Y. Satya Sree
The above Sanskrit quotation
tells us that it is ‘Education that emancipates us’. The term Education is
derived from ‘Educere’ which means ‘to train’ or ‘to mould’ into desirable
forms. The Oxford Dictionary says that “Education is the systematic training
and instruction, especially of the young in school and college”. Swami
Vivekananda said, “Education is the
manifestation of the perfection already in man”. It is in these contexts that
the teacher plays a vital role in the life of a student. The teacher is held in
high esteem in any society. Particularly, in our country, a teacher is regarded
as Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. Teaching is considered to be the noblest of
all professions.
A teacher plays an important
role in transmitting the traditional values, attitudes and occupational skills
to children. A teacher trains them in personal and social behaviour and
inculcation of human values. A teacher creates an atmosphere for the child to
develop fully as a complete human being. Jiddu Krishnamurti gives emphasis to
the cultivation of the intellect and the necessity to have a sharp, clear and
analytical and precise mind.
A teacher has to perform
multiple roles in the process of educating the child. The primary role of a
teacher is that of a leader. He has to show them the right way by influencing
their raw minds and guide them in right thinking. He should socialise them and
act as an agent of moral development of the child. Sometimes the teacher acts as a Judge, as he judges the academic
performance in an impartial and just manner.
The ‘offences’ committed by the students are immediately checked by the
teacher, who sometimes plays the role of a police or a detective. He is a refree when he settles the disputes
and differences among his pupils. While
dealing with problem children, he performs the duty of a counsellor. The teacher is a true friend, guide and
philosopher to the students. Above all,
a teacher is a parent surrogate as he/she substitutes the parent as long as the
child is under his/her care. Therefore,
the multi-dimensional role played by the teacher is very challenging in the
present day society.
In
future, the role and responsibility of a teacher has to be clearly
defined. The Education Commission
(1964-66), under the active leadership of Dr. Kothari, rightly observed “The
destiny of India is being shaped in its classroom”. The teacher should be aware of this moral obligation and should
take up the responsibility of man-making, social transformation and
nation-building. A teacher’s role has
to be tailor – made to suit the needs and demands of the country.
A
teacher in the modern times has to be a good communicator, motivator, innovator
and organizer. He should be able to
utilize all the available resources and tools and educational technology
effectively. He should keep updating
his knowledge and skills and keep pace with the latest developments in his
subject. I quote V.S. Srinivasa Sastry
as he mentioned two corollaries of this duty, “One is the need of reading and
adding to one’s own knowledge. No man’s
conversation is worth anything is he is not in touch with the events round him
and if he does not keep abreast of the movement of thought and opinion. Also let every teacher of the young remember
always that they learn largely through imitation, that imitation is unconscious
as well as conscious, and that it is, therefore, incumbent on him, for the sake
of his pupils as much as for his own, to set a good example in all
respects”. Dr. S. Radha Krishnan, the
world Philosopher, said quite relevantly, “No teacher, who is not master of the
field or who is not in touch with the latest developments in his subject and
who does not bring to bear upon his duties a free and untrammeled mind will
ever succeed in inspiring the youth with love of truth which is the principal
object of education”. Let all teachers
take inspiration from this great teacher’s words and make themselves better
teachers for a better tomorrow.
I
conclude with a prayer from Taittaraya Upanishad, which points out the true
relationship of the educator and the educated.
Let us pray that this spiritual relationship sustains forever.
Om
Sahanavavathu, Sahanau Bhunaktu,
Sahaviryam
Karavavahai, Tejaswina Vadhitamastu,
Mavidvishavahai,
Om Santi, Santi, Sanit.
which means – May the Divine protect us both, the
Teacher and the Discipline. May He
nourishes us both. May we work together
with great energy. May our study be
vigorous and fruitful. May we not hate
each other.
Om
Santi, Santi, Santi.