A comment about the way someone speaks may last only a few seconds, but for the person hearing it, the memory can stay much longer. Deepak Ramola’s recent Instagram post has drawn attention to this simple but familiar experience while also highlighting how a teacher’s words can change the way someone responds to it.The writer and educator, who studied at Harvard, spoke about a difficult period from his school years and the lesson he took from a conversation with his English teacher, Pragati Kapoor.
‘Do you like your voice?’
Ramola said he was repeatedly mocked because his voice did not sound deep enough.“All my life, I have been bullied for my voice. It sounds like a kid. It sounds like a girl. It’s not baritone enough,” he said.A recent comment brought those memories back. While reflecting on them, he remembered an incident from Class 11, when Kapoor found him crying and asked him a question he had never really considered.“Do you like your voice?”When Ramola said he had never thought about it, she asked him how he would feel if he could not speak from the next day. He said he would not be okay with it because there was still so much he wanted to say.
The advice that changed his perspective
His teacher then gave him a straightforward answer.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.“Okay, then it’s settled. You like your voice, and if you like your voice, you have to own your voice, and you have to own your story,” he recalled her telling him.For Ramola, those words marked a change in how he viewed something that had been used against him.“Since that day, I have never felt sorry for my voice,” he said.He later spoke about using his voice through his work, saying that he has travelled across 40 countries and taught at some of the best universities.
‘Keep speaking’
Ramola also acknowledged the supportive messages he has received over the years.“And for every hurtful comment, there are these love notes that remind you to keep speaking. Keep speaking,” he said.His post prompted several users to share their own experiences and offer words of encouragement.
What people said online
“Deepak, you are above all these comments. You are such an achiever, darling. Just don’t get affected. More strength to you, love and hugs,” one person wrote.“It’s always the English teacher,” another commented.“I’ve been made fun of for my voice too. I worked it to my advantage,” a user shared.“Phew! Another relatable post. Mirror image. You are inspiring,” another wrote.“You have the voice that motivates others. Nothing more precious than that,” a person said.“I know exactly what you are talking about and how it feels. More and more power to you. Your voice is beautiful,” another user added.Several others also thanked Ramola for sharing his experience and encouraging people to embrace what makes them different.Disclaimer: This article is based on information shared on social media and comments posted by users. The Times of India does not independently verify every claim made in social media posts.Thumb image: Instagram
