– Madhu Singh –
Way back in the 1970s, I studied in my home town school – Model School Rohtak ( Haryana). But I clearly remember, how we used to idolize our teachers. They were smart, and taught us well. They knew the subject matter and would often co- relate it to the mythology as well as moral values. Homework was mandatory and there was no question of going to the school without completing it! The books and the notebooks had to be in the bag, checked by us the previous night! Tuitions were far and few, and mostly looked down upon – reflecting weak children. Refreshers ( ‘kunjis’) were also looked down upon. Parenting was integral part of education and parents took keen interest in our studies. Teacher was highly respected. Games were part of growing up. Evenings were meant only for playing GAMES!! Even then we had children qualifying as doctors, engineers, civil servants, defence officers, professors and teachers ! We studied, learned, and possessed knowledge!!
Come 2018 – the teacher teaches, has sound knowledge of information technology ( IT), is a facilitator, guides parents, counsels children, smartly conducts herself, takes extra classes, puts in extra hours at school, performs duties beyond the call of duty, is sincere, pragmatic and diligent – in short he/ she is a multi-tasker. With such an evolution in the role of a teacher, who sometimes resembles a SUPERMAN, zipping from one role to another with ease, why have our aspirations then fallen short of target?
Simple—we have forgotten simple pleasures of life. As parents, we want our children to excel everywhere. So we put our children through robotic routine, and fill their day with wide range of activities. As a result, by the time they reach senior classes, they appear listless and lose interest. Coaching centres put extra demand on a child, and make them more mechanical.
The saddest thing for a teacher is, when the child appears sleepy in the class at 7.40 am itself. The parent’s answer is that his ward is very busy in going from one tuition to another . They even request for their child to be kindly excused from attending his / her school, to attend coaching. As a teacher for the last 30 years, I have often wondered, if we ourselves have allowed the TUITION CULTURE to undermine the dedication of a teacher! Somewhere, we as teachers, have neglected our role in the life of a child and thus we feel at loss of words sometimes.
I have realized that your caring attitude and sincerity of purpose is understood by the child in no time. If he likes you, then the classes are no more a routine for him but a wonderful place where he grows and glows! The purpose of being a teacher is fulfilled when a child walks up to you and says simply “ Ma’am, I love your English class.” When you communicate, you build faith; when you laugh with them, you build happy environment; when you correct and guide them, you build a well – rounded citizen.
A teacher-student relationship is holy, and above all materialism, if we are clean hearted and non judgemental. Our future generation can rest its laurels on the solid shoulders of their teachers, if we give our hundred percent to them. Treat them with an open mind. Share your joys with them. Pass your positivity and your sunshine energy to them. Remember, what is passed on to the next person, is what will come back to you!! So, as teachers, lets realize our importance and worth. We never give up! We are into this noble profession out of our own choice and we will will lead by personal example in changing the existing scenario. Nothing gives more happiness to a bird than to feed its nestlings. So, lets feed our nestlings the lessons of love, honesty, uprightness, competitive spirit, humane values, happiness, care, and above all love for the subjects they study. Even if a few of us start with positive thought and outlook, over a period of time, we will be able to look back with satisfaction at a job well executed by us!
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About the Author
Madhu Singh
Author & Educationist
Madhu Singh, wife of an army officer, is MA, BA, BEd, Diploma in IT, with a first div through out. A passionate teacher whom children love, she has a teaching experience of 30 years. Madhu Singh has also been the Principal of Army School, Lalgarh Jattan ( Rajasthan) from 1996 to 98. She is on the panel of CBSE Board paper checking, and also conducts teachers’ workshops. Good at communication skills, Madhu writes regularly and edits her school magazine. She is a regular blood donor, and is an active Life Member of INTACH, assisting her husband, Colonel R D Singh, who is the Convenor of INTACH Ambala. She loves long walks with her husband, and spreading a cheer in her family, and the school.
Contact – :
Madhu Singh ( PGT English ) Army Public School , 90, Alexendra Road , Ambala Cantt – 133001 ( Haryana) Mob: 9467634686
Disclaimer : The views expressed by the author in this feature are entirely her own and do not necessarily reflect the views of INVC NEWS.
