India, July 28 -- I vividly recall the day I graduated from university with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. My first thought was a resounding, "Good riddance to exams, books, and learning!" After countless nights burning the midnight oil, I vowed never to study again. But I was wrong. My learning journey was just beginning, shifting from textbooks to life's unexpected classrooms and unconventional teachers. My initial lessons began when I returned to my hometown, Ludhiana, and stepped into the corporate world as a young woman. My degree offered little preparation for the subtle barriers and misconceptions women faced in business. It was then that Mrs Rajni Bector, a Padma Shri awardee, became my silent mentor. Her 1978 journey of starting a business in Ludhiana, defying norms to become a household name, ignited a powerful conviction within me. If she could build an empire decades ago, I too could break through contemporary glass ceilings and prove my worth. Her story was a testament to resilience and quiet determination. A few years later, my world shattered when my six-year-old son faced a life-threatening accident. Inconsolable during the agonising wait for news, family and friends struggled to offer solace. Then, Gaur Gopal Das's voice from a podcast cut through my despair. He quoted the Bhagavad Gita: "The mind can be either your friend or foe." Lord Krishna's words to Arjuna on mastering one's mind provided an anchor in the storm, prompting me to find the inner strength to fight for my son. It was a profound lesson in mental fortitude, delivered precisely when I needed it most. Another time, a challenging marital dispute consumed me. Seeking solace, I listened to an interview with cricketer Shikhar Dhawan. He spoke candidly about his personal struggles, yet chose to channel his focus and excel for his country, accepting that life doesn't always go as planned. His public display of resilience and dedication amidst private turmoil offered unique guidance. He implicitly taught me that one can fulfill their destiny and find happiness by embracing circumstances and focusing on what can be controlled, turning adversity into a platform for growth. Most recently, I felt trapped juggling the relentless demands of work, home, and family. The constant pressure left me feeling mentally exhausted. It was then that my yoga teacher suggested trying the headstand, asserting that physical balance fostered mental equilibrium. Skeptical but desperate for relief, I followed his instructions. To my astonishment, the practice brought an undeniable sense of calm and clarity. I became noticeably more adept at handling work and home issues together. He wasn't just teaching a physical pose; he was demonstrating a profound connection between body and mind, equipping me with a practical tool for managing life's pressures. Navigating life's intricate journey, I've come to understand its reliance on the many influencers and mentors who appear along the way. Their wisdom, often absorbed not through physical presence but through profound knowledge and inspiring teachings, has illuminated my path. As William Arthur Ward wisely put it, "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." Indeed, the inspiration drawn from these diverse 'teachers' has transformed my life into an endless, enriching classroom....