The Hindu : National : Do not forget `teacher is god' concept, says Manmohan

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Sep 05, 2006

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National

Do not forget `teacher is god' concept, says Manmohan

Special Correspondent

Asks teachers to uphold commitment to knowledge

Photo: V.V. Krishnan

ONE AMONG THEM: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with the award-winning teachers at his residence in New Delhi on Monday.

NEW DELHI: Upset by incidents of disrespectful behaviour towards teachers, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday urged every citizen of the country to chant "the ancient words of wisdom" — `Acharya Devo Bhava' (teacher is god) — on Teachers Day this year.

Addressing national award-winning teachers on the eve of Teachers Day, the Prime Minister expressed anguish at incidents of disrespectful behaviour by students towards teachers and said every citizen of the country should value the idea of `Acharya Devo Bhava.'

Commenting on the recent killing of Ujjain-based professor Harbhajan Singh Sabharwal, Dr. Singh said he was pained when he heard of his death. "I am also pained by incidents of disrespectful behaviour by students and some anti-social elements who pretend to be students. I urge every parent in our country to teach their children the value of the idea of `Acharya Devo Bhava.' This year, on Teachers Day, I want every child, every student, every parent, every citizen to chant those ancient words of wisdom and pledge that we will never show disrespect to our teachers."

Stating that crass commercialism and anti-social behaviour was overtaking educational institutions, the Prime Minister urged the teaching community — both at the school level and in institutions of higher education — to uphold the best traditions of excellence and commitment to knowledge that people expected from teachers. "I want every teacher to also take a pledge to impart knowledge to their students without fear or favour, committed to the best and highest traditions of learning.''

Of the view that India needs good, hard-working, honest and caring teachers, Dr. Singh said teachers should be given a status that recognises their great contribution to society and to the processes of nation-building. Describing education as a major instrument for economic and social mobility, he said, "It is also important that we prevent alienation of our youth belonging to the disadvantaged groups."

Asserting that the country's youth must have faith in their future and derive hope from the educational system, the Prime Minister said: "It is the professionalism, commitment and dedication of our teaching community that will transform our education system. No system of education can perform well if it is not manned by good teachers."

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