####Teacher’s Day Special :The Teacher’s Role in Shaping a Worthy Society

Every year, on 5th September, the birth anniversary of the great philosopher, teacher, and India’s second President, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, is celebrated as Teacher’s Day. Dr. Radhakrishnan dedicated his entire life to the cause of education and the welfare of students. This day reminds us of the deep and noble bond shared between a teacher and a student. On this occasion, every student should pledge to respect their teachers and follow their guidance. Teacher’s Day is celebrated like a festival, a day that elevates the honor of teachers. Poets and writers have sung praises of the guru, placing the teacher even above the divine.

As Kabir Das beautifully wrote:

“गुरु गोविंद दोउ खड़े काके लागू पाय
बलिहारी गुरु आपने गोविंद दियो बताय।”

These lines alone are enough to express the importance of the guru in one’s life. From ancient times, India has cherished the tradition of the teacher-student relationship. While parents give us life and love beyond measure, it is the teacher who makes us capable of living in society with dignity and wisdom. A teacher is often called the sculptor of society, for it is under their guidance that a student not only finds the right path but also builds the foundation of a successful life.

A teacher is like a gardener who adorns the garden of life with flowers of every color. They encourage students to walk even on thorns with a smile, inspire them to find meaning in life, and nurture their hidden strengths with care and compassion. Through values, discipline, and character-building, teachers prepare their students to face challenges with confidence.

As our scriptures remind us:

“गुरु ब्रह्मा, गुरुर्विष्णु गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः।
गुरुः साक्षात परब्रह्म तस्मैः श्री गुरुवेः नमः।”

In Kota, where students arrive from across the country to pursue coaching, I would advise them to maintain patience. At first, lessons may seem challenging, but by regularly clearing doubts and staying consistent, the path of learning becomes clearer. Discipline, perseverance, and respect for teachers are the true keys to success.

Teachers are not just providers of bookish knowledge; they are lamps that dispel ignorance with the light of wisdom. They recognize a student’s weaknesses, refine their strengths, and open the way for holistic growth. When students trust their teachers and cultivate curiosity, learning becomes a joyful process, and success naturally follows.

The relationship between teacher and student is built on trust, discipline, affection, and inspiration. Teachers guide, motivate, and shape their students into responsible citizens, while students, in turn, honor their teachers by embracing their wisdom and realizing their dreams.

Teacher’s Day reminds us that the teacher-student relationship is the very foundation of life. Teachers shape lives, and students, through their respect and achievements, fulfill the aspirations of their mentors. That is why in our scriptures, the guru has been given the highest place. We must always respect our teachers and walk on the path they show, for it is through them that both education and life find their true meaning.