Rayees Ahmad Kumar
During the Second World War, when men of intellect were also being killed, Hitler was once asked, “What should we do?” He replied, “By all means protect only the teachers; the whole nation will be rebuilt.” Such was the importance of teachers, for they are the true nation-builders.
Educating people is one of the noblest tasks in the world. The profession of teaching has existed since time immemorial. In ancient India, the gurukul system allowed students to live with sages in forests, away from their homes, where they received education and training for years. These gurus were revered by students and parents alike, sometimes worshipped next only to God. From that time, a teacher has always been placed at the highest pedestal of respect. Over the centuries, the system of teaching has transformed, and today we see countless educational institutions across the country.
Teaching is rightly called the greatest act of optimism, for it is the profession that creates all other professions. Great teachers like Dr. S. Radhakrishnan and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam remain timeless inspirations. Since 1962, September 5 has been celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India, marking the birth anniversary of Dr. Radhakrishnan, the second President of India, a great philosopher and educationist. When his students wished to celebrate his birthday, he humbly requested them to observe it instead as Teachers’ Day, thereby honoring all teachers rather than just himself. Learning, however, is not confined to classrooms. Our first teachers are our parents; later, we learn from society, experience, and even our mistakes. Life itself is the greatest teacher. Personally, I feel blessed to have been taught by wonderful teachers, and it is because of their influence that I, too, chose this noble profession.
Teacher’s Day in Kashmir
Unfortunately, in Kashmir, Teachers Day has a unique dimension. Instead of being celebrated for their contribution, teachers are often targeted for none of their faults. Whether it is poor board results or institutional failures, teachers are made easy scapegoats. Admittedly, teachers also share part of the blame. Many fail to update their knowledge or skills and sometimes display negligence in their teaching duties. A few have even been found indulging in unprofessional or immoral activities, which tarnish the dignity of the profession.
To restore the lost glory of teaching, every teacher must uphold honesty, dedication, and commitment. Another grave injustice lies in the non-teaching duties thrust upon teachers—such as election duty, census duty, or yatra duty. These disrupt their primary responsibility of teaching and harm students education. Posting teachers in far-off areas, without considering their circumstances, also affects their efficiency and morale. Respect for teachers can only be regained when they are allowed to focus on their real calling—teaching.
Declining respect for Teachers
Sadly, both teachers and the profession are not regarded today with the same reverence as in the past. Ironically, government functionaries like patwaris, police constables, or rural development workers often receive more respect than teachers. This distorted social perception ignores the fact that teachers shape the future of our children and act as their moral and spiritual guides.
In contrast, in developed nations, teaching is still considered a sacred profession. In Germany, for example, teachers enjoy the highest salaries in the country. When judges, doctors, and engineers once demanded equal pay, Chancellor Angela Merkel famously responded, “How can I compare you to those who taught you?. Dedicating a day to teachers should not just be ceremonial. It must mean giving them the respect they deserve, acknowledging their contribution to society and the nation, and ensuring they can guide the next generation effectively.
Teachers are indeed the backbone of society. They inspire, counsel, and empower the youth with knowledge and values. Because of teachers, nations advance socially, morally, and economically. The next time you or your community achieve something great, pause to remember and thank the teachers who made it possible.
(The author is a freelancer. He hails from Qazigund and can be reached at [email protected])
