, and deep reflection, I found my true calling.

I established Vishwajeet.org and restructured Satyashodhak.org as my two pillars of service. One for career guidance, and the other for social upliftment.

Since then, I’ve had the blessing to work with:

• Over 820 students at Bharati Vidyapeeth and Sinhgad institutions.

• More than 3500 students through Tisgaon Vidyalay and our NGO initiatives.

This isn’t just a journey from resume edits to research papers—it’s a journey from silence to significance.

What Makes a Teacher Truly Great?

There’s a saying:

“A normal teacher tells. A good teacher explains. A brilliant teacher demonstrates. But an excellent teacher—inspires.”

As I reflect on Teachers’ Day 2025, my goal is simple:

• To inspire with what little I’ve learned.

• To share the eternal gratitude I carry for every teacher, guide, and mentor who shaped me.

My Gurus Through the Years: A Humble Salute

Childhood & Primary Education

• Shishu Vikas Kendra: My first lessons in morality and joy.

• Dharmadhikari Ma’am, Shelke Ma’am: Foundation of discipline and kindness.

Secondary School – Balvikas Vidya Mandir

• Khot Sir, Dandage Sir, Bulbule Ma’am, Patil Ma’am, Kulkarni Ma’am: Masters of clarity and empathy.

Higher Secondary – Saraswati Bhuvan High School

• Khadgaure Sir, Saraf Sir, Moghe Ma’am: Catalysts for curiosity.

• Er. Pravin Bhiledgaonkar, Abhijeet Suryawanshi, Dr. Prasad Gaikwad: Lifelong motivators.

Pre-University Coaching – Mauli Classes

• Wahatule Sir, Ravi Jadhav, Yogesh Shinde: Strategic minds and sharp mentors.

Undergrad – Sinhgad Academy of Engineering

• Prof. Gite Sir, Kulkarni Ma’am, Bacchav Sir, Ghatule Sir: Thinkers who pushed limits.

• Mr. Parth Phadke, Rahul Saykar, Harish Pandya: Lifelines of logic.

MBA – Millennium Institute of Management

• Dr. Vidya Gawali Ma’am, Dr. Shaikh Saleem Sir, Dr. Sawai Ma’am, Liyaqat Sir: Real-world insights and corporate ethics.

Ph.D. – Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University

• Dr. Rajendra Gaikwad sir, Dr. Himmatrao Narke sir, Dr. Pushpak Dabhade, Prof. Akshay Jadhav: Who shaped me into a researcher and thinker.

Professional Mentors Who Molded Me

Satyashodhak Mahila Vikas Mandal – Satyashodhak.org

• Hon. Shisode Sir, Navnath Adhane sir, Narayan Wakle sir, Kaate Sir, Dnyaneshwar Mote sir, Kashinath Pawar sir, Suresh Gaike sir, Suresh Hiwarde sir, Sainath Jadhav sir : The social compass of my career.

Mahrashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited  – MKCL.org

• Mr. Vivek Sawant sir, Mr. Balkrishna Baldawa sir, Mr. Atul Patodi sir, Mr. Amit Ranade sir, Mr. Siddharth Patil sir: Tech meets education.

YOJ Pack – yojpack.com

• Mr. Kaluram Sabale sir, Deshpande Kaka, Salwe Kaka, Khaladkar Kaka: Silent warriors who taught patience.

Sinhgad Institute

• Prof. M.N. Navale sir, Dr. Vijaya Puranik ma’am, Dr. Milind Marathe sir, Dr. Amit Deshmukh sir, Dr. Rajesh Gawali sir, Dr. Sudesh Sharma sir, Krushna Kalokhe, Prabhat Utekar sir, Manish Kasbekar sir: Management and mentorship at its finest.