TEACHER'S DAY SPECIAL: AN ELITE GROUP OF INDIVIDUALS WHO DEFINED AND ANIMATED MY LIFE

In India, September 5 is celebrated as the 'Teachers' Day', marking the birth anniversary of former President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was highly acclaimed for his teaching capabilities. 

Dr. Radhakrishnan once said,

''Instead of celebrating my birthday separately, it would be a privilege if September 5 is observed as 'Teachers' Day'.''

Portrait 1: Official portrait of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan

The power of a teacher to understand, shape, and guide a student's feelings and thoughts is unparalleled. Teachers have this unique capability to deeply understand each of their students and assist them in their quest for knowledge.

No one in this entire world has ever achieved anything worthwhile without the aid and support of a teacher. Take any individual, from any background, religion, or caste—if they have received a good education, they are equipped to apply their mind and soul to overcome the challenges that life throws at them. Education is incomplete without teachers because they are the ones who plant the seeds of knowledge within us.

Speaking about myself, teachers have always been an integral part of my development as a student, and I believe the same holds true for many others.

You can take the example of anyone you have met, interacted with, or known in life—their roots of success will always trace back to their parents and, in particular, to their teachers who nurtured them during their formative years. Teachers have this remarkable ability to blend the right mix of knowledge, wisdom, and creativity into students, which undoubtedly helps them in their future endeavors.

They scold us, they discipline us—not because they enjoy it, but because they want us to become more focused, attentive, and responsible. From my own personal experiences, I have realized that even though they reprimand us, they actually feel a deep sense of pain in doing so. In many ways, teachers are like parents, always considerate and tirelessly working to ensure that we can lead smart, secure, and successful lives.

Figure 1: My school, a feeling of proudness!

As school students, we spent a great deal of time in our schools, even more than in our homes. This simple fact itself is enough to underline the immense role that teachers play in our lives and how deeply they can influence us.

As a science student, I can confidently say how much my teachers have nurtured my interest in science and technology. The love and dedication with which they taught me not only helped me excel in academics but also gave me the freedom and encouragement to explore my scientific curiosities under their able guidance.

''The greatest quality of a teacher is the ability to influence a student to think not what they think but to think as they think''

Richard P. Feynman

Growing up in a family of teachers, I came to understand first-hand the difficulties they endure, how they burn the midnight oil to prepare lessons, and how they work tirelessly to help us comprehend the fascinating concepts that govern nature. I still cherish those moments when my teachers explained concepts like genetic transcription, AC currents, atomic structures, and trigonometry — all of which sparked a lifelong fascination within me.

My teachers have lit up my mind with two of the most powerful tools in the world:

1. Knowledge
2. Good behavior

Wherever I go and whoever I meet in life, I try to uphold these values, which can only be instilled in you by your teachers and can never be taken away by any external force in this universe.

Many students I have met in life have told me that schooling is boring and teachers are terrible. But from my twelve years of schooling and all the experiences I’ve gathered so far, I can boldly say that schooling is the best part of life — and teachers are nothing less than synonyms for knowledge and compassion.

My teachers always told me, “Grades are secondary; your behavior speaks first.” And now, I know this is absolutely true. Wherever you go, the first thing people notice — even before your marks or qualifications — is your behavior and attitude. You may be brilliant in science or math, but if you lack good behavior, you will struggle to find acceptance — even at the top science institutes. Many students fail interviews not because of a lack of knowledge but because of attitude problems. This highlights the second invaluable gift that teachers give us — good behavior.

A good student, who is both academically strong and well-behaved, is almost always the result of having a good teacher.

When you hurt a teacher, you are not just hurting a person—you are polluting your own mind and soul. Disrespecting your teachers can destabilize your own potential and undermine your future. This may sound philosophical or even spiritual, but it is the truth. Whenever you feel like speaking or acting against a teacher, pause and think — how would you feel if you were in their position?

Unfortunately, many from the present generation feel no shame in criticizing and mocking their teachers. They believe it’s their right to do so. But they fail to see that teachers correct and discipline us not out of hate, but out of love and responsibility.

I, too, was scolded by my teachers countless times, but I never held a grudge against them. In fact, every scolding became a lesson — each of them contributed to my personal growth.

At this moment, words feel insufficient to express my gratitude to my teachers for their immeasurable contributions to my life. I don’t know if I will ever be able to repay them for all that they have done for me. But I do know one thing — teachers teach without expecting anything in return. Their only wish is to see their students succeed and work for the betterment of humanity.

It is our moral duty to learn from them, respect their sacrifices, and uphold the values they imparted—because they worked hard not just to teach subjects, but to shape us into responsible, capable, and compassionate citizens.

I wish all my teachers a very Happy Teachers' Day! ❤️

Thank you for always supporting, guiding, and inspiring us in everything we do!

REFERENCES:

My experiences...