The Critical Role of Teachers in Society

“Education is the manifestation of the perfection already present in man” said, Swami Vivekananda. It is pertinent to note that the teachers in all educational institutions play the role of a catalyst to unleash the wealth of knowledge and wisdom which is potentially present in all human beings. Perhaps, one of the biggest reason to celebrate Teachers’ day is to remind us all, including the teachers themselves, of the pivotal role they play in shaping up society and the nation. On this Teachers’ Day, I would like to convey my greetings and gratitude to all the teachers.

A teacher‘s role is not just that of imparting information but rather facilitating the students to a path of self-discovery in all dimensions - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. A teacher is somebody who regardless of the reason that they may have come into the profession, has a great power and influence over the next generation who would be shaping the future of our nation and this world.

The current pandemic has more than ever underlined the criticality of the role of a teacher. The necessity of taking education on the virtual mode, has more than ever underlined the fact that online education has no meaning without a physical teacher behind them. The Ability to engage students and be able to provide meaningful education is beyond that of the passing of information, which today is available in various ways. Teachers along with the medical professionals have been one of the first responders to this pandemic. Despite the challenges, they continued to balance their personal and professional lives in an exemplary manner.

A teacher‘s role is not just that of imparting information but rather facilitating the students to a path of self-discovery in all dimensions - physical, mental, emotional and spiritual

In wake of the Pandemic, for us, the focus fromday 1 of the lockdown was to provide students with a safe and enriching virtual experience that matched or exceeded classroom learning. Professors, teachers, technical staff, and parents while under lockdown themselves, stepped up to the challenge. Despite the availability of the content, its application, how to use it and deliver it to the students in the right manner is the real deal. Our planning commenced for continuous education based on the need of the hour and keeping in mind the requirements of the students. True to our nature we once again soared high building capacity and strength within our systems.

Virtual education can transform the educational institutions through closer collaboration with industry. The educational institutions can seize the opportunity in this crisis to bring forth transformational changes in education which can take the economy as well as human values and the social commitment in the right direction.

For Apeejay Education Society, established more than five decades ago, (comprising 24 institutions - Schools & Higher education) and Apeejay Stya University — education is essentially a social commitment. The vision & mission of AES is reflected in its commitment to quality education of global dimensions leading to man-making and nation-building. The role of teachers is critical for us given that we strive to provide a holistic education imbued with human values and rooted in Indian culture, while at the same time incorporating 21^st century learning skills including communication, creativity and innovative teaching learning, among other things. We believe in the adage of ‘education for life’ and not merely for living. Continuous teacher training is inherent in our approach to learning. 

Also, our nation has put before all of us a transformational vision in the shape of the new National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The vision of the NEP can truly be realised by empowering and enabling the teachers. We are extremely delighted to find that the existing Apeejay Stya University and all our educational institutions have huge resonance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. With the spotlight on industry-oriented professional training and the inculcation of an entrepreneur spirit, multidisciplinary and choice based credit approach has been vindicated by the NEP. Similarly, one of the most vital elements of the new NEP which resonates deeply with our existing approach is the focus on skill development in all domains of learning from an early age.

There is an urgent need for re-invention and re-look at the role of teachers. They are not meant to be only purveyors of information but rather be at the heart of curriculum development and usher in transformational changes, often going beyond their own domains in tune with a multidisciplinary approach. Teachers essentially need to be ‘creators of knowledge’, in tune with cutting edge research. As a society, it is time we woke up to give the highest pedestal to all those have taken the onerous responsibility of teaching.