A Reflection on Teachers’ Day

On 5th September, which we celebrate as Teachers’ Day, I came across a video in my WhatsApp group of friends. The video was created by an Instagram influencer with more than 64,000 followers. It throws a dark shade towards the role of teachers. But I felt it was one-sided. It overlooked the deeper value and contribution of teachers in our society.

It is easy to criticise any profession. Every profession has both strengths and weaknesses. Teaching is no exception. There is a lot of scope to improve. But the role of teachers goes far beyond academics. They shape personalities. They nurture values. They guide students during crucial stages of life.

This role becomes even more important during higher education years, between 18 and 25. At this age, students have high energy, curiosity, idealism, and sometimes even rebellion. Teachers help to channelise this energy in the right direction. They guide it towards innovation, social service, critical thinking, and nation-building.

If such energy is not guided properly, it can sometimes take a negative turn. That can be harmful for society. We have seen hints of this in some student movements where emotions ran high and situations became hard to manage. Such incidents remind us of the importance of teachers who quietly provide balance and direction. Across India, lakhs of teachers are performing this role every day, even if their efforts are rarely noticed.

In India, respect for teachers is not an empty tradition. It has been earned over generations. We should not dismiss the entire teaching community on the basis of one-sided views.

                                                                                                                                                        ~ Amit

(I wrote this reflection after seeing a video on Teachers’ Day (05/09/2025) which, in my view, did not do justice to the role of teachers. I felt the need to share another side of the picture. Teachers silently shape students and guide society in countless ways. This post is a small way of showing respect to my own teachers and to all teachers who continue to guide the younger generation with care and dedication.)