Every year, we celebrate Teachers Day to recognise teachers’ efforts at educating and moulding future leaders of tomorrow. We say teachers are grooming nation builders, and creating a positive impact in society by giving good counsel, guidance, direction and positive influence. Yet, does Naga society truly value the teaching profession and it’s worth? This week’s writer ponders over whether our society tends to stereotype the teaching profession as one that is a last resort to escape from unemployment. Read on to explore differing perspectives on a teachers’ worth.
What is a Teacher’s Worth?
“The teacher could never be ordinary. Both, construction and destruction, belongs to him.”
~ KAUTILYA (371 BC- 283 BC, Professor of Pol. Science & Economics, Taxila University)
With frowned eyebrows you ask, “Why? Why not anything else?” and with it flows the innuendo which cannot change this mind. And today I ask you, “why? Why anything else?” when I am contented carrying out the most noble job than one can ever name of. In many societies teachers are looked upon as the individuals who can help to bring about positive changes in the lives of people. They are seen as natural leaders who can give advice on various affairs of the communities. Within the context of their direct interaction with children, parents and communities, teachers and educators could play several major roles. This article is dedicated to all the sound minds who dedicate themselves to moulding and giving desirable shapes to the future.
Yes! Teachers are who we are, regardless of where and which grade one may teach, the piece of knowledge that we give out every day will someday bear its fruits and our once upon a time pupil will one day be sitting at the top of the ladder, and that is the beauty of this noble profession. We create all the other professions that one takes pride in, someone rightfully said that, ‘the teaching profession is the mother of all other professions’. Had there been no teachers, the world would be a beautiful masterpiece but without the touch of the magical colours. The essence of life is lifted to yet another height through this modest art called ‘teaching’. Moreover, a fact must be acknowledged that a teacher has been the central figure in any formal educational system. The teacher knows well the needs of the society and the nature and direction of social change. The present democratic society expects that the teacher should really act as an agent of social change because he is the one who is capable to change the course of destiny of a nation.
However, it is sad to observe that our society stereotypes teaching profession as a last resort escape from unemployment, in fact droves of teachers are in this profession with that perspective. And if you are one amongst those short-sighted individuals, let us sit back and take time to reflect on the ‘Cardinal Sin’ that we are committing: murdering the future of the innocent striplings who look unto their mentors to pave their path concrete so they do not get swallowed in the abyss of this dreadful world. Our duty is to educate the individuals and ultimately upgrade the quality of lives with the extensive knowledge that are not and cannot be imparted elsewhere. These responsibilities which are bestowed upon you and I as a teacher does not come with the right to trifle. For that matter, the book of life: the greatest teacher itself tells us how a teacher should be a model of good works; giving life’s abundance to its disciples and to fulfil that, the art of teaching should be driven by your passion and your love for humanity and not be tossed to and fro from the waves of your ignorance. We hold the key to a better future, it rests upon us if we choose to hurl the key and be confined or open the door and witness the beauty that we are capable of creating, for you and I can make a difference, a positive difference.
However, at the other end of the tunnel, teachers are not given the due reverence, in fact we become a mere employed individual below the average line (Intellectual Labour Class) because we do not go around in fancy wheels or have thick wallet. But that should not give you the excuse to stray away from the obligation that rests on your shoulder as a teacher. The world may turn a blind eye to your contribution of wisdom and knowledge; the gift of life, but that necessarily does not make this profession any less worthy. And nevertheless, rising above all the odds, we find happiness not in the way the society perceives us or from the thickness of our wallet or purses. But the real jubilation, we find in the success of our pupils, geared with armour to face the reality of life and making this world a better place to live in. We find meaning in toiling and striving to make best out of our students, sculpting their intellect and souls while nourishing their character to enable them to climb the highest possible ladders of the success in life. We neither work, nor live for the present, but for the future where our students would be taking free and confident strides without fear.
Remember you are one of the reasons why, somewhere someone is free, fearless, smiling and living a polished, meaningful life. That, my fellow teacher, is the greatest and the sweetest reward one can ask for on Earth.
Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. The views expressed here do not reflect the opinion of the institution. Tetso College is a NAAC Accredited UGC recognised Commerce and Arts College. The editors are Dr Hewasa Lorin, Dr. Aniruddha Babar, Noyingbeni T. Erui, Meren and Kvulo Lorin.
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