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Teacher and Human Values
Context: On the occasion of Teachers’ Day 2023, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Awards to 81 exemplary teachers from across India.
What human values does a teacher help inculcate?
A teacher’s role extends far beyond academic instruction; they are the primary catalysts for value inculcation, shaping the character of students and, by extension, the moral fabric of society. The core values instilled by teachers are:
- Empathy and Affection: A teacher creates a supportive environment where students feel valued and understood. This emotional security is the bedrock for learning and personal development.
- Example: A teacher who notices a shy or underprivileged student and offers them extra encouragement and a safe space to participate is building their confidence and teaching the entire class the value of empathy.
- Dignity and Self-Worth: Education is presented as an essential tool for dignity and security, akin to basic needs. “Like food, clothing, and shelter, education is essential for a person’s dignity and security, and sensible teachers imbibe those in children.”
- Example: Teachers like Kumari Nidhi from Bihar saved dozens of girls from child marriage. By re-enrolling them in school, she restored their right to a future and taught them that their lives and dreams have immense worth.
- Curiosity and Joy in Learning: A “smart teacher” moves beyond rote learning to make the process interesting and effective.
- Example: Shashi Paul from Himachal Pradesh uses low-cost aids and joyful learning techniques.
- Sensitivity and Inclusivity: A great teacher ensures no student is left behind, paying special attention to those from marginalised backgrounds.
How do they contribute to nation building?
Teachers are the unsung nation-builders. Their contribution is not measured in immediate results but in the long-term development of a capable, conscientious, and secure citizenry.
- Creating a Capable and Empowered Citizenry: Education is the great equaliser that enables every individual to reach their potential, irrespective of their background.
- Example: When a student, guided by a teacher like Hitesh Kumar, files for a patent for a cotton spinning machine, it directly contributes to national innovation and economic productivity.
- Advancing Social Equity, Especially Girls’ Education: Investing in a girl’s education has a multiplier effect, benefiting her family, community, and the nation.
- Example: The NEP 2020’s focus on girls’ education.
- Strengthening Community and National Infrastructure: Teachers often act as community leaders, transforming school infrastructure and, by extension, the community’s outlook towards education.
- Example: Narinder Singh established an IT Park, a smart library, and a herbal garden, upgrading the school’s infrastructure.
- Fostering a Legacy of Contribution: The ultimate reward for a teacher is a student who grows up to contribute meaningfully to society. This creates a virtuous cycle where educated, value-driven citizens give back to the nation, inspired by the teachers who guided them.
“Destiny of a Nation is Shaped in its Classrooms.”
