Teacher Portrait – Ms Subhasini

Born in Jamshedpur, the Steel City named after the renowned industrialist, Jamshetji Tata, Ms Subhasini, the TISB Librarian, completed her Bachelor's in Microbiology and Bachelor's in Education at Mumbai University, and later her Master’s degree in Sociology and Bachelor's in library sciences from Indira Gandhi National Open University. We reached out to Ms Subhasini to find out more about her passion for education and literature, as well as her thoughts on the ongoing PY Book Week. 

Reading books triggers the imagination of the readers, helps to expand the mind, search for and integrate information – Ms Subhasini, PY Librarian  

After starting her career working in a Pathology Lab, Ms Subhasini decided to change her path and enter the field of education. She has been working with TISB since 2006, and truly enjoys her choice of career. “TISB has given me wonderful opportunities to develop professionally”, says Ms Subhasini, who likes to be around children as they keep her energetic and enthusiastic all day. “I make efforts to support most of the educational programs and provide alternative reading materials for students”, explains Ms Subhasini, who has been able to encourage many children to move away from their comfort zone and try different genres of reading. 

Being part of organising PY Book Week, Ms Subhasini has over the years arranged events, such as author and storytelling sessions, Reading Buddies and competitions. She truly enjoys the week-long event, as it encourages reading for pleasure and gives the opportunity to children to dress as their favourite book character and engage in many different activities. “Reading is a very important part of the learning process. It serves as a foundation to develop other literacy skills like comprehension, vocabulary and writing skills”, says Ms Subhasini who believes that reading triggers the imagination and expands the mind. “Children then bring this knowledge to their everyday life.” 

Although the pandemic has forced educators to think differently about education, there have been some benefits. “I hope we can continue with the new skills and strategies that were discovered during remote learning”, says Ms Subhasini, who is still, however, looking forward to the day when she and the children will not have to wear masks and will be able to see the smiles on each other's faces while carrying out activities without any restrictions. 

A quick Q&A with Ms Subhasini 

What is your favourite  food? 
I like North Indian food minus the spice. Kofta curry and Indian breads is an all time favorite. 

What is your favourite  music? 
Instrumental and Bollywood melodies. 

What is your favourite book and movie?
My favourite book is The Blue Umbrella by Ruskin Bond and movie - Taare Zameen Par. 

What is your favourite  animal? 
Horse.

What is your favourite  colour? 
Green. 

What is your favourite hobby?
I like to make patterns to do free style embroidery.I like listening to music . It reduces stress and relaxes the mind.