In the late 2000s and early 2010s when I was a student, when asked about my hobby I never thought of becoming a teacher because it’s not something dynamic, a boring job that is probably fading away from the next few generations of people due to modernization of human societies— that’s what I used to think in those days.
Now, in the mid 2020s, after almost 15–16 years of those days, I realize it’s not the way I used to think. It’s different, not simply different, but it’s uniquely beautiful to be among the students, be it in school or college or even in tuition classes or in coaching institutes.
I stay at a small town which is 30 km away from my working place, in a rented room after briefly staying at a hostel for a few months, where I am surrounded by students from various schools and colleges, mostly private schools though, who have never been my students anywhere in any form.
But for my surprise I get overwhelming love and response whenever I meet them on streets or in market or on the nearby field, by calling me — “Sir”.
I know, I have not given anything enough to be tagged as “Sir” nor do I have the audacity to call myself their self-proclaimed guide, but I can say that I am a distinguished human for them since I spend time with them, I try to be friend when needed but not necessarily degrading myself in anti-social activities like partying, dancing, or asking them to follow me on Instagram.
I not only respect their views on any aspect of life, but also encourage them to think differently, logically and then pick the right one because I always feel that thinking is the first step to learn. One can read for 10 minutes but cannot write anything for 10 minutes unless he has the knowledge, thoughts.
I think there should always be some spaces between teachers and students irrespective of ages, more precisely in personal affairs like love affairs, relationship status, salary, expenses etc. and vice versa.
But unfortunately, in recent years, no curtain remains to protect privacy in the age of social media.; students know all the illicit affairs of teachers and vice versa. In this simple process, both the teachers respect and dignity, and the students lose shame.
Today it was Teachers’ Day Celebrations in almost every school in the country. But that mutual respect and dignity was badly missing from those celebrations.
Some students were gathering here and there, in the corner areas of the schools and colleges; some of them were busy watching their dream girls dance and some were just watching what others did. And, that’s where degeneration in values starts. Simple question to the readers out there—
“How can a Teacher tell a student not to smoke when he/she himself smokes in public or in front of students?” How can a Teacher advise a student not to wear shorts when the teacher herself/himself wears shorts for Instagram Reels?
Over the years we have heard so many bad names to this holy profession, which is very unfortunate. And, we the teachers are responsible for this degradation for it’s our primary duty to improve ourselves every day.
One more thing, perhaps the most important thing, that prevents us from not achieving what we should have achieved is deprivation of ethics in early teaching. I am not saying that our syllabus has nothing like that. What I am saying here is that, our early schools were attached to mosques or temples which are epitome of patience, respect, and humbleness.
Today there is a school at almost every nukkad (corner) of the village or market areas. So, it’s evident that teachers are migrating from remote areas and joining them without basic training or appearing in any entrance exam, unlike the Govt Exams (mostly)! And, which is why most people are no longer interested in finding the best ones. Most of them just want their child to get good marks in an exam and get his or her name on board.
And, the parents are even more casual than the teachers in some cases. They go extravagant to fulfil their children’s needs by providing them with all materialistic requirements but wouldn’t love to buy a dictionary or a number table or an Atlas.
They think that they will not let their children have any challenges which they used to face in their student life. Which eventually backfires them badly in shaping their future full of failures and uncertainties.
So, I feel that to be an ideal teacher is not one of the toughest but the toughest job on earth where you’re bound to follow ideals and principles, at least in public life because you never know who idolizes you silently and who scolds you in the dark.
Dear teachers, you’re not living only your life, you are a hero for many, today, tomorrow and forever!
– This article is written by Abrar Nadim
