By the Editor
Teaching is a special calling intended for those who derive pleasure and satisfaction from seeing others learn and grow. A good teacher is not only one who possesses knowledge but who feels that he or she should devote to imparting knowledge and skill to pupils under his or her care. Good teachers do not grumble much or try to find any excuses whatsoever but they feel happy and cheerful to be with their pupils. They are willing to spend many hours in preparing at home or correcting papers. They are very good and efficient in time-management and are punctual in taking classes. Their affection for pupils are boundless and they do not try to discriminate them irrespective of their family background. In brief, they know how to get along with others including their colleagues and supervisors. Teachers are highly respected members of society because they are considered as torchbearers. John Garrett said, “ The job of a teacher is to excite in the young a boundless sense of curiosity about life, so that the growing child shall come to appreciate it with an excitement tempered by awe and wonder”. Teachers must have energy and stamina because it is not easy to keep a class of youngsters coming from various backgrounds for almost 200 days a year and hence they must have good mental and physical health. Obviously, they have to take great care of their health and if necessary in-cur expenditure in doing so.
Ancient Greece and Rome as also India had much reverence for teachers because they were considered as nation builders. Leaders and well-to-do people engaged private teachers not only to tutor their children but also to mould their character and personality. When Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE) was 13 years old his father King Philip II of Macedonia engaged Aristotle, one of the greatest thinkers of all times and a perfect teacher for a future king. On his part in later years, Alexander extended royal patronage to his beloved teacher with facilities befitting royalty. Rich and affluent nations know and clearly understand the value and honour of teaching community since it is chiefly because of their committed endeavour and selfless sacrifices that they occupy top economic positions globally. Third world countries and developing nations like India have to pause for a while and deeply ponder over the matter and take corrective measures as early as possible so that future generations will reap bountiful fruits.
Every year our country celebrates September 5 as Teachers’ Day coinciding with birthday of Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, President of India and a great philosopher and an eminent educationist. On this day, functions are held throughout the nation honouring teachers and awarding those who perform excellent work with flowery speeches from ministers and dignitaries. After a one-day affair everything continues as usual and teachers become a forgotten lot. Where is the conscience of our leaders and why don’t they be serious in their commitment towards teachers? Do they have to wait again till teachers come out to the streets to air their grievances causing great loss to pupils and inconveniences to public?