S. S. Sodhi
Teacher’s Day, celebrated in honor of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the esteemed President of India, is not just a day on the calendar; it’s a day to recognize the profound impact teachers have on the very fabric of society. From the smallest village schools to the grandest world platforms, it is the teacher who quietly and relentlessly shapes the future of every nation.
As I sit down to pen these thoughts, on this Teacher’s Day, I find myself walking down memory lane. It’s a path paved with chalk dust, the gentle rustling of pages, and the timeless sound of a teacher’s voice guiding, admonishing, encouraging. We often celebrate the milestones in our lives-the first steps, the graduations, the achievements-but how often do we stop to acknowledge those who held our hands at every turn? Who nudged us when we faltered and cheered the loudest when we soared? I speak, of course, of our teachers.
My respect for teachers is not born of mere courtesy; it is rooted in a life spent observing the quiet, unyielding dedication they bring to their craft. Teaching, I’ve realized, is not just a profession. It’s a calling, a commitment to shape the minds, hearts, and souls of the future. And while that might sound lofty, let me assure you-there’s nothing romantic about the 6 AM alarm, the unending piles of notebooks to check, or the relentless challenge of managing a classroom full of restless young minds. Yet, they do it. Day after day.
From the first tentative step into a classroom, a child is a lump of clay. It is the teacher’s hands that mold, shape, and sometimes, with the precision of a sculptor, carve out the rough edges. But it’s not just the intellect that a teacher shapes; it’s the very character of the child. The first lesson of sharing, the first taste of discipline, the first experience of failure, and the first burst of pride-all happen under the watchful eye of a teacher.
But here’s where the magic lies: A good teacher does not simply teach; they inspire. They don’t just fill your mind with facts; they set it ablaze with curiosity. They touch your soul in ways that textbooks never could. I’ve seen this magic happen, year after year. I’ve seen the dullest of students suddenly awaken to a world of possibilities, simply because a teacher believed in them.
I’ve seen how a kind word, a bit of extra time, or even a stern reprimand, delivered with care, can change the course of a life.
Today, as I reflect on the success stories of countless individuals-politicians, doctors, defense personnel, engineers, architects, film stars, guides, sportsmen, musicians, dancers, pilots, police officers, even businessmen-I see the unmistakable imprint of a teacher’s hand. These accomplished professionals, celebrated in their respective fields, were once guided, nurtured, and shaped by teachers who believed in them. Their confidence, courage, and intelligent minds are the creations of those who spent hours crafting lessons, imparting wisdom, and nurturing dreams.
I speak from experience-both as a student and as someone who has spent decades in the field of education. I owe much of who I am to the teachers who refused to give up on me, even when I was determined to take the easier path. They saw potential where I saw only obstacles. They did not just impart knowledge; they imparted wisdom, values, and most importantly, the confidence to pursue my dreams.
There’s a saying that goes, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” In my life, I have been blessed to have known many such great teachers. They were not just instructors; they were mentors, guides, and sometimes, even second parents. They understood that teaching is not just about the mind, but about touching the heart and soul.
And so, on this Teacher’s Day, as we take a moment to honor those who have shaped us, let us remember that the role of a teacher is not confined to the walls of a classroom. They are the unsung architects of society, the ones who build futures, one lesson at a time. Their influence extends far beyond the blackboard, and their legacy is etched into the lives of every student they have ever taught.
In a world that often measures success by material gain, let us not forget the true measure of a teacher’s success-the lives they’ve touched, the minds they’ve opened, and the hearts they’ve inspired. Here’s to the teachers, who have given us the tools to not just make a living, but to live a life of purpose and meaning.
As for me, I’ll forever be in debt to those who shaped me, not just into a better student, but into a better human being. So, on this day, I raise a toast-not just to the teachers of my past, but to all the teachers who continue to light the path for generations to come. May you always be the guiding star in the night sky of our lives.
(The writer is Chairman J&K Intellectual Civil Society & Pro-Vice Chairperson/ Director DPS Schools- J&K)