DR ALVARINHO J LUIS
Every year, September 5 is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India to honour dedicated educators who light the lamp of knowledge and help young minds discover their abilities, values, and purpose in life. It is a day when students express their gratitude to those who have guided, encouraged, and inspired them—not merely in the classroom but also on the journey of life.
The tradition of celebrating September 5 as Teachers’ Day began in 1962, when Dr. Radhakrishnan became President of India. His students and admirers wished to celebrate his birthday. Instead of allowing the day to become a personal celebration, Dr. Radhakrishnan suggested that September 5 should be observed as Teachers’ Day to honour teachers across the country. This simple suggestion reflected his humility and his deep respect for the teaching profession. Thus, his birthday became an occasion to recognize the contribution of teachers and their importance in shaping individuals and society.
Teacher’s dedication
In today’s rapidly changing world, the role of teachers has become more important than ever. Technological advancement, globalization, and the growing need for sustainable development demand young people who are knowledgeable, adaptable, and capable of thinking independently. Teachers play a crucial role in preparing students to meet these challenges and become responsible members of society.
For Tr. Luiza Pereira e Luis, a Higher Secondary Teacher at Raghuvir and Premavati Salkar Higher Secondary School, Chorão, this responsibility comes with its own set of challenges. Many of her students come from rural and economically disadvantaged families, where parents struggle to meet the cost of their children’s education. Teaching such students requires innovative and flexible methods, says Tr. Luiza. According to her, a teacher must first understand each student’s learning ability and then adapt the teaching approach accordingly. Patience, encouragement, and individual attention, she believes, can make a significant difference in helping students overcome their difficulties.
Despite these challenges, the school has been achieving a remarkable 100% pass rate over the years, a result that Tr. Luiza attributes the success to the dedication of teachers, the perseverance of students, support by the management and the sacrifices made by their parents. For her, this achievement is not merely a statistic but a testament to what determination, committed teaching, and equal opportunities can accomplish.
For Tr. Morina Magalhães, who has taught catechism for over 16 years and is presently the President of the Catechetical Association at St. Michael Church, Taleigão, teaching is a source of immense and often indescribable joy. She is deeply committed to nurturing the faith formation of children of different ages and helping them grow in their faith. For her, catechism is not merely about imparting religious knowledge but about helping children discover, understand, and live their faith. For Tr. Morina, the greatest reward is seeing children grow in faith and carry the values they learn into their daily lives.
Teacher as a role model
A teacher’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. Through their words, actions, discipline, and values, teachers become role models who shape their students' character and attitudes. Students often learn as much from a teacher’s example as from their lessons. A caring, honest and dedicated teacher inspires students to develop confidence, responsibility, compassion, and respect for others. In this way, teachers not only educate young minds but also help mould responsible and compassionate citizens.
According to the Director of Student Welfare and Cultural Affairs at Goa University, who has been working with various student groups across the state, teachers should strive to build a professional yet supportive rapport with their students, creating an environment where young people feel comfortable seeking guidance when needed. Emotional and psychological challenges among students are far more visible today than they were a few decades ago. He emphasizes that understanding these concerns with empathy, sensitivity, and professionalism can help teachers provide timely encouragement and support while fostering a positive learning environment.
Teacher as a listening ear
With parents having increasingly less time to spend with their children due to the demands of modern life, teachers are often called upon to fill an important emotional and supportive space. Beyond academics, students need encouragement, appreciation, and someone who recognizes their efforts and potential. A teacher’s kind word, patient listening, and timely appreciation can strengthen a child’s confidence and sense of self-worth. By acknowledging even small achievements and encouraging students during difficult moments, teachers can become a source of motivation and reassurance. In today’s fast-changing world, such meaningful teacher-student relationships can profoundly influence a child’s growth, character, and future.
