Importance of Teacher’s Day: The heroes that show the way

From the moment she walked into my class, I was in awe of her. The way she neatly draped her saree, her soft spoken and smiling demeanour, the way she broke down tough concepts into simpler ideas. Asha Mam had struck a special bond and place in my heart. Her importance in my life is difficult to erase, even after decades of being apart. On Teacher’s Day, I wish to send a note of gratitude Asha Mam’s way.

She instilled in me a confidence to adapt to new or foreign ideas. Her words still resonate and everything about her has remained crystal clear as if it was yesterday. Her memories, the knowledge she imparted and that motherly affection have made a place in my heart permanently. All those years back, she had given me a direction which I pursued and turned into my passion as well as my profession.

There is a great day set to celebrate wonderful educators like Asha Mam. September 5th is dedicated to our teachers, a day that commemorates the birth anniversary of the first President of India, Bharat Ratna Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was born on the same day in 1888. Interestingly, World Teachers’ Day is held on October 5th every year to celebrate teachers all around the globe.

As we grow up, we keep climbing the ladder of learning but each teacher, since the beginning of our formal education, plays a significant role in shaping us. In fact, it is correct to state that after one’s family, teachers play the most pivotal role in shaping us. While each comes with her own methodologies, one thing is common – they impart knowledge with love and affection.

Celebrating the unsung heroes

“If you have to put someone on a pedestal, put teachers. They are society’s heroes, ” these decorated words by the American author Guy Kawasaki echoes the sentiments behind the spirit of Teacher’s Day. Indeed, each of us remembers the teacher or teachers who left an indelible mark on us. They could be our school teachers, college or university professors or even our mentors during various professional stints.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” stated the iconic leader Nelson Mandela. It is understood then that teachers are the facilitators of education that makes this world a better place.

The ‘hard working’ teachers

Teachers of any standard deal with a ton of challenges.  They lead, mentor and educate a team which is truly diverse and has immense but locked potential. To unlock this potential, teachers give their ‘heart and soul’.

Standing on their feet through most part of the day, they begin their day early and spend a very hectic day well beyond teaching hours.  They multitask – teaching the subject, taking care of each student and their work while instilling life lessons and values along the way. They work for the most vulnerable and demanding audience, that is the children.