Mayur Sharma, now a well-known anchor-cum-author along with Rocky Singh, was always a food lover. “We grew up at a time when food was fresh, and not packed. Everything was home-made. Not only did it look amazing, it tasted delicious too. So, since childhood, Rocky and I have always loved food,” says Mayur.
Growing up in Delhi, Mayur spent most of his school days in the Air Force schools. He started with Air Force School, Subroto Park and then shifted to St. Xavier’s High School in Bombay, for three years. He returned to Air Force Bal Bharti School and completed his schooling there.
A holder of six degrees ranging from B.Sc. in zoology to NIFT, corporate training, and more, Mayur believes that it is important to understand who you are, what you enjoy doing and, then see what you choose to do with that.
While recalling his schooling, Mayur says he was always a consistent student. “If you pick up my report cards, you will see that my teachers have written “too naughty,” he laughs. “However, I was consistent in my studies too. I was always among the top five till class XI and it was primarily because I grew up in a community that read a lot. I enjoyed learning. Even today, I enjoy learning about new things.”
When asked about an incident from school that he will always remember, he narrates one involving his mathematics teacher. “The first time I faced failure was in class XI. It my first blow of reality,” says Mayur.
“I wanted to opt for computer sciences as one of my five subjects and I got it provisionally. However, I scored 39 out of 100 in math, in the first semester. I had to pass math in order to keep studying computer science. I asked my teacher to help me out with one mark, but she refused. I told my parents that I did not want to go to school and study the subject as my teacher had refused to consider the fact that I wanted to do something with my life,” he adds.
“Even at that time, I realised that I failed simply because I did not do my best. I was ready to appear for the test again but my teacher did not cooperate. That was my first failure. Before that, everything came easy to me. So, this was an important learning experience for me,” recalls Mayur.
Lessons from college
“In my third year of Khalsa College, I was the only boy in class. About two months before my final exams, I broke my ankle while playing basketball. I was short on attendance, so the principal did not allow me to sit for exams. My classmates and friends tried to convince my principal. I could sit for theory but practical was still an issue as I could not sit for long hours. At that time, my friends and lab assistants helped me out in every way they could,” he adds.
With this experience, Mayur learnt that no matter how successful one becomes or does, it is always about the people who surround them. It is important to build and sustain relationships. Success and failure, according to Mayur, are defined by how well you manage your relationships with your friends. “My big learning in life was that your best preparation can fall apart if you do not have the support of people around you.”
Relationship with food
When asked if school was the time when he realised his passion for food blogging, he replies, “No, not at all. The only relationship I had with food was my love for eating. I was an active sportsman, so I was always hungry,” he laughs.
“If you look at my childhood stories, you will always see Rocky in it. We have been living five houses apart since 1976. We used to play together and wait for the street vendors. We used to eat everything and anything ranging from bhel puri, cotton candy, cholle bhature to ice creams. Food was always central to our existence in many ways. The passion of love for good food was always there for Rocky and me,” recalls Mayur.
Roots of discipline
“My father was a fauji, so I grew up respecting time and routine. We used to crib about it. However, it helped me. Those things taught me that what has to be done, has to be done. That schedule taught me focus, and that has carried me very far,” says Mayur.
Present education system
Mayur feels that instead of rote learning, what needs to be taught is a love for learning so that students can sustain it throughout their life.
“People take this way too seriously. The main reason why schools are still relevant in this day and age and why they might not be 10 years from now is because they also teach you socialisation skills. Few Some schools in India are moving towards practical knowledge and I think that it is a good move. However, the system will have to change as the world is changing at a much faster rate,” continues Mayur.
Advice
Mayur believes in hard work. “Look inside yourself, recognise your unique talent that brings you joy, and spend your whole lifetime being the best you can be at it. Try to get as near to perfection as you can, by improving every day. Therein lies true joy,” he concludes.
