Dr. Ankush Mahajan
Teachers’ Day is a special occasion in India, celebrated on the 5th of September each year to honor educators who shape the minds and futures of students. Traditionally, the guru-shishya (teacher-student) relationship has been revered as sacred. The ancient tradition of mentorship dates back to the times of Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, who sought wisdom under their gurus, Maharishi Vasishtha and Maharishi Sandipani, respectively. The guru was considered a guiding light, an embodiment of wisdom and discipline, and the student, a disciple eager to absorb the teachings.
However, as society evolves, so does this relationship. A noticeable shift has taken place, especially in modern educational institutions. Today, a new dynamic between college professors and students is emerging, where the formal boundaries are dissolving into a more casual and friendly rapport. While this may appear to be a departure from the respect-laden traditional system, it is, in fact, a reflection of changing times and the progressive transformation of education itself.
The Age-Old Guru-Shishya Parampara
The sanctity of the guru-shishya parampara has been at the core of Indian philosophy for centuries. In ancient India, learning wasn’t confined to classrooms but flourished in gurukuls, where students lived with their teachers and were imparted not only academic knowledge but also values, life skills, and spiritual insight. The relationship was rooted in mutual respect, discipline, and a shared quest for enlightenment. The guru’s role was to awaken the latent potential within each student, guiding them towards self-realization.
This traditional system nurtured some of the greatest minds and philosophers of India, including Swami Vivekananda, who famously said, “Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man.” Teachers were seen as torchbearers, leading their students on a path of knowledge and virtue. The influence of teachers was so profound that it extended far beyond the classroom, shaping the character, morality, and life choices of the student.
The Modern Shift: From Formality to Friendship
In contrast to this traditional reverence, the guru-shishya relationship in contemporary educational settings has taken on a more relaxed tone. Today, it is common to see students addressing their professors with informal greetings, replacing the age-old “Namaste” with “What’s up, sir?” This shift reflects the broader cultural transformation of Indian society, where formality is being replaced by informality and hierarchies are becoming less rigid.
On college campuses, students and professors are increasingly adopting a friendly dynamic, engaging in casual conversations, and often bonding over shared interests like movies, sports, or even social media trends. Many professors welcome this change, recognizing that it fosters a more open and collaborative learning environment. Rather than feeling disrespected, they appreciate the camaraderie, as it allows for better communication and encourages students to approach them without hesitation.
However, this shift also raises a significant question: Does this casual interaction dilute the respect traditionally accorded to teachers, or is it a necessary evolution in keeping with the demands of the 21st century?
Balancing Respect with Camaraderie
While the casual nature of modern student-teacher interactions is undeniably different from the past, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a loss of respect. Rather, it represents a shift in how respect is expressed. In today’s world, where students are more vocal, informed, and confident, the traditional notion of reverence has transformed into a mutual exchange of ideas. Professors no longer see themselves merely as authority figures but as facilitators of knowledge who learn from their students just as much as they teach.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 acknowledges this evolving role of educators. It views teachers as “transformers,” tasked not only with academic instruction but also with nurturing the holistic development of students, including their emotional and social well-being. In this context, a friendlier approach may be more effective in reaching today’s students, who often learn best in environments where they feel heard, respected, and understood.
Moreover, the modern guru understands that education today is not about rote learning but fostering creativity, critical thinking, and innovation. Teachers who can engage students in meaningful dialogue and build genuine relationships may be better equipped to inspire them to think independently and contribute positively to society.
Preserving the Essence of Tradition
Despite the changes in the guru-shishya relationship, the essence of this sacred bond remains intact. While the formality of old may have given way to informality, the underlying respect for knowledge and the teacher’s role in shaping lives continues to endure. It is the responsibility of both teachers and students to ensure that this evolution does not erode the values at the heart of education.
As we celebrate Teachers’ Day, we must reflect on the dual nature of this evolving relationship. The timeless values of the guru-shishya parampara – mutual trust, respect, and dedication – should continue to guide modern education. At the same time, the evolving dynamic should be seen as an opportunity to deepen the bond between teachers and students, making the learning experience richer, more inclusive, and more impactful.
In conclusion, the shift from formality to friendly camaraderie in the modern guru-shishya relationship is not a loss but an adaptation to the times. Teachers remain the torchbearers of knowledge, and their influence, as the saying goes, “affects eternity; they can never tell where their influence stops.” While the interaction between teachers and students has become more informal, the reverence for the transformative power of education and the role of teachers in nation-building remains unchanged.
