WHEN I received my first salute as an officer cadet at the tender age of 19, I felt on top of the world. As time passed, it became a routine procedure and many a time it even went unnoticed.

Then a time came when I received my brass hat as a commander. It was so exciting that I fell in love with my uniform.

For a few months, I really felt proud of my achievement. But, alas! as the shine on my new brass hat faded, so did my excitement.

In quest for something more satisfying, I took retirement from the navy and joined the corporate world in a senior position. My heart started beating fast once again and I thought I had now achieved the epic position in my life.

But soon I realised that in spite of authority, a handsome salary and fringe benefits I was never convinced that I was giving my best to my country. I knew I was receiving more than I was giving.

Now for the last six or so years I have been teaching MBA classes in a reputable institution. Every year when my students receive their degrees, clad in their hoods and gowns, the shine in their eyes gives me perpetual pleasure.

The expression of gratitude in the eyes of their parents is a reward unmatched.

This indeed is a never-ending pleasure because every achievement of my students in their lives refreshes my pride and pleasure.

I would like to reiterate that it took me over four decades to understand the nobility and sanctity of the teaching profession.

I would advise young intellectuals of my country to take a cue from my lifelong experience and take pride in becoming the architects of a great nation by taking up teaching as their profession.

COMMANDER (RTD) KHALID DURRANI     Karachi