New Delhi: September 5 is celebrated across India as Teachers’ Day, marking the birthday of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, philosopher, scholar, and former President of India. More than a ceremonial occasion, it is a day to honor the noble profession of teaching a vocation that leaves an indelible mark on generations. Teachers are not merely conveyors of knowledge; they are mentors, guides, and often, the architects of a child’s character and destiny.
The essence of teaching goes beyond textbooks and examinations. As educationalist Dr. M.N. Karassery notes, “Teachers today have only two jobs: one, to help children learn; two, to shape their character.” While knowledge equips students, it is love, empathy, and care that truly inspire learning and shape personalities. A teacher’s patience, understanding, and encouragement often become the catalysts for life-changing moments in students’ lives.
The influence of a teacher can sometimes appear in unexpected forms. Dr. M. Kunjaman recalls in his autobiography Ethir how a third-grade teacher changed the course of his life. This teacher, respected and feared by students, refused to call Kunjaman by his name, addressing him instead by his caste. One day, unable to bear it, Kunjaman protested. The teacher’s sharp reprimand and a slap to the cheek shocked him but also sparked determination. He stopped eating school porridge and focused entirely on studying. That determination became the foundation of his remarkable personal and professional growth. Though such methods are outdated and inappropriate today, the incident illustrates the profound impact a teacher can have on a child’s life.
Not all life-changing moments come from strictness. Prof. M.K. Sanu shares a story from his early days as a teacher at Sanathana Dharma High School, Alappuzha. Three fifth-grade students had threatened the Headmaster with sticks, earning a reputation as unruly and violent. When tasked with guiding them, Sanu Master chose a different approach. He accepted their humanity, treated them with patience and respect, and gradually transformed their behavior. “The children whom everyone said were rowdy are now like lambs,” he recalled. His story demonstrates that empathy, encouragement, and understanding can create turning points even more powerful than fear or punishment.
Perhaps the most inspiring example of a teacher’s transformative power is the bond between Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan. Helen Keller, blind and deaf from birth, described herself as a “little lump of flesh with possibilities” before Sullivan’s guidance. Anne Sullivan patiently untangled Helen’s potential, turning limitations into achievements. Keller later graduated from Radcliffe College, becoming the first blind and deaf woman in the world to do so. She credited Sullivan with giving her life meaning, showing that teachers can unlock human potential in ways that nothing else can.
Sukumar, who taught for over three decades, emphasized: “Teaching should be an expression of love.” On Teachers’ Day, this message resonates profoundly. True turning points are not created through ridicule, harshness, or punishment they emerge from inspiration, care, and unwavering support. Teachers are entrusted with the delicate task of shaping minds and nurturing hearts, helping students grow into not just educated individuals, but compassionate, resilient human beings.
As we honor teachers today, let us remember that their greatest gift lies not in the knowledge they impart, but in the lives they transform. Every act of patience, every word of encouragement, and every gesture of empathy has the power to create a turning point a moment that defines a student’s journey forever.