My Favorite Subject in School: Technical Education That Shaped My Learning

What was your favorite subject in school?

When I look back at my school days, one subject stands out as my absolute favorite — Technical Education. It was an optional subject offered during my SSC years back in 1975, and unlike other subjects, our classes were conducted at a nearby Industrial Training Institute (ITI).

While most students preferred subjects like French, German, or Sanskrit, I chose Technical because it was hands-on, exciting, and offered something beyond classroom learning. Another motivating factor was that the subject could earn us grace marks for admission into Engineering colleges — a big incentive back then!

The Technical course had two main parts: Blacksmithing and Carpentry — both physically demanding but incredibly satisfying.

The Art of Blacksmithing

Blacksmithing was all about working with hot metals, heating them in a furnace, and shaping them into useful objects. At just 15 years old, even lifting the heavy sledgehammer felt like a challenge, but it was one I eagerly accepted.

Our instructor, Shakeel Sir (Shakeel Ahmed), was a remarkable teacher. Though his muscular build and stern face made him look strict, he was actually kind, patient, and full of humor.

During our practicals, he would light up the massive furnace, and just watching the roaring flames and flying sparks was enough to make us nervous. But under his watchful eyes, we would heat the metal until it glowed red, then hammer it carefully into shape.

Despite our clumsy attempts, Shakeel Sir would effortlessly bring perfection to our workpieces with a few masterful strikes. The heat, sweat, and hard work made every finished project feel like a triumph.

The Joy of Carpentry

If Blacksmithing was tough, Carpentry was pure joy for me. I had always been fascinated by how furniture was made — how the legs of a table or teapoy joined perfectly to its top.

Our Carpentry teacher, Tidke Sir, was calm and composed. A man of few words, he believed every student should complete their project entirely on their own.

For my final project, I decided to make a teapoy. Tidke Sir guided me on cutting and assembling the wooden planks, but the rest was my effort. The satisfaction of turning raw wood into a beautiful, functional piece of furniture was beyond words.

Using tools like the hand plane (or “Randha” in Marathi) gave me a sense of craftsmanship and patience that I still cherish today.

Lessons Beyond the Classroom

Those golden school days taught me far more than technical skills. We had no guides, no coaching classes, and no outsourcing — just our curiosity, hard work, and the guidance of wonderful teachers.

Learning was truly fun, practical, and deeply personal. Even today, the smell of wood shavings or the sight of a blacksmith’s fire takes me back to those cherished days.

Final Thoughts

My favorite subject in school wasn’t just about marks or grades — it was about creating, learning, and discovering. It taught me the value of effort, patience, and pride in one’s work.

Thank you, dear readers, for joining me on this nostalgic journey.
Stay Happy and Keep Smiling! 😊