Teachers: Guides of Society
Ramesh Sarraf Dhamora
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Teachers are not merely sources of bookish knowledge in our lives; they are guides who show us the right path. From early childhood education to the shaping of our careers, they inspire us to learn, understand, and progress. That is why, in our country, teachers are accorded a status even higher than that of God. To honor them, September 5 is celebrated annually as Teachers' Day.
Teachers equip us with the knowledge and skills essential for success in life. They shape our personalities, help mold our character, instill values, and assist us in becoming good citizens. It is the teacher who reveals the true meaning of life to students; they show us the right path and steer us away from wrongdoing. They look out for our well-being, caring for every student and wishing for their growth. A student who fails to respect their teachers rarely moves forward in life. Teachers mold a student's personality; they are the only selfless individuals who joyfully impart all their knowledge to children. It is said that knowledge remains incomplete without a *Guru* (teacher), and this holds absolutely true.
The date for celebrating Teachers' Day varies across countries. It is observed on September 10 in China, May 6 in the USA, the last Friday of October in Australia, October 15 in Brazil, and October 5 in Pakistan. Additionally, February 28 is celebrated as Teachers' Day in Oman, Syria, Egypt, Libya, the UAE, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, and several other Islamic nations. However, in India, Teachers' Day has been celebrated on September 5 since 1962 to mark the birth anniversary of the country's second President, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan expressed a wish for his birthday to be celebrated as Teachers' Day.
Dr. Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, into a Brahmin family in the village of Tirumani, Tamil Nadu. He was fond of reading books from childhood and was deeply influenced by Swami Vivekananda. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a great teacher who dedicated 40 years of his life to the teaching profession. He was known for highlighting the contribution and role of teachers in students' lives; consequently, he was the first to advocate for recognizing teachers and requested that September 5th be celebrated annually as Teachers' Day. He passed away in Chennai on April 17, 1975.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan began his career as a philosophy teacher in 1909 at Presidency College, Chennai. He taught philosophy at several renowned universities—such as those in Banaras, Chennai, Kolkata, and Mysore—as well as at international institutions like Oxford in London. Due to his dedication to the teaching profession, he was appointed Chairman of the University Education Commission in 1949.
The first teacher in our lives is our mother, who introduces us to the world and imparts knowledge from the moment we are born. However, during a student's formative years, a teacher acts as a mentor who not only educates them but also teaches them to distinguish between right and wrong. In earlier times, students would live with their teachers in *Gurukuls* for years to pursue their education. During this time, the *Guru* (teacher) would not only impart academic knowledge but also teach the disciples lessons on self-reliance. This is why it is said: "When the *Guru* and *Govind* (God) both stand before me, to whom should I bow? I bow to the *Guru*, for it is he who revealed *Govind* to me." The *Guru* is considered to hold a position even higher than God, as it is through the *Guru* that a person attains God.
Teachers play a significant and vital role in shaping our lives. They assist us in various ways to achieve success. They enhance our knowledge, skill levels, and confidence, while shaping our lives in the right direction. Kabir Das has described the role of a teacher in these lines:
"The teacher is the potter and the student is the clay pot; the potter molds and shapes it, removing its flaws. He supports it from within with one hand while striking it from the outside."
Kabir Das explains that a teacher is like a potter and the student is like a clay pot being crafted by him. During the shaping process, the potter strikes the pot from the outside while simultaneously keeping one hand inside to provide support.
In recent times, the respect accorded to teachers in society has begun to decline. The reprehensible conduct of many teachers has caused them to lose their standing in the eyes of society. The noble profession of teaching is being tarnished by instances of teachers engaging in shameful behavior with students in schools and colleges. Students, too, are not without fault in the current era; indiscipline among them is eroding the educational atmosphere in schools and colleges. Teachers and students must understand each other's sentiments and work together to keep the light of knowledge burning. Along with celebrating Teachers' Day, we must also pledge to restore the sanctity of the teaching profession; only then will our celebration of Teachers' Day be truly meaningful.
Teachers are the true architects of students' lives; they not only shape our existence but also empower us to shine like a light even amidst the darkness of the world. A teacher acts as a beacon in society, guiding their students from darkness to light. The radiance of a teacher's knowledge is visible from afar, illuminating our nation with countless such beacons of light. That is why teachers are held in such high esteem in the country. Teachers' Day serves as a significant occasion to strengthen the bond between teachers and students.
In the past, teachers were honored by the act of touching their feet (*Charan Sparsh*). However, times have changed, and both teachers and students have evolved. Teaching was once a labor of passion and enthusiasm rather than merely a profession; today, it has largely become a means of earning a livelihood. Teachers play a pivotal role in an individual's life, fulfilling various roles such as guide, mentor, and friend. It is ultimately up to the student to define their teacher. Saint Tulsidas beautifully illustrated this concept in the following lines:
"As is one's devotion and mindset, so is the form of the Lord one perceives."
Saint Tulsidas explained that God—or a Guru—appears to an individual exactly as they perceive them. For instance, Arjuna viewed Lord Krishna as a friend, whereas Meera Bai saw Him as her beloved. The same principle applies to the teacher-student relationship. That is why it is said that a teacher is a guide who shows the path to society.
Teachers' Day is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions. On this day, teachers receive abundant greetings and good wishes from their students. In India, this day is observed to honor and appreciate teachers, who work tirelessly throughout the year, striving for their students to excel in academics and other activities. Various types of programs are organized in schools across the country on Teachers' Day.
Article by: Ramesh Sarraf Dhamora
(The author is an independent journalist recognized by the Government of Rajasthan.)
