My Esteemed Colleagues, Dear Students, and Respected Parents,
On this sacred occasion of Teacher’s Day, my heart swells with immense joy and a profound sense of pride. It is an honour to address you all through this special edition of our magazine, dedicated to the architects of our future – our teachers.
Teachers are the guiding stars in the vast galaxy of education. They are the silent potters who mould soft clay into strong, beautiful vessels, shaping not just intellect but character. They ignite the lamp of knowledge, reason, and critical thinking in young minds, filling their hearts with love, empathy, and noble values. They are the true blessings that society receives, generation after generation.
In these changing times, when the stature of teachers often seems diminished, it becomes imperative to reinstate reverence for this noble profession. This is the key to reclaiming our nation’s destined role as the Vishwaguru – the teacher to the world.
A Poetic Tribute
Let India resonate once more,
with hymns for the teacher’s grace,
May my great nation shine again,
at creation’s highest place.
We bow our heads in reverence,
to the guides who show the way,
A tribute to the flag-bearers,
whose glory will forever stay.
This nation needs a beacon’s light,
to lead us through the night,
On Mother India’s sacred brow,
may honour’s sandalwood shine bright.
Like Lord Govind, the guru’s worth,
no offering can repay,
May my great nation shine again,
at creation’s highest place.
Let India resonate once more,
with hymns for the teacher’s grace.
With these sentiments, I offer my heartfelt gratitude to all my gurus who made me capable of making a meaningful contribution to this world. I am confident that together, we can restore the glory of the teaching community and guide India back to its illustrious pedestal. After all, the dawn of a bright new morning after the darkness is an eternal truth!
The Guru’s Legacy: A Tapestry of Tradition and Philosophy
In our rich heritage, knowledge without a guru is considered incomplete. Our first teacher is our mother, who imparts the earliest lessons of life. However, it is the schoolteacher who nurtures a child, instilling discipline, ethics, and the discernment between right and wrong.
The ancient gurukuls were not merely centres of learning but schools of life, where gurus taught students to be self-reliant. It is rightly said: “Guru and God both stand before me, whose feet do I touch first? I offer myself to the Guru, for it was he who showed me God.”
Sant Kabir beautifully expressed this bond: “The guru is the potter, the disciple the clay pot; he moulds and scrapes away the flaws. With a supporting hand inside, he shapes it from without.”
Thus, the teacher is a guide, a mentor, a friend, and a protector – society’s true pathfinder.
The Unchanging Core: Teachers in the Age of AI
Globally, one truth is clear: amidst rapid technological advancement and the rise of Artificial Intelligence, the teacher’s role remains central – whether in physical classrooms or digital platforms.
The future educator must harness the power of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) while harmonising it with enduring human values. Teachers are the bridges that connect innovation with wisdom, ensuring students are not only skilled but also rooted in ethics.
#GreenGratitude: A New Initiative
Dear Students,
This Teacher’s Day, we begin a meaningful new tradition. As a symbol of respect and gratitude, we invite each of you to plant a tree in honour of your teachers.
The objectives of this #GreenGratitude initiative are:
- To express deep appreciation for our teachers’ tireless efforts and dedication.
- To sow the seeds of environmental responsibility, conservation, and sustainability.
Together, let us make this Teacher’s Day more memorable and impactful.
Personal Reflections: A Journey of Fulfilment
In today’s world, Teacher’s Day wishes are often reduced to WhatsApp messages and social media posts. The personal touch in teacher-student bonds has weakened. Sources of knowledge have changed, with online tutorials often replacing books and mentors. Yet, the authenticity and reliability of online knowledge remain questionable. Ultimately, students return to their teachers for clarity, guidance, and truth.
No matter how advanced technology becomes, a true teacher will always remain irreplaceable. Since I embraced teaching in 1995, I have never regretted the choice. The satisfaction of a meaningful classroom session continues to inspire me. Every year, heartfelt messages from alumni remind me that I have chosen a life of purpose.
An Appeal to Parents
Respected Parents,
I humbly urge you not to prepare your children for a blind race towards careers alone. Instead, empower them to face life’s challenges with moral values and sanskaras. Life is not only a bouquet of fragrant flowers but also a path strewn with thorns, which requires resilience.
A true teacher is one who teaches beyond textbooks, lives the principles of education, and transmits them by example.
Conclusion
My dear colleagues, on this Teacher’s Day, I extend my heartfelt wishes once again. Thank you for being the torchbearers who guide our students towards complete, meaningful, and successful lives.
