In every classroom, lecture hall and quiet corner where a young mind struggles with a problem, a teacher stands as the quiet architect of tomorrow. Maya Angelou an American Civil rights activists and Memoirist once said, ‘I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget whom you made them feel’. How true it is with the life of a teacher. Every Teachers’ day that we observe reminds us not only of the teaching profession but we honour the life of the very teacher(s) who teaches us or who once taught us. The word teacher rings in the mind of every citizen as we race inside the month of September, the first month of autumn or fall season. The month is a time of change, letting go of negative ways, recharging and redefining ourselves with positive vibes. The special reason behind celebrating 5th September as Teachers’ day in India is because of the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan who was highly devoted to education as a way to progress and development. Professionally he was a well-known Scholar, Philosopher, Statesman, the second President of India and most significantly a great teacher. Teachers’ day is the day we celebrate; one of the most beautiful and glorious day in the students’ calendar year and it reminds us of the poem “I want to be like you” by Joanna Fuchs. The poem sums us that teachers play a vital role in the lives of every student, for they help us bridge toward a successful future sacrificing a happy time with their family, friends and working harder every minute of their lives. They are the reason why ordinary students like us dream extraordinary things. On the occasion set aside to honour them, we must pause to recognise the depth of their dedication.
Teachers are the first builders of possibility. They are the best inspiration and motivation for us. Besides, they help us to tackle any difficult situation and problems while we work on our future dreams. Through patience, they outlasts frustration and encouragement that survives repeated setbacks, they convert potential into achievement. It may not be wrong to say that teachers are the backbone of every society and what we have achieved till today to a great extent is because of our teacher. Not to forget our parents who are our first teacher in our life. They motivate us to withstand obstacles in our lives. The bridges, medicines, policies and stories of the next generation are drafted first in the minds shaped by these educators.
The word ‘teacher’ just simply doesn’t translate to the word Guru. In fact in Sanskrit language there are specific words denoting the qualities of a teacher. The one who provides you an information is call Adhyapath, the one who combines information and knowledge is an Upadhaya, the one who has in-depth knowledge of a particular subject is called a pandit, the one who trains you or imparts you with a specific skill is called an Archarya, the one who has a visionary view on a subject is called a Drishta and the one who truly awakens wisdom within you and takes you from darkness to light is called a Guru. Societies that value teachers invest in their own continuity. When we honour teachers, we affirm that the future is not an accident of technology or economics alone but it is deliberately constructed through human care and intelligent guidance.
Honouring the dedication requires more than a ceremonial applause. It requires listening to teachers both the conditions that help or hinder their work, ensuring fair compensation and professional respect, providing continuous learning opportunities and protecting the space for genuine teaching rather than endless administrative demands. It also means simple everyday gestures such as a parent’s sincere thanks, a former student’s grateful message years later, a community that treats education as a shared priority rather than a private transaction.
Teachers stand as the true architects of our future, shaping not only individual lives but the very fabrics of society through their quiet yet steadfast dedication. Their work goes far beyond textbooks and examination; it builds resilience, ignites curiosity and plants the seeds of empathy and excellence that will define generations to come. To honour them is to recognise that progress is never accidental but they have given their time, energy and heart without always receiving the recognition they deserve. Let us move beyond words of appreciation and commit to meaningful action; supporting teachers with respect, fair resources and the freedom to teach with passion. When we celebrate and strengthen our teachers, we invest directly in a brighter, wiser and more compassionate tomorrow. The future they help design is the one we will all inherit and thus may we ensure it is built on the strongest possible foundation.
Stain Beck the American writers says the teacher is not merely a teacher but the greatest of the artist because he or she shapes young minds. Do not shy away from that responsibility rather let us take up this huge responsibility with diligence and dedication. Teachers make a difference in the society by creating and making positive vibes. Dear teachers, the way you teach, the love you show, the care you take makes you the world’s best teacher. We thank you teachers for offering a hand, opening our minds and touching our hearts. Let us always remember that, ‘A good education can change anyone but a good teacher can change anything. Bravo to all the teachers!
The writer is a PhD research scholar, School of Social Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Delhi NCR . He can be reached on mtjo89@gmail.com. Views expressed are personal
