Shilpa Attavar
Teachers’ Day is celebrated in India on the fifth of September every year as a mark of tribute to the contribution made by teachers to society. 5th September is the birthday of Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, the second President of India, a staunch believer of education, celebrated writer, a well-known diplomat, scholar and above all, an inspirational teacher. Teaching is one of the noblest professions – if not the noblest.
A teacher is the embodiment of selflessness and sacrifice. The lessons learned from teachers remain with their students throughout life. Truly, it is said that: “A good teacher is like a candle that consumes itself, only to light the way for others”.
Teachers’ Day is a day that is eagerly looked forward to by teachers and students alike. It is on this day that teachers get the recognition they deserve for all the efforts they put in, in moulding the lives of their students. It is a day filled with fun for the students also, as in various schools students dress up as their teachers and take classes that are assigned to the teachers they represent. As the day passes the students perform the regular activities that are performed by the teachers. On this day students realize the true meaning and significance of a teacher’s role in their lives. They become conscious of what it takes to be a teacher and what it means to be in command of the future of students. For the teachers too, it is a welcome break in the monotony and they are reminded what it felt like when they were students themselves.
The best teacher is the one who suggests rather than dogmatizes, and inspires his listener with the wish to teach himself. The best teacher is one who not only teaches but creates an atmosphere where learning takes place.
We should always respect our teachers. Teachers need encouragement and support from society; and must be made to realize that their devotion to students is appreciated.
