Teachers Day

I know, I do not belong to their generation of ‘Super Techy Connectivity’. Yet I know to stay connected. I can’t sing a single peppy western number but can appreciate when they perform. I use my laptop with difficulty but willingly learn from them, though slowly and can sport a smile if they call me a slow learner. I complement them lavishly when they turn in new, latest information relevant to the subject, before I can find it out. I know mild pranks are passable even if, sometimes it is at my cost. However, if the mischief can cause harm, I do admonish severely, without humiliating them in Public and with genuine concern and understanding with their future in mind. I know my group is mostly not quiet. I do not work that way. Not only do I believe in posing questions and discuss their view points before structuring an answer, but leave them with questions at the end that would triggers a series of more questions from them for me to ponder over.

Though many claim that our profession is ‘Noble’, I never fail to perceive it as a committed Business. I often say, “There is no charity here. I am paid for what I do and you pay for what you receive. If I don’t deliver, you have the right question. I too have the right to question you if you act as an impediment to a classy product delivered commonly for a group. So, let’s get down to meaningful business”. Well I am one of those ordinary Teachers of Today equipping to teach the ‘morrow. No more a teacher is an information provider. As teachers, we need to pause and clearly see the difference between the Past and the Present for sculpturing the unbelievably different Tomorrow.

Life does offer us a chance, at least once in a while, though not often; to find out that we can do more than what we thought we are capable of. This can become a vital lesson for our students to make them think that they can do more that what they think they are capable of. I never felt ashamed to tell my students that I did not know my subject as well as I does now, in the past. A verifiable example always helps more than a sermon or a motivational lecture. Anytime, particularly today it is important to be affectionate and be a shock absorber too at times to help and guide a pupil back to the genuine track of success. Every Institution should be supportive in conducting a Social Audit, with a positive attitude to identify the strengths for promotion and weaknesses for correction. This will help create and sustain a healthy environment where the purpose will be met and goal achieved.

It is our day today for we teachers. Let us plant. Transplant if required. But Nurture our live crop of the ‘morrow and make them sensible, strong, supportive and sensible.

Mahalakshmi Ramjee