Dimapur, Sep. 4(EMN): India celebrates Teachers' Day on Sep. 5 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was not only the second president of India but also a great scholar, philosopher, and a firm believer in the power of education. It is a day set apart to honour teachers for their contribution to the society and in shaping the future of students by imparting knowledge. Educational institutions across the country observe the day by organising special programmes to show their gratitude to the teachers.
Eastern Mirror spoke to students, parents, and successful personalities to find out just what and how much teachers mean to them.
What students have say about their teachers
David Lerina, a class XII student at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, described teachers in his school as “humanly, patient and effective.” He said went on to say that his piano teacher is “like a jug filled with wisdom.” Sanjana Rai, also from the same school, said that teachers are “students’ best friends.”
Senjano Patton, a class VI student at Holy Cross Higher Secondary School, said that her music teacher inspires her, describing her as “very interesting” and “good at music.” Rakovizo Hrüpu, a class IX student from Christian Higher Secondary School, said teachers are “very kind, understanding, friendly, and fun.”
Putinenla Pongener, a class XII student from Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School (PVHSS), said teachers are “very understanding and like second parents.” Heto A Zhimomi, also from the same school, described teachers as “selfless who always wish the best for us.”
Some students have expressed the desire to take up teaching as a profession after completing their studies.
Rokuosenuo Nakhro, a BA student at SD Jain College, is much impressed by her political science lecturer that she now wants to teach the subject one day. Toli K Sumi, also from the same institution, said that she wants to become a lecturer.
Vinika Zhimo, a student at PVHSS who draws inspiration from her alternative English teacher, said she wants to become a biology teacher.
Parents to teachers
Lamnu Dongel, who runs a pharmacy in Dimapur and has a son in high school, said he appreciates teachers as they do what parents can’t do.
“I really appreciate the job of a teacher, especially for my son’s age group where they can get very naughty,” said Lamnu. His wife suggested that teachers should inform parents about the progress of students regularly as parents do not know how their children perform at school.
Ruville Angami, whose son studies at Northfield School in Kohima said that all teachers need to feel special once a year. “Just like we all have birthdays and Christmas, even teachers deserve that one day for their noble profession, which is one of the toughest,” he said.
Remembering teachers’ sacrifice
Dimapur Deputy Commissioner Sushil Kumar Patel: “The contribution of teachers in my life has been immense. I still remember my principal Ram Bujharat who expressed his wish to see me as an IAS officer when I was in class 9. Later that year, I topped the district in Class 10, and also secured 14th rank in class 12 in 1996. My teachers made me from simple boy to extraordinary person. Their contribution cannot be explained in words; all my teachers are still in my memory. I take the privilege to pay tribute to all the teachers who have reformed the people for the betterment of the nation.”
Commissioner of Police Lima Sunep Jamir: “On this occasion of Teacher’s Day, I take this opportunity to thank all my teachers for the patience love and care with which learning was imparted on me. One is reminded with profound nostalgia, the stream of faces that visit the memories in flickers of teachers gone by; yet with indelible imprints on the being that is self.
“Let the Teachers’ Day be a solemn reiteration of the onerous responsibilities of teachers in shaping the hearts and minds and a realisation among the pupils of this sacred bond that transcends space and time.”
KT Sukhalu, advisor to School Education, govt. of Nagaland: “My dear teachers, teaching is a very noble profession. To teach is to touch one’s life forever, and you are called to make a difference. Please honour your profession.”
Khangwi Newmai, who teaches science at Nazareth High School at Purana Bazaar: “I chose to become a teacher because I believe teaching is the greatest profession and their noble efforts create all other professions.”
Rangsap Ndang, Humanities teacher at Zakiesato Memorial Hr. Sec. School: “I became a teacher because I experience the joy of learning over and over again. Natural teachers love sharing knowledge; I have a desire to share ideas, communicate concepts, and inspire through conversation with students. I teach to reach out to children and see their progress over time.”
Deepak Ch. Norah, assistant professor and teacher at Bosco B.Ed College: “I realised that teaching is a great job to render service to the society, become a social changer, to bring out the hidden potential of the students to do justice with their talents, and to make students proper citizens of the country. It is a profession where people are always available to listen to, or whom all the guardians repose confidence and finally with the help of which students can be moulded in the right direction.”
Namzieteing, a warden and teacher at Cornerstone Hr. Sec. School: “It is a teacher that directs the child’s mind into the right direction as they spent majority of their time with teachers. Also, as students have different skills, abilities, and performances with regard to personality development, we as teachers notice them and accordingly guide and mould them.”
