Education is considered to be the most powerful instrument to secure victory and success in life. The huge responsibility to nourish and shape up the lives of young children is taken up by teachers who play an essential role in the character formation of every student. A good teacher possesses many qualities and abilities that enable him or her to not only teach different subjects, but also improve personality, boost confidence and skill level of students. An ideal teacher most definitely acts as a role model by practising the qualities that he or she tries to instill in his students.
‘Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnu Gurudevo Maheshwara/Gurur Sakshaat Param Brahma Tasmai Shrii Gurave Namah’ (The Holy Trinity is that Guru/There is a Guru nearby and a Guru that is the ultimate/I pay my obeisance to that remover of darkness)
These slokas in Sanskrit from Vishwasara Tantram signify the invaluable stature conferred on teachers in Indian culture through ages. Though we have come a long way from the Gurukuls to high-tech classrooms, the role of teachers in a child’s life has remained the same always — that of shaping a child’s life by instilling the right values and knowledge and preparing him to take on the tough challenges of life.
A mother is undoubtedly a child’s first and most important teacher. He starts seeing the world through her eyes and most importantly she plays a major role in gradually developing his way of thinking and his outlook towards the world.
A mother who teaches her child the value of respect to all beings most certainly contributes positively towards the progress of the society.
It is indeed worthwhile to note that by inculcating the essential values, our home becomes our first and foremost school in life.
As we grow up, we interact with several teachers from whom we obtain a variety of knowledge — be it in academics, music, sports or arts. Teachers always place their students first, hence they are bestowed with supreme respect in a child’s life.
A teacher or guru means “one who drives away the darkness of ignorance”. Thus an ideal teacher is one who possesses knowledge without bounds, wisdom, patience, perseverance, sincerity, intelligence, dedication and compassion. Teaching involves passion, the drive to ignite hunger for knowledge in a student, the ability to bring forth the best in him and also a heart devoid of selfishness to love a student as one’s own.
Any society is dependent on teachers for its quality and future. Without good teachers any good system may fail because with their experience and knowledge, teachers alone can overcome the hurdles for the benefit of students.
A country can attain the highest degree of performance only if it has the best quality teachers. An ideal teacher is complete only if he acts as a friend, philosopher and guide to a child.
Since 1962, September 5, the birthday of Dr S Radhakrishnan, is being observed as Teachers’ Day. On this day, the sacrifices and contributions of teachers are acknowledged and the whole nation pays respect to their great role as those who impart the light of knowledge.
Teachers’ day is a great occasion for cementing the relationship and enjoying the bond between teachers and students, thus celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy in schools, colleges and other educational institutions by both students and teachers.
On this occasion, I wish to salute all the teachers of our nation beginning from our dearest mothers, who have selflessly strived to bring us up in the best way possible, to pay them the tribute of lifelong affection and gratitude as well as a promise to treasure each precious lesson they have given and to carry them along in our hearts throughout.
We must always remember and pledge to treat our teachers with utmost respect and honour as they are the ones who guided us into the vast world of ‘knowledge’ — the greatest wealth and weapon with which the world itself could be changed for better.
(Contributed by Agnivesh Jyotiraditya, Class IX)
