Proud To Be a Teacher

Good morning to all

 “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013) was a philanthropist and the first black president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. Prior to that, Mandela spent 27 years in prison.  In spite of the possibility of a second presidential run, he declined, and his deputy took his place.

Nelson Mandela changed the course of South Africa's history by winning the civic election after 300 years of white rule. Having received over 250 national and international honors, he received the highest award, the Nobel peace prize, in 1993 for his role as a symbol of democratic values and social justice.

In order to change the world, education is the most powerful weapon you have at your disposal. Today's world is dominated by weapon culture. It will eventually result in destruction. There is a rush among nations to accumulate as many weapons as possible.

In 2019, there are approximately 3,750 active nuclear warheads and 13,890 total nuclear warheads on the planet, down from an all-time high of 70,300 active weapons in 1986. As we must convey to the future generation the importance of education, it is the most powerful weapon we have to change the course of history.

Malala Yusafzai echoed the lesson that “one child, one teacher, and one book can change the world” in her Nobel Peace Lecture. Countless numbers of people worldwide received encouragement from her speeches. She strongly emphasised the importance of education and put it in a positive light.  

It is important to remember that everything has a purpose. Mentors should be very clear about their purpose and mission as educators. Clearly, learning is meant for the advancement of knowledge and for imparting truth. Thus, John Fitzgerald Kennedy's conviction was: "The purpose of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth."  

Along with Kennedy's words, I would like to add Angela Chamblee's: “Knowledge comes from communicating with people. Knowledge comes from interacting with people. Magic genius can be found in ignorant people, and wisdom can be found in children. The magic happens when communication occurs.”

One of the benefits of education is the ability to communicate effectively. The door to knowledge is open through communication. Do not neglect to teach your child to talk to the stars, to themselves, and most importantly to God.  A person who receives education can break free from the clutches of ignorance.  We live in darkness as long as there is no communication.  

With the help of aesthetic sense, people learned how to open their communication to blue skies and nature.  Likewise, people with imagination were able to create undying characters by opening new doors of communication.  We still hear from them.  Millions of people still find comfort in the rhythmic chants and soliloquies of poets.

Imagination is something you can never lose. Let us, therefore, teach our children to open the closed doors of communication and to understand the mystery of communication. The five senses are called the five doors to the beautiful world. Therefore, mentors, give every child an opportunity to open these doors and enjoy this wonderful world. Learning to see the positive aspects of life is essential. The opportunities are plentiful. Confucius correctly observed: “If you are positive, you will see opportunities instead of obstacles.”

Have a blessed day.

Fr.Dr.P.S.Varghese
Principal, MGM College, Dimapur.
mgmdimapur@gmail.com