Bina Uberoi: Teaching as a Lifelong Act of Compassion, Courage, and Continuity
An educationist, author, mentor, and trainer Bina Oberoi has lived at intersecting life and learning for over four decades, she not only devoted more than forty years to shaping minds, strengthening character, and quietly restoring faith in the power of words. Her strong academic qualification in English Literature from Punjab University—M.A., M.Phil., and B.Ed. truly reflect in her journey into education.
When she entered into teaching profession, was considered both secure and noble. But for Bina, it became something more than just lecturing student. She curated a space for healing and transformation. “What you learn can save you,” she reflects. “What you teach can save others.” That belief has remained the centre of her work which as a lecturer, a mentor, and now, as an author whose writing showcase the accumulated wisdom of a life fully lived.
Personal Insight: When Education extends far beyond classrooms
In Early years, she frequently relocated that posed emotional challenges that left her searching for stability. In those unsettled moments, education became her support anchor. Where books accompanied companionship, teachers became silent support and classroom offered warmth structure that showed her what pushing someone could do for a young, uncertain mind.
As she further expresses, She never want to be a teacher who simply delivered syllabus or lectured student . She wanted to believe in them when they struggled to believe in themselves. Education extends far beyond classrooms. Over the years, whether working with school children, college students, or young adults overwhelmed by pressure and confusion
This philosophy continues from her work that draws from her personal and professional journey through her book Unravelling the Weave, Through it, she moves forward the same mission she began decades ago to educate, empower, and inspire with honesty and empathy.
Challenges: Carrying Responsibility Without Retreat
One of the most demanding chapters of Bina’s life unfolded not in lecture halls, but at home. Supporting her son through academic struggles, emotional turbulence, and major life transitions—often entirely on her own tested her endurance in ways no professional challenge ever could.
There were moments when her son lost confidence and questioned his abilities. As a mother, Bina refused to let temporary setbacks define his future. To ensure he never felt limited by circumstances, she took on two demanding roles simultaneously.
By day, she served as Dean of a Vocational Training Institute, monitoring departments, mentoring faculty, and building structure that provided meaningful skill development to young minds. after long workdays she travels to Yadavindra Public School in Mohali, teaching hostel students in evening tutoring them them academically and emotionally with the same care she gave her own child.
Achievements That Reflect Purpose, Not Applause
Among Bina Uberoi’s most meaningful contributions is her work with the global Living Values movement an initiative focused on empathy, ethics, emotional strength, and character building in education. Long before such conversations became mainstream, she integrated these principles into her teaching, helping students grow not only academically but as thoughtful, responsible individuals.
Her work in this area received recognition at the highest levels, including appreciation from the Chief Minister for her contribution to education and community upliftment through a Living Values manual. Encouraged by Mrs. Leela Aggarwal and guided by Sister Shivani of the Brahma Kumaris, this project marked her first formal step into writing—and revealed the quiet power of words to influence lives.
In recent years, her literary journey has been widely acknowledged. Her book Unravelling the Weave the culmination of four decades in education has earned numerous national and international honours, including the Asia’s Excellence Award for Best Woman Author, the Rabindranath Tagore Awards, the Nobel Icon Award, and multiple recognitions acknowledging her contribution to literature and education.
Raised by an army officer father, in the early days of her life she learned discipline, courage, and a sense of duty . From him, she learned that many of life’s battles are fought quietly within inside and that dignity matters, even in hardship. This inner strength continues to guide her life forward.
Impact and Vision: Writing, Mentoring, and Meaning
Currently, Bina is expanding her work through projects focused on youth and women. Her book Gen Z: Way to Go! addresses identity struggles, confusion, and emotional challenges faced by young adults today. She is also developing mentoring modules that draw from her experience as a teacher, mother, and survivor of repeated reinvention.
Deeply influenced by scriptures such as the Bhagavad Gita and Guru Granth Sahib, she believes that integrating values with professional ethics can reshape the future. Her vision is clear: a society where guidance is accessible, growth is encouraged, and learning remains lifelong.
Words to Carry Forward
A quote by Martin Luther King Jr. remains close to her heart:
“If you can’t fly, then run; if you can’t run, then walk; if you can’t walk, then crawl—but whatever you do, keep moving forward.”
It has shaped her understanding of resilience not as perfection, but persistence.
To young women, her advice is unwavering: choose yourself without guilt, invest in your independence and emotional health, and never allow doubt to define your worth. Reinvention, she believes, is always possible.
Bina Uberoi’s life reminds us that education is not merely a profession—it is a lifelong act of courage, compassion, and continuity.
