“I’m Ravi Varma Indukuri, and I’ve been a teacher for nearly two decades now. But if you had asked me back in college what I’d become, teaching wouldn’t have been my answer.

I was born in West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, into a modest middle-class family. My father worked as a government employee, and I grew up in Hyderabad. Childhood was simple and full of wonder — playing marbles, flying kites, joining family gatherings, and waiting all year for those summer holidays when all the cousins would meet. We’d spend long afternoons in the fields, rivers, and the warmth of extended family. Some of my fondest memories are of those days with my grandparents. Even now, my cousins laugh and say I was the naughtiest of the lot, and honestly, I can’t disagree.

I studied Physics, Maths, and Computer Science during graduation, and went on to complete my MSc in Physics from Andhra University. Among those subjects, Physics and Maths fascinated me the most. Physics felt natural to me, less about memorising and more about understanding how the world works. I used to explain concepts in my own words just to see if I truly understood them.

The shift toward teaching began with a simple nudge. One of my lecturers, Mr. Arthur, noticed how curious I was in class. He once told me, “You should consider teaching, you’ve got the voice and the passion for it.” I didn’t take it seriously at first. But his words stayed with me.

After graduation, I went back to my hometown and gave teaching a try. I handled science for students in grades 7 and 10 for six months. To my surprise, the feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive. That experience made me pause and think. Maybe this is what I was meant to do.

I still remember my first day in the classroom. In school, the kids were full of questions, energy, and excitement. I felt a strange kind of joy watching them engage with the subject. But when I walked into a college class for the first time, the scene was completely different. Sixty students stared back at me, and I felt like the student in a room full of teachers. That moment humbled me. It also taught me that presence, patience, and preparation are everything.

Over time, I began to see that teaching is much more than delivering content. It’s about reaching people. One of the most meaningful chapters in my journey was mentoring a college social club. Through that, I got to see students go into rural schools, give talks on hygiene, career guidance, and social issues. I watched them change — opening up emotionally, gaining confidence, and understanding the world beyond their textbooks. Those were proud moments, not just as a teacher, but as a fellow learner.

A lot of people think teaching is easy, just prepare your lessons and speak. But the real challenge lies in connecting with students from different backgrounds, different mindsets, and helping each of them find their way. Some students aren’t naturally inclined towards academics. For them, I believe consistent care, personal conversations, and counselling make a big difference.

For years, I was so invested in teaching that I didn’t think about pursuing a PhD. But with changing UGC guidelines and a desire to keep learning, I eventually sat for the entrance exam and began my research. Now, I’m working on solid polymer electrolytes, materials that could help replace lithium with sodium in batteries for future energy storage. It’s exciting, challenging, and keeps me on my toes.

I’ve always been inspired by the people around me, especially my women colleagues who juggle family life and professional growth with such determination. Their support, along with that of my entire academic community, has pushed me forward.

Since my first batch of engineering students in 2004, I’ve told every student the same thing: marks are just numbers. They help you get started, but what really carries you through life is character. That’s what truly matters.

I often remind my students that life isn’t like the movies. It’s not going to be wrapped up in two hours with background music and perfect endings. It’s unpredictable, layered, and real. So be honest. Stay grounded. Keep learning. And above all, stay healthy and happy.”