The great philosopher, Dr S. Radhakrishnan said that, “an educational institute is what it’s teachers make it”.
From as early as the days mentioned in our scriptures, teachers or ‘guru’ as they were called, played a very significant role in the life of not just their student or ,’shishya’ but also society in general. This was possible because society considered the teacher as the supreme power. A power that would build the new generation. A power that was never doubted. A very powerful sanskrit shloka sums up the importance of a guru.
The above lines mean that a guru is the representative of Bharma, Vishnu and Shiva. He not only creates knowledge but also sustains it and removes the weeds of ignorance. I salute such a Guru !
Does this shloka have any significance today? Why aren’t teachers given their due respect?
Is it because we perceive the education level of teachers lesser than any other profession?
They are, however, still looked down upon, to some extent, because they don’t work 9-to-5, and they have all of these holidays.
We don’t truly understand what teachers do in the classroom. We have all been to school and therefore, we all assume that we understand what goes on there and it doesn’t seem that hard.
What’s so great in showing up five days a week for six hours a day, talk for a while, and go home early. Never mind being able to get through to kids, never mind developing lesson plans and making material ready for the class, never mind the difficulties of understanding how your students’ minds work, never mind the theory and difficult practices of pedagogy, and particularly never mind the rising administrative and safety hassles and the cross questioning of the parents.
It looks, from the outside, as if teachers have a very easy jig. Of course, if most parents were to try teaching for a couple of weeks, their perspectives might change—but the chances of that happening are pretty slim.
Teaching is a hard, often thankless, stressful, and emotionally taxing job – so much so that many of new teachers quit within the first five years of their appointment. Teaching requires passion and we need to learn to respect this aspect of a teacher. I still remember that as a child I had once made a frivolous remark about a teacher in front of my parents. In a flash of a second my father had given me a good one on my face and my lesson for life was learnt. I still remember his words so vivid, he had said, “If you doubt your teacher, you can never learn”. I remember this till date.
Thanks to social media, today we have these WhatsApp Groups of every class where parents get a fabulous platform to criticize the teaching methodologies. When we aren’t able to trust and respect the teacher of our child how and why should the child ever respect his or her teacher?
So let’s all try to give this profession it’s real due. The most important thing that we can do is, to give teachers the credit that they deserve and to value education in all facets of our lives. Let’s just not remember or appreciate our teachers on Teachers Day, as believe you me, everyday is Teachers Day!
Teachers are saints, not just hard workers. Let’s give this major value to our new generation and not forget it ourselves!
Yavnika Thapa
September 2, 2026It’s appropriate! Teachers don’t get their due. I have always felt that in todays era parents love overflows and it crosses the boundary of home and school which in hindsight is not doing any good to the kid. I agree verbal abuse or physical punishment is unacceptable but once the kid leaves the home and enters the school caregivers have to trust the teachers they will do good!
And ma’am no job is easy including a teachers , not all jobs are same , not all jobs are 9 to 5. We as adults must understand this and inculcate same values in our kids.
Saadia
September 2, 2026Teaching is truly so much more than a profession. It is about the little moments when a child feels encouraged, discovers something new, gains confidence, and learns to believe in themselves. As a parent, I am grateful for the teachers who play such an important role in shaping our children, often in ways they may never realise. A heartfelt salute to all the wonderful teachers. Happy Teacher’s Day.
Heena Sharma
September 2, 2026Beautifully written, Ma’am!
This write-up truly touched my heart. You have expressed the reality of a teacher’s life so honestly and gracefully. Teaching is indeed not just a profession but a passion that requires immense patience, dedication and love.
I completely agree – if we as parents trust and respect our teachers, our children will naturally learn to do the same. Thank you for reminding us of the true value of a Guru.
A big salute to all teachers!
Shikha Sethi
September 2, 2026So beautifully expressed! Teaching is much more than a profession—it is a responsibility built on patience, dedication, trust and love. While every form of discipline should always be respectful and positive, it is equally important for parents to trust teachers and respect the boundaries of the school. Children learn not only from what we teach them, but also from how we treat and value the people around them. When parents and teachers work together with mutual trust and understanding, children truly benefit. A heartfelt salute to every teacher who gives their time, energy and heart to shaping young lives.
Shikha Sethi
September 2, 2026Teaching is not just a profession; it is a commitment of patience, care and dedication. When parents trust and respect teachers, children learn to value and respect them too. A heartfelt salute to all the teachers who shape young minds with love and sincerity.
Jyoti
September 2, 2026Being an educator, every word of this blog truly resonates with us. Teaching is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding and fulfilling professions, where every day brings an opportunity to inspire, nurture, and make a difference.
Divya Aggarwal
September 3, 2026This is such an important perspective. Teachers do so much more than simply teach a curriculum. They shape young minds, build confidence, encourage curiosity and create countless little moments that can stay with a child for life.
I especially agree with the thought that the way we speak about teachers in front of our children influences how they learn to value and respect the people who guide them. Trust between parents, children and teachers is so important because when a child sees that their parents trust and respect their teacher, they are more likely to develop that same trust and respect.
As a parent, I am truly grateful for the teachers who nurture our children, often in ways they may never realise. Teachers’ Day is a wonderful occasion to appreciate them, but the respect, trust and gratitude they deserve should extend far beyond one day.
Preeti Choudhary Nagrath
September 3, 2026Teachers don’t just teach lessons; they shape little minds, build confidence, and create the foundation for the people our children will become. As parents, the least we can do is trust, respect, and appreciate them—not just on Teachers’ Day, but every day.
A truly thought-provoking and beautifully written piece. Thank you for reminding us of the value of this noble profession. 🌸❤️
Naina
September 4, 2026This is so beautifully written.. I hope we can teach our kids the importance that good teachers have in a child’s life.. I can still recall the one’s who helped me shape mine..
That being said, now that I see my daughter being taken care, disciplined, loved and taught by her teachers, I have a newfound respect for this profession. I have said it time and again, hats off to you all for the beautiful place you have created for our kids. Time and again, I am happy that we chose a school for our kid, even at her age! Thank you teachers. And Happy Teacher’s day. Thank God for you 🙌