Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

On teaching

This refers to the editorial “Teaching without torture” (April 20). Acts of brutality and corporal punishment in the name of disciplining children are a curse on our education system. They add to the misery of children who are already suffering, thanks to heavy academic syllabus and loads of books. Teachers should be trained to handle children.

It is not enough to have laws and rules banning corporal punishment in schools. They should be implemented strictly. Torture of children in schools is nothing new. The media are now in the forefront of exposing the social evil, which is why we are becoming aware of the issue.

P. Sermuga Pandian,

Madurai

The death of Shanno Khan, following brutal punishment by her teacher, is shocking. A teacher is supposed to be the embodiment of kindness. But Shanno’s teacher crossed all limits by making her stand in the sun with bricks on her back. Teaching demands patience. A teacher who cannot handle children is not fit for the job.

Abdul Muqhtadir,

Manvi

In the olden days, teachers used to identify weak students and give them extra care. But now we find that they are intolerant of non-performers and under-performers. Shanno’s case has come to light because her teacher’s behaviour resulted in her death. There are many Shannos who suffer silently. They lose confidence in themselves and face the world with a lot of apprehension.

P. Guru Prasad,

Chennai

Friendly gestures, coupled with a dose of strictness and advice, are sufficient to mould a child. A child’s physical and mental growth can be healthy only in a friendly school environment.

Every profession has undergone transformation over the last few decades. Unfortunately, teaching is yet to change.

P.R. Rajeswari,

Dubai

The horrific and inhuman act resulting in the death of a 11-year-old has left us all in deep shock and anguish. Unfortunately, the tragedy will soon be forgotten. Justice should be swift and severe. We cannot call ourselves a progressive society if we cannot ensure the safety of our children in schools.

Ashish Choudhury,

Chennai

Primary school teachers should be asked to attend frequent orientation programmes. They should be trained to be patient. Children are children and it is for the teacher to come down to their level.

B. Thiagarajan,

Coimbatore

Corporal punishment in schools leads to physical, mental and emotional torture of students. Shanno’s death has brought disgrace to the teaching community to which I belong. Though nothing can recompense the loss of Shanno’s parents, they should be given justice soon. I hope teachers’ unions will raise their voice against the barbaric act so that children and their families do not lose faith in us.

Subiya Siddiqui,

Bhopal

Shanno’s is not an isolated case. I have personally seen a teacher hold a student by his hair and bang his head against the wall. When I wanted to confront the principal, my daughter urged me not to do so, saying it would cause problems for her. I heard from my children that such cruelty is common in their school.

Sunil Kumar,

Thiruvananthapuram

The authorities should examine teachers psychologically before appointing them. There are people who enjoy dominating, humiliating and torturing under the pretext of disciplining. Children must be protected from them.

Martin Sobieroj Arka,

Puducherry

A few affectionate moments can transform the lives of students. Teachers need to make a difference to the lives of those they teach. The children should have the trust that their teachers will never harm them.

Dhanya Shankar,

Chennai

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