They Make A Difference

Immediately I stood up- startled and perplexed. I was probably seven years old back then. During English class, I was engrossed in my own little fantasy world, when I heard my name called: “Could you please take up the responsibility of checking every student’s handkerchief daily ?” asked my new teacher while explaining about the importance of carrying a handkerchief everywhere. I just nodded in agreement. 

Deep down in my heart, I was taken aback and said: " #Thank you, teacher". No one had ever shown such faith in me before. That day she sparked the leader within me. My eyes lit up with ecstasy. This small duty did magic and my journey to discover myself began thereafter. It was the insight of that great teacher that she understood a quiet and submissive child like me and made a difference with her efforts. I still remember her name and her beautiful face - Ms Amita Katyal # Thank you, Teacher. 

Such teachers are the need of the hour as the feeling of self-worth is diminishing amongst the younger lot day by day. Not that there is a dearth of prospects, knowledge or information. They are probably smarter than their previous generations. Of course, the credit goes to free access to the internet , social networking sites, social media and technological advancement. But where do they lag behind – it is in the arena of LIFESKILLS that they lose their battle. 

Things have gone down deplorably. Younger generation sans the art of facing failure. They lose faith in self in a jiffy. Patience is losing its hold. Fickle mindedness is taking a toll on every mind. Everyone is habitual of spontaneous and quick responses and rewards as answers are just a click away. It is not that they alone are to be blamed for the loss of hope. We all have a great deal to reproach with. 

Here I am reminded of a movie titled ‘Take the Lead’ in which the teacher breaks new ground by guiding some troublemaking students through his dance class. They are in detention. He instils dignity, respect, self-confidence, trust and teamwork in young impressionable minds. He faces problems and differences but he is not ready to give up and finally, he prepares them for a dance competition. Pierre Dulaine is the real-life hero whose early work is fictionalized in this movie. He invented the Dulaine method of teaching dance and changed the lives of children.

The distinct year of 2020 posed challenges in all quarters including schools. How the teachers all over the world and especially in India switched to the online classes and exploring technology, is commendable! In addition to online classes, household chores, cooking, family, staff meetings, lesson planning, preparing worksheets, preparing students for different competitions (online) and celebrations of special days, the list of their responsibilities is inexhaustible. They have stood rock solid in this testing time and carried on their work come what may. These brave hearts have proved that nothing can replace a teacher and his/ her perpetual patience. Without letting any negativity set in, teachers are on the forefront bearing all kinds of brunt - determined and resilient. # Thank you, teachers"

Salute to these unsung heroes!