Good Teachers - a species that is fast becoming extinct.... But even today at this age and stage of life one comes across a few names who stand out in the crowd and make us pause and be thankful that they are there to teach, mould and enlighten our children and the future generation. One such name is that of Asha Kapoor. It is because of teachers like her that we can still call this a noble profession. Today, when every thing is getting so commercial she has kept the faith alive with her dedication and sheer love for the teaching profession.

Asha Kapoor is the Director of Samsika Academy of Brand Management which she runs very efficiently and successfully with her son Jagdeep Kapoor who is an expert in this field and is known as a Brand Guru. She is a resident of Raheja Vihar and was blessed with two sons but unfortunately lost her son Sandeep Kapoor who expired at a very young age of 31 yrs. Inspite of this tremendous misfortune she has only become stronger and more determined to move ahead. Her husband Yashpal Kapoor, has his own business of handmade carpets and is also a Senior Consultant at Samsika giving his valuable advice for issues like sales, marketing, pricing and advertising.

She is supported in her work by her daughter-in-law Sangeeta Kapoor (Jagdeep's wife). She has done the illustrations for various books written by Asha Kapoor. The family is complete with her two loving grandchildren Samridh and Hansika who just cannot do without her.

Asha Kapoor has been in the field of Education, since the last 33 yrs. A double Graduate, MA, MEd., with specialisation in Behavioral Psychology and Languages, she is an expert in French and English. Earlier she was the Headmistress of Holy Family High School. She has taught thousands of Students to read, write and speak French and English. She is loved and highly respected for the patience, tolerance, warmth, personal attention and friendly ambience that she has been able to provide in the classes that she runs for teaching English and French. Her Students are full of gratitude and awe when giving the feedback about her classes. To quote one Nishant Sashidharan, "I learnt to read, write and speak French. I learnt to express myself without fear in a language which is very different from what I have learnt and done so far. The Theory I like best about
the Training Session is the beautiful ambience, the friendly atmosphere and the loving personal attention given by Madam Asha Kapoor". Incidently, he has scored 91% in French HSC 2003. She conducts the classes in such an organised manner with so much dedication and perseverance that the students cherish the experience of learning under her guidance.

Asha Kapoor has been honored with numerous well deserved awards. She received the "State Award" for Best Teacher on the 5th of September 1995 by the then Governor P.C. Alexander at Nehru Center. She was also honoured the 1991 Mayor's Award for 'Best Teacher'. Her relentless effort in the field of languages is an ongoing process. The personal attention and care with which she teaches is her greatest asset and inspiration for the students.

She was nominated for the Mahatma Gandhi National Grahak Seva Award for the year 1994 for her role in earning respect of the Student community. She has appeared on Zee TV in 'Chakravyuh' for a discussion on a social problem. Besides all these achievements she has one more talent which not many people know of, but she has shared with us. She has a wonderful way of expressing her feelings in words which become a poem. Here we present for our readers a short but beautiful poem by her. All laws of Life are subject to the will of God, Leave it to Him, don't object He can change them with a nod. God is the great Engineer. We are mere machines. Leave it to God to help us steer our objective through good means.

"PLANET POWAI" asked her a few questions:

Q1. How does it feel to have taught those many students, when they meet you as adults ?
Ans. It is a great feeling of reverence and respect to see them grow as responsible achievers in life and society. I have seen them spread their fragrance all over the world, who are now Doctors, Lawyers, Engineers, Marketing Consultants, Teachers, Hospitality Industry stalwarts etc.

Q2. What inspires you to be still teaching at this age ?
Ans. It is my tremendous love of giving value added teaching. For me, age is no barrier. My students make me feel young - enliven my spirits.

Q3. What do you think is the future of Powai ?
Ans. Powai is a growing township, mix of rural and urban surroundings. I as a Mother, love Mother Nature. I live in the lush green surroundings, lakes and serene and calm atmosphere. Future of Powai - very bright and promising.