Teacher: A Candle and Light-Giver To Others

On the eve of Teachers Day, I would first like to greet the most honourable teachers who right from kindergarten to university, are the ones who impart knowledge and teach us about everything important are the craftsman who helps building the foundation of a nation by teaching its wards. Without teachers a world would be definitely chaotic. Our teachers are the ones who make this world a better place. Without a teacher there would be no students, but only boisterous citizens with no clue on where they are headed.  S/he is the very foundation of a society.

A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others’, says Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The best teachers tell their students where to look but don’t tell them what to see, according to Alexandra K Trenfor. A teacher is looked upon as a guide, a mentor, a friend and a selfless abode of love and care. No matter how young or how old a teacher is, he/she considers his/her students as his/her own children. The influence of a teacher extends beyond the classroom. Teachers let their light shine bright even on the darkest roads so that the little ones do not lose track of their destination.

The teacher is the yardstick that measures the achievements and aspirations of the nation. The worth and potentialities of a country get evaluated in and through the work of the teacher. The people of a country are the enlarged replica of their teacher. They are the real nation builders.

 The teacher is an inspirational figure who has the power to make a difference in the life of a student. It is imperative that teachers are good role models. Honesty, integrity, simplicity, punctuality and discipline must be core values of every teacher to make him an effective role model. Good teachers create a healthy learning culture via value education.

Teachers would be ‘enlighteners of the inner-worlds’, who would know how to harmonise the life in the interest of all. They would be able to influence other people to establish peace and harmony around them. Their goal would be to attain inner and world peace. So, the crux of the matter is that a teacher is expected to be a fine human being and an inspiring role model. That is the core of an ideal teacher.

Just as God is within and yet is unknown, so too the teacher within remains unknown until our intuitive eyes are opened. The teacher in the external world shows the student how to go within and find the Truth that abides there. If you can introduce yourself to the teacher within, you do not need to be bothered with a teacher outside, but unfortunately, few people have that ability.

The eminence of teacher is the highest and purest element. This is an indestructible element beyond the limits of time, space and age.Its realisation is possible only with humble dedication.  We have a sanskrit shlok to prove it, it goes” Guru Brahma, guru vishnu, guru devo maheswaraha, guru shakshat parabrahma tatmaishree guruwe namaha.”  I bow my head down and offer my deepest gratitude to them today and forever who made a difference to our lives. Happy teacher’s day to you all