(Knowledge along with culture and sensitivity are the biggest identity of a teacher)
In the digital age, the form of education is changing rapidly. This journey from book to screen is imparting knowledge, but culture and human values are being left behind. In such times, the importance of a teacher increases even more. Teachers are the bridges that connect children to the present and take them to a safe future. Machines can provide information, but only a Guru can instill sensitivity and build character. On this Teacher’s Day, let us resolve that the rivers of culture should never dry up in the race of technology.
Teacher’s Day is not just a formal occasion, but it is a day to understand the soul of the society and the nation. Whenever we take the name of Guru or teacher, a personality emerges in our mind, who is not only a teacher but also gives direction to life. In Indian culture, the teacher has been called ‘Acharya’, which means one who teaches through conduct. If seen from this point of view, in today’s era, the responsibility of teachers has increased more than ever, because this is the time when technology and screen are affecting the thinking and sensibilities of children.
A few decades ago, the form of education was limited to books, classroom and dialogue. Students used to listen carefully to the teacher’s words and those words became the basis of their life. But the digital revolution has completely changed this scenario. The growing influence of mobile phones, internet and artificial intelligence (AI) has opened countless opportunities for students, but along with it, it has also raised many challenges. An ocean of information is now available at the fingertips of every child, but in the same ocean, there is also a web of misinformation, misleading content and unlimited entertainment. In such a situation, the question arises that who will show the right path to the children in this vast and unbalanced information world? The answer to this is – teacher.
The role of a teacher is no longer limited to the textbook. He is a guide, a value creator and a personality builder. When a child is lost in the world of mobile screens, it is the teacher’s responsibility to introduce him to the challenges of real life. The aim of education should not be only to get a degree or a job, but it should also be that the child becomes a responsible citizen of the society, develops compassion, sensitivity and discretion in him.
The teacher is the link that maintains a balance between home and society. Home gives love and values to the child, but the teacher makes them permanent. A teacher does not only teach his students mathematics or science, but also teaches them how to face difficulties, how to learn from failures and the importance of honesty and truth in life.
If we consider today’s education system, we find that competition and the race for marks have taken over. Children work hard day and night to score more marks, parents also push them in the same direction, but in this process the foundation of human valuesis getting weakened. This is the reason why self-centered tendencies, moral degradation and insensitivity are increasing in society. If there is anyone who can remove this deficiency, it is the teacher. If the teacher wants, he can develop a sense of cooperation, service, sympathy and responsibility towards society in children.
The impact of the screen has become so deep that children are getting away from real communication. They make thousands of friends on social media, but are becoming victims of loneliness in real life. Only a teacher can help them get out of this situation. When a teacher communicates with children in the class, he does not only teach, but also touches the emotions of the children. A true teacher is one who makes students feel that they are important, their problems are heard and they will be guided.
The importance of a teacher is not limited to students only. The role of a teacher in nation building is extremely crucial. It is said again and again that the future of a country is shaped in its classrooms. This statement is not just an ideal but a harsh truth. If there are good teachers in the classrooms, who will fill the children with morality, knowledge and self-confidence, then the same children will go on to become good citizens, leaders, scientists and administrators. But if the teacher is limited only to helping the students pass the exams, then the future of the society will become dark.
Today, there is a need for teachers to adapt themselves to the times. Running away from technology is not the solution, but it is important to adopt it in a positive manner. If the teacher wants, he can make the screen and digital mediums aides in education. Technologies like online platforms, educational videos, virtual laboratories and artificial intelligence can increase the curiosity of children. But among all these, no one can replace human interaction. Machines can impart knowledge, but only a teacher can impart values and sensitivity.
On Teachers’ Day, we should also remember that respect for teachers should not be limited to formal programs. This respect will be meaningful only when we provide them with proper facilities, training and an inspiring environment. Even today, many teachers are doing wonders with limited resources. They take out extra time for their students, discover new methods and improve the lives of children. Such teachers should not only be saluted, but their hard work should be considered the biggest asset of the nation.
The great philosopher and teacher Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan said that teachers are the soul of society. Their teachings influence generations and the light that comes from their personality spreads far and wide. Today, when we are celebrating Teachers’ Day, we should take a pledge that we will respect our teachers, strengthen their role and ensure that the coming generations acquire not only information but also wisdom, sensitivity and values. Ultimately, in this fast-paced world of screens and technology, teachers are the balance that will not let the rivers of knowledge and culture dry up. They are the bridge that connects the child to today and takes him to the future. Therefore, on this occasion, we should not only respect the teacher, but also implement his message in life. This will be the true tribute to the Guru tradition, which has taught us that education is not just a means of employment, but a medium to make life meaningful and society bright.
Dr. Priyanka Saurabh
Research Scholar in Political Science,
Poet, freelance journalist and columnist.
Friday, September 5, 2025