By Rayees Ahmad Kumar
During the Second World War, when intellectuals too were being killed on battlefields, Hitler was once asked what should be protected most. His reply was striking: “By all means, protect only the teachers; the whole nation will be rebuilt.” Such is the importance of teachers—for they are the true nation-builders.
Educating people has always been regarded as one of the noblest tasks in the world. Since time immemorial, teaching has been a sacred profession. In ancient India, the gurukul system required students to live with sages in forests, away from their homes, where they received education and training for years. Gurus were revered by students and parents alike, sometimes worshipped next only to God. From those times to the present, the teacher has been placed at the highest pedestal of respect.
Over the centuries, the system of teaching has transformed. Today we see countless educational institutions across the country, but the essence of teaching remains unchanged—it is rightly called the greatest act of optimism, for it is the profession that creates all other professions. Great teachers like Dr. S. Radhakrishnan and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam remain timeless inspirations. Since 1962, September 5 has been celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India, marking the birth anniversary of Dr. Radhakrishnan, the second President of India, a great philosopher and educationist. When his students wished to celebrate his birthday, he humbly requested them to observe it instead as Teachers’ Day, thereby honoring all teachers rather than himself.
Yet, learning is not confined to classrooms alone. Our first teachers are our parents; later, society, experiences, and even mistakes shape our understanding of life. Life itself is the greatest teacher. Personally, I feel blessed to have been taught by wonderful teachers, and it is because of their guidance and inspiration that I, too, chose this noble profession.
Teachers’ Day in Kashmir – A Different Reality
In Kashmir, however, Teachers’ Day has a unique and somewhat painful dimension. Instead of being celebrated for their contributions, teachers are too often made scapegoats for failures beyond their control. Whether it is poor board results or institutional lapses, the finger of blame invariably points at teachers. Admittedly, the profession is not free from shortcomings. Some teachers fail to update their knowledge or skills; a few neglect their duties or indulge in unprofessional activities, tarnishing the dignity of this noble calling. But to hold the entire community of teachers responsible for every flaw in the education system is deeply unfair.
Another pressing issue is the burden of non-teaching duties thrust upon teachers—be it election duty, census duty, or yatra management. These frequent interruptions disrupt classroom teaching and compromise the very purpose for which teachers are employed. Moreover, posting teachers in far-off and inaccessible areas, without consideration of their family or health circumstances, often lowers their morale and affects their efficiency. To restore the lost glory of teaching, teachers must be allowed to focus exclusively on their real calling—teaching—and they must do so with honesty, dedication, and renewed commitment.
Declining Respect for Teachers
Sadly, both teachers and the profession no longer enjoy the reverence they once commanded. In society today, government functionaries like patwaris, constables, or rural development workers often command more respect than teachers. This distorted social perception ignores a crucial fact—that teachers shape the future of our children and act as moral and spiritual guides.
The contrast with developed nations is stark. In Germany, for instance, teachers enjoy the highest salaries in the country. When judges, doctors, and engineers once demanded equal pay, Chancellor Angela Merkel famously reminded them: “How can I compare you to those who taught you?” Such acknowledgement of teachers’ role underscores their unmatched contribution in shaping societies.
A Day Beyond Ceremony
Dedicating a day to teachers must go beyond ceremonial gestures, speeches, and garlands. It must translate into real respect, dignity, and empowerment of teachers. It means ensuring that they have the freedom to teach, the resources to update their skills, and the recognition they deserve for guiding the next generation.
Teachers are indeed the backbone of society. They inspire, counsel, and empower the youth with knowledge and values. Nations advance socially, morally, and economically because of the teachers who silently dedicate their lives to shaping others. The next time you or your community achieve something great, pause for a moment to remember the teachers who made it possible.
Rayees Ahmad Kumar is a columnist based in Qazigund, Kashmir.
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