Opinion: Real Teachers' Day Honour Will Be To Address The Challenges They Face, And Extend The Support They Need
Guru Govind Dou Khade, Kaake Laagoon Paany; Balihari Guru Aapne, Govind Diyo Milaay.
These timeless words by Kabir eloquently capture the profound significance of a teacher in our lives. The poet poses a dilemma: when both the Guru (teacher) and Govind (the divine) stand before us, whose feet should we touch first? Kabir asserts that it is the Guru who deserves our highest reverence, for it is through the Guru’s guidance that we are led to Govind. Without a teacher, the path to the divine would remain obscured, making the Guru's role indispensable in our spiritual journey.
In Indian culture, teachers are revered with a unique and exalted status. Every year, on September 5th, India celebrates Teacher’s Day to honour its educators, marking the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the country’s second President and a renowned scholar born on September 5, 1888. Since 1962, this day has been dedicated to recognising the critical role teachers play in shaping not just the intellectual but also the moral fabric of the nation. This day serves as more than just a celebration — it is a reminder of the transformative power of education and the essential role teachers play in nurturing the future leaders of the world.
At the core of every teacher's mission is the commitment to develop not only the intellect but also the character of their students. In today’s world, driven by rapid technological advancements and fierce competition, the importance of teachers in imparting moral values has never been more significant.
The influence of a morally upright teacher can shape students into individuals who live with purpose and principle.
However, as we celebrate the contributions of our teachers, we must also acknowledge the challenges they face. In an era where material success is often valued above moral integrity, teachers must navigate the delicate balance of nurturing both mind and spirit.
They are tasked with guiding students in a constantly evolving world, often with limited resources and recognition. It is incumbent upon us, as a society, to support our teachers, ensuring they have the tools and encouragement they need to fulfil their vital role.
As a matter of fact, teachers are often the first line of defence against the social and emotional challenges students face. As Bob Talbert aptly put it: “Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching kids what counts is best”.
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Strengthen Teachers For A Strong India
As India embarks on its journey towards becoming a developed and self-reliant nation, the presence of teachers and their valuable teachings resonate more than ever. Strong character building is at the core of education. It involves developing moral values, ethical principles, and a sense of responsibility towards oneself and others. In this rapidly changing world, the role of teachers in strong character building has become increasingly crucial.
A self-reliant nation is built on the foundation of self-reliant individuals, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to make the right choices, even in challenging circumstances. Through education, individuals acquire the competencies and confidence to innovate, create, and lead. In today's world, where information is readily available at the click of a button, the ability to think critically, make informed decisions, and act ethically to solve real-world problems is more important than ever. Taking risks and pursuing their passions is particularly crucial in a time when entrepreneurship and innovation are key drivers of economic growth and job creation.
As India strives towards new milestones, it is essential that teachers are empowered to play their full role in this journey. Teachers often face a host of challenges that can hinder their ability to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
These challenges include inadequate infrastructure, outdated curricula, large class sizes, and insufficient support from stakeholders, including the government, educational institutions, and society at large. This can lead to low morale and a lack of motivation, ultimately affecting the quality of education.
It is crucial that teachers are provided with professional development at all levels of formal education, to help them resolve these challenges and continue to provide high-quality education.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the teaching community demonstrated remarkable resilience, adaptation and commitment to students across the learning institutions. They remained steadfast in their dedication to shaping the future, even in the face of adversity. Interventions are needed to strengthen the teaching profession and its vital importance to societies across the country and the globe.
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Are We Truly Doing Enough?
It is commendable that students honour their teachers on occasions like Teachers' Day and Guru Purnima, recognising them as pivotal motivators and sources of inspiration. However, it is crucial to pause and reflect on a fundamental question: Are we truly doing enough to keep our teachers motivated and engaged in these rapidly changing times?
As the nation strives towards ambitious visions, the need for teaching evolves, and new challenges emerge — we must critically assess whether our current efforts and initiatives are sufficient to sustain the passion and commitment of teachers. We need to consider if we are providing the necessary resources, respect, recognition, and support for professional growth that will empower teachers to thrive in today’s dynamic environment.
While initiatives such as the National Education Policy (2020), the DIKSHA platform (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing), the NISHTHA capacity-building program (National Initiative for School Heads' and Teachers' Holistic Advancement), and the multi-mode access initiative PM eVidya are commendable, their reach is limited given the vast number of teachers in the country.
These initiatives are a step in the right direction, yet more comprehensive efforts are necessary to ensure teachers remain motivated and current with evolving educational standards and expectations. A stronger emphasis on the professional development of teachers is essential. This includes providing continuous support to stay updated with the latest advancements in education and technology. Additionally, creating structured opportunities for collaboration and the exchange of best practices among teachers—both within their institutions and across the educational community—is crucial for fostering an environment of collective growth and innovation.
P.K. Joshi is a professor with the School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
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