Biju Dharmapalan
Every year we celebrate Teachers’ Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was a distinguished philosopher, scholar, and the second President of India. He was also a prominent educator and believed deeply in the value of education. The significance of Teachers’ Day lies in appreciating the immense contribution of teachers to society. Teachers are the main pillar that keeps our nation moving forward. They not only provide knowledge to the students but also groom next-generation citizens. The quality of the society can be deciphered from the contribution of good teachers.
The educational philosophy proposed by Dr.Radhakrishnan was deeply rooted in the belief that education is not merely a process of acquiring knowledge, but a means to cultivate a holistic and enlightened individual. Radhakrishnan believed in the holistic development of an individual. He emphasized that education should nurture not only intellectual growth but also moral, emotional, and spiritual development. He emphasized the importance of teachers in shaping the intellectual and moral character of students. This emphasis on character formation was central to his vision of education, as he recognized the profound impact that ethical and moral conduct has on society and the well-being of individuals.
Unfortunately in today’s education, teachers have taken a back seat in delivering moral values to students. The human touch between teacher and student is hardly seen in their relationship. During earlier periods teachers not only discussed the syllabus but also many topics related to values in life. Most of the time these values get imbibed into the sub-conscious mind of the student that helps in grooming a good future citizen. Every student remembers these values taught by teachers till the end of life.
There was a time when a teacher donned not only the role of a knowledge provider but also a parent and police. Even if a student bunks off the class, teachers used to catch these fellows from movie halls and parks. They used to get the support from the society also. But with changing times, this culture has drastically shifted, mostly because of the attitudinal change that happened to parents. Today’s parents are unwilling to accept any negative comments about their children. Students also don’t like teachers who pinpoint their mistakes. Consequently, students develop in an environment where there is a lack of correction or proper guidance. The absence of constructive criticism and guidance in a learning environment can have far-reaching consequences.
These youngsters, lacking a clear understanding of right and wrong, may pose challenges for future society. Currently, we observe that many undesirable practices, such as bribery, job procurement through donations, and the exchange of dowries, are becoming normalized within society. This could lead to issues within society, as individuals may struggle to make informed and morally sound decisions.
As private educational institutions continue to proliferate, there is a growing tendency for both administrators and educators to overlook the significance of imparting moral values. These institutions often place primary emphasis on ensuring students excel in competitive examinations and generating revenue. Unfortunately, this narrow focus has led to a decline in the ethical standards of educators. Many are compelled to show favouritism to cater to the demands of the administration, driven by the fear of job insecurity. This situation has left teachers feeling constrained and restricted, lacking the academic autonomy that their predecessors enjoyed just a couple of decades ago. They find themselves bound by the directives of the management, which hinders their ability to nurture an environment of free and critical thinking in education. This shift in priorities within private education raises concerns about the broader implications for the moral and intellectual development of students, as well as the integrity of the educational system as a whole.
The increase in illegal acts perpetrated by those possessing a formal education, along with the concurrent escalation of unethical behaviours observed in diverse industries, serves as a clear indication of shortcomings within our educational system. When allegations of corruption arise, whether targeted at a political figure or a public servant, it ultimately implicates the instructors who influenced their development. What is of utmost importance is the establishment of an education system that is firmly rooted in core principles. The inclusion of moral concepts in a curriculum is vital since it serves not only to transmit knowledge but also to cultivate ethical values. This amalgamation endows individuals with the ability to negotiate complex and unpredictable circumstances with ethical judgment, thereby ultimately contributing to the progress of society and the nation at large. It enables individuals to make decisions that are aligned with the collective welfare. The prioritisation of values in the realm of education plays a crucial role in cultivating a population that is both virtuous and responsible.
(The author is an adjunct faculty at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore Banglore)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
