The Teachers We Failed...And Paying For It Now

September 5th is being celebrated as Teachers' Day since 1962 after India's first Vice-President (1952-1962) and second President (1962-1967), Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (September 5, 1888-April 17, 1975)—a distinguished scholar who was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954—requested when some of his students insisted on celebrating his birthday: "Instead of celebrating my birthday separately, it would be my proud privilege, if 5th September is observed as Teachers' Day."

- NIRAD MUDUR

Over subsequent years, in India, September 5th has been celebrated to express appreciation and gratitude to teachers for their inspiration and dedication in guiding students, shaping their minds and instilling values in them, so the latter enjoy brighter futures. The day is celebrated with schools, colleges and educational institutions holding events for students to celebrate the teachers. Social media gets peppered with users exuding respect for their teachers, highlighting how they have positively impacted their lives. Gifts are given. Calls are made. Messages expressing reverence are sent to their beloved teachers—in many cases from years or decades ago. Emotions flow. The exercise of reminiscence gets triggered as events and incidents from the past are raised and shared. Tears of joy and sadness are shed—of regret in some cases...all in a day—Teachers' Day.

But are we really reflecting the gratitude for our teachers through our civic behaviour today? Have we truly turned out to be citizens that our teachers took their efforts for us to be? Are we reflecting the principles and values that our teachers promoted, while trying to shape us into being responsible citizens?