~Anantinee ‘Jhumpa’ Mishra

// Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur Devo Maheshwara

Guru Saakshat Para Brahma, Tasmai Shri Guruve Namah //

 If there is one thing, which is a primitive and continuous constant in our lives, it is knowledge. Knowledge is the only thing which will stay with you, when nobody else will. Your knowledge defines you. Even the Almighty cannot take your knowledge away from you.

The stories of Birbal’s quick wit and knowledge, one of the navratna of Emperor Akbar’s court, the stories of King Vikramaditya’s conquer on the fearsome ghost Betal, only by the curtsey of his deep roots immersed in knowledge, the numerous Fables and Folk Tales; all of these, point in one direction. The direction of the vast seas of learning and knowledge. The endless, limitless, infinite oceans of knowledge, it’s sweet water, waiting to be drunk, drowned in.

But who gives us knowledge? Is it whispered in our ears one night, or is it granted like a boon to those who remain unscathed by the horrors of the world we live in, pure and whole?

It is given out by those whom we call Gurus in Hinduism, Mullahs in Islam and Lamas in Buddhism.

It is given out by teachers.

Distribution of resources as a charity; service, without malice or greed, or any kind of expectations in mind, is a quality of the noblest of noble.

Distribution of knowledge; of wisdom, is a trait raising man to a level where he is so, so much more than an ordinary man.

What children are taught in their childhood, ever since their very first steps, is what will continue to be their mindset throughout their lives. The very same children, who will grow up to be the tomorrow of this world, an integral part of the society and it’s thinking.

This way, we can very well say that our teachers are the main influencers of the coming generation. Everyone knows that today’s youth will become tomorrow’s leaders, and teachers have access to educate the youth in their most impressionable years — whether that is in teaching preschool, teaching extracurriculars, sports or traditional classes.

Teachers have the ability to shape leaders of the future in the best way for society to build positive and inspired future generations and therefore design society, both on a local and global scale. In reality, teachers have the most important job in the world. Those who have an impact on the children of society have the power to change lives. Not just for those children themselves, but for the lives of all.

Teachers can act as a support system that is lacking elsewhere in students’ lives. They can be a role model and an inspiration to go further and to dream bigger. They hold students accountable for their successes and failures and good teachers won’t let their talented students get away with not living up to their full potential.

Teachers of all walks of life and subjects have the ability to shape opinions and help form ideas about society, life and personal goals.

The list because of which a teacher is irreplaceable in our lives is too long; endless even.

Come, let’s this Teacher’s Day, salute all those who shape up our lives, who give us knowledge, and all those who push us every single day, to work harder to reach our ultimate goal. Those, who see good in every child, something worth nurturing, worth appreciating.

Come let’s salute our teachers!