Our teachers
Some people, noticing a marble block, remarked, “A block of stone”. But when Michelangelo, history’s greatest sculptor, saw it, he exclaimed, “I see an angel!” He set to work with his chisel and hammer to carve out the angel in it. That is precisely what every teacher is called to be: a sculptor or an artist who can visualise the great work of art lying hidden in every student and help bring out the masterpiece.
Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam credited his Science teacher, Shri Siva Subramaniam Iyer who recognised Kalam’s intelligence and encouraged him. The well known billionaire, Bill Gates, ranks among the most famous dropouts of Harvard’s who founded the Microsoft Corporation. He always acknowledged his Maths and Drama teachers who so encouraged and motivated him in school that he went on to become the sixth richest person in the world and pledged to give away 95% of his wealth to charity. These are but a few examples of teachers who, backed by a keen vision, helped their students become valuable gems of society.
Teachers who are visionaries see their profession as a mission. In fact, teaching is both a call and sometimes a choice in life. Teachers educate their students not only for earning a livelihood or for gaining wealth and comfort but largely to help them live a meaningful life, i.e., to be persons of value and vision. Teachers stimulate their pupils to be creative and innovative in life. Albert Einstein once said, “It’s the supreme art of a teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” Teachers use their expertise and skills to the maximum for the benefit of their students.
Our country is blessed with many great visionary teachers who have made innumerable sacrifices for the sake of their students. All the effort and hard work teachers invest in bringing out the best in their students are rarely acknowledged or appreciated. They can be paid back in words or random acts of gratitude. Their greatest reward is the joy and pride of seeing their students become persons of character and nobility.
Every year we observe Teachers’ Day on 5th September. On this auspicious day, may their immense sacrifices and selfless devotion to ‘teaching’ per se ensure the blossoming of the potential in each child for the betterment of society and country!
