The India I Found at the Edge of a Map

Turtuk will always hold a special place in my heart because it taught me what it means to be an Indian – a patriot – before it taught me to be a teacher in this harsh terrain. As I write this, I can’t help but be grateful to Turtuk Valley School, and especially Sarah Shah, who allowed me to serve the country in my own way in one of India's northernmost border villages. 

Proudly representing Turtuk Valley School

As we celebrate India’s 80th Independence Day today, I offer a small prayer for all those who gave their lives for us, and I remember their sacrifice. I will forever be in debt to them for giving me this great nation and helping me live my dreams without thinking about the cost of what it took to get here. 

Last point of Northern India

I started my journey with a mission to educate in one of the remotest parts of India in March 2026, and now, in 5 months, Turtuk has welcomed not only me but also my family with open arms. Never has this village or its people made me long for home and dwell on that thought for too long. There’s always someone ready to have a conversation with you in every corner and exchange stories. I'm also thankful to my host family for making me part of their family, and especially to Fatima aunty, who's loved and scolded me as my own mother would.

Turtuk was a part of Pakistan till 1971, but 55 years down the line, they didn’t celebrate their 55th Independence Day but the whole country’s 80th and with what fervour. There was a rally from Turtuk to Thang yesterday where almost the entire village participated, with flags flying from bikes and cars, and people in the area showing their pride in being Indian. It gave me goosebumps to imagine that 55 years ago this was not a part of our country and today they do everything in their power to show that they are as Indian as someone from MP or Maharashtra. 

Proudly flying high

When I got the job to teach in Turtuk, everyone was apprehensive about whether I’d be able to do it, but the love that I’ve gotten from the children in school is what keeps me grounded with an eye on the finish line of ensuring that I do my best to serve them as a teacher. It hasn’t been easy or without challenges, but I’ve done the best I could and will continue to do the same. Initially, the children didn't ask me where I came from; they asked me to tell them more about the country, the places I’ve travelled to, and the cultures I’ve been lucky to experience as an Army brat. They soaked it all in, and even grade 8 students already know they want to give back to the country by joining the Forces or becoming civil servants. 

From what I’ve seen over the last 5 months, I know they have it in them and will make their village and country proud, but I will be the proudest. I promise to attend their POPs and as many graduation ceremonies as I can because even if I’ve just started my journey as a full-time teacher, these children of Turtuk are the ones I will never forget. Even though I know I have less than 4 months left in Turtuk, I promise to give my best this Independence Day, ignite as many minds as I can, and make them more ambitious for themselves. 

I have learnt the true meaning of being an Indian in Turtuk and will forever carry that in my heart; if possible, I will return to serve this wonderful village with everything I have. 

Happy 80th Independence Day! Jai Hind!