School Politics Exposed: Why the Worst Teachers Sometimes Win in a Toxic Work Environment
- PenItOut
- Apr 25
- 4 min read
The Promotion Paradox: Desi Edition
A Satirical Saga of Sycophancy, Samosas & Sabotage
Ah, my dear clipboard-carrying comrades and board-marker-wielding battalions, assemble! For today, we dissect a peculiar breed of professional that thrives not on performance, but on proximity—to power, politics, and pani puri parties. Welcome once again to the anecdotes of toxic work environment
Promotion Paradox: Desi Edition where mediocrity wears a crown and merit quietly cries in the corner.
Case Study: Chintu – The Crown Prince of Chamchagiri - Chronicles of Toxic Work Environment
Chintu isn’t just a character—he’s a *syllabus* in himself. From his half-tucked shirt to his half-baked excuses, he’s mastered the art of “climbing the ladder without taking the steps.”
1. Free Period Fanatic
He’s allergic to actual work but strangely immune to guilt.

Escape Master: Sir, I have a dentist appointment. No, not for me—for my pet rabbit. Emotional support visit.”
Ghost of Periods Past- You check the staffroom… Chintu’s gone. You check the class… Chintu never came. He exists only in the attendance register.
2. Chronically Late, Comfortably Absent
Time management? Please. Chintu runs on his own timezone—Chintu Standard Time (CST).
Late Entries, Lazy Excuses: “Sorry, I was finalizing annual report drafts.” (Read: printing memes near the Xerox machine.)
First to Flee:As soon as the clock ticks close to the bell, his bag zips up with dramatic flair.
3. Power Parasite
Why do actual work when you can just follow the powerful?

- Sir Ji’s Sidekick: Wherever the principal goes, Chintu appears—like a loyal shadow… or a clingy software bug.
- Compliment Cannon: Ma’am, your handwriting is so elegant, even doctors should learn from you!”
4. The Performer, Not the Professor
Teaching is optional. Entertainment? Mandatory.

- Bachho, let’s vibe today: He starts every class like a failed RJ audition.
- Learning Outcomes: Zero. But hey, at least now everyone knows his top 5 Salman Khan movies.
5. Gossip Guru & Treat Dealer
Chintu’s grapevine stretches from the canteen to the principal’s pantry.

Staff Secrets: “Gupta Ma’am hides her snacks in the attendance folder. Don’t tell anyone—but she’s on her third samosa today.”
Student Scoops: “Amit and Neha? Total couple. They share headphones. That’s practically marriage.”
Edible Bribes: “Ramesh, you give me your assignment , I’ll give you imported toffees.”
If Swiggy could deliver marks, he’d be a topper.
6. The Exam Duty Escape Artist
Ah, exam duty—the holy grail of accountability. But Chintu? He’s always too “sick” to serve.

-Seasonal Sickness Expert:
Pre-board fever,
Final exam migraines,
Sudden typhoid-like tiredness that vanishes post-lunch.
His medical history is longer than his teaching log.
Doctor’s Notes on Demand: “See this prescription? It clearly says ‘avoid stressful environments’… like invigilation halls.”
Record Absentee: While others slog in sweat-soaked silence guarding students with hawk eyes, Chintu sends a text:
“Sorry, throat infection. Can’t shout at cheaters today.”
7. Students’ Favourite Exam Duty Uncle
And here’s the twist—students LOVE him on exam duty. Why?
Silent Spectator: He patrols the room like a tourist in a museum. Cheating? What cheating? He didn’t see a thing.
Blind Eye Deal: You can pass chits, exchange answer sheets, even do shadow puppets. As long as you wish him “Good morning, Sir,” Chintu’s your guy.
Rumor Has It: “If Chintu Sir is in your room, don’t worry full syllabus out ho jaayega.”
The Dual Narrative
The ‘Positive’ Spin (as seen by management):
“He’s very popular with students.”
“He keeps things light in tense environments.”
“So cooperative! Never complains.” (Except when he’s sick… which is always.)
The Reality Check:
Learning? Missing.
Integrity? Optional
Promotion? Guaranteed.
Because when bootlicking becomes a KPI, sincerity becomes a side character. - The reality of hostile work environment
Final Bell: A Memo to the Meritorious

So here’s to Chintu—the undefeated champion of charm-over-content. May his chamchagiri earn him another title (and another sick leave during exams).
21st Century Kids: The New Paradox
While Chintu dances his way to promotions, a new irony brews in the classroom — 21st-century learners with 2G patience and 5G demands.
Luxury Over Learning: Many students today want quick success without putting in the foundational hard work. The dream? Instagram fame and AC cabins by 21.
Mental Burnout Over Minor Struggles: A mere 7 periods out of 8 lead to panic attacks and mental breakdowns. The moment life stops offering comfort, the chaos begins.
Crab Mentality Rising: Instead of lifting deserving peers, some students pull them down. If someone tries too hard, they’re labelled a “try-hard.” If they succeed, they’re resented for showing effort.
Conclusion: Sincerity in the Time of Samosas
In a world where the Chintus get ahead with their theatrics and flattery, where students confuse attention with achievement, we owe it to ourselves to keep doing what’s right. To the silent warriors with chalk-stained hands, lesson plans, and integrity — your impact isn’t always instant, but it's immense.
Let's teach our kids that respect is earned, not gifted, and success without effort is an illusion. Let’s build classrooms where chamchagiri is replaced by character, and where our next generation understands:
📌 There’s no Swiggy for marks.📌 You can’t download diligence.📌 And legacy? That’s handwritten — not copy-pasted.
Until next time, stay woke, stay witty, and remember — keep your erasers (and ethics) clean. 🧼
#Disclaimer: No actual Chintus were harmed. Their unpaid exam duties, however, remain missing to this day.
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