A tribute to teachers who shaped ‘our lives’

New Delhi, Sep 05: On September 5, we celebrate Teachers' Day, a day dedicated to honouring the mentors who have shaped our lives. It is a time to reflect on those remarkable individuals who guided us through the early stages of our education, instilling in us the knowledge and values that form the foundation of civilised living.

Teachers are more than just educators; they are the architects of our character, who taught us everything from basic arithmetic to the complexities of history, geography, science, and beyond.

They imparted lessons not only on academics but also on how to live in society and contribute meaningfully to it. Despite often being underpaid compared to the success of their students, many of us never forget the impact our teachers had on our lives, especially those from our school days.

I am reminded of my time at Tyndale Biscoe School, where many of my teachers are no longer with us. Yet, their memory lives on in our hearts. My schoolmates and I, including those a year junior like Suhail Iqbal, often recall these mentors with deep gratitude.

Suhail, who was in the same house as me, Tattakuti, frequently expresses his appreciation for our teachers on social media, thanking them for equipping us with the talents, ethics, and patience needed to navigate the competitive world we now live in.

Another Biscoite, Dr Vivek Kaul, continues to honour our school traditions by bringing together his batchmates and donning the school's green tie, badge with the motto "In All Things Be Men," and the maroon blazer. Similarly, Suhail and others from our school often wear school uniforms to remind us that, despite being senior citizens today, we are still students at heart, carrying forward the childlike curiosity and respect instilled in us by our teachers.

I cannot help but recall the friends from my batch—Sazawal, Mujeeb, Muneeb Anil, Parimoo, Mritanjay, Ravinder, Iftikha, Vicky, Nissar, Mubariq, Zahoor, Sumbaly, Malla, Asif, Aslam and many others —who, like me, continue to cherish our school days and hold our teachers in high regard.

Teachers like Sat Lal Razdan, Amar Nath, Master Shafi, Master Nazir, Noor Mohammad, Ghulam Qadir, Master David, T. N. Kaul, T. N. Misri, Master Mujoo, Shadi Lal, Sumbaly and many others who left an indelible mark on our lives.

It is heartwarming to know that some of our teachers, like Pran Nath Kaw and Roshan Lal, and some others are still living in the valley. Conversations with them are rare treasures, reminding us of the enduring bond we share. The bond between teacher and student is a relationship that dates back to ancient times, one that has been revered across cultures and civilisations. The teacher, or "guru," has been seen as a beacon of wisdom and moral guidance.

In ancient India, the relationship between guru and shishya (student) was one of profound respect and spiritual connection. The guru was not just a teacher of knowledge but a mentor who guided the student through life's ethical and spiritual challenges. This concept of the guru-shishya tradition was exemplified in the epic Mahabharata, where Dronacharya, the royal teacher, trained the Kuru princes, including Arjuna, in the art of warfare. Arjuna's devotion to his teacher was so deep that he became Dronacharya's most favoured student, learning lessons that went beyond the battlefield and into the realm of life and duty.

In ancient Greece, the relationship between Socrates and his most famous student, Plato, exemplified the intellectual bond that can develop between teacher and pupil. Socrates, who is often referred to as the father of Western philosophy, taught through a method of questioning that pushed his students to think critically and independently. Plato, in turn, carried forward his teacher's legacy, founding the Academy in Athens, one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the Western world.

In more recent history, we find similar stories of deep connections between teachers and students. For example, Helen Keller, who was both deaf and blind, overcame immense challenges thanks to the dedication of her teacher, Anne Sullivan. Sullivan's innovative teaching methods not only enabled Keller to communicate but also unlocked her potential, leading her to become a renowned author and advocate for people with disabilities. These few examples highlight the impact a teacher can have on a student's life. It is a relationship that goes beyond the transfer of knowledge; it is about nurturing the mind and spirit, preparing the student not just for exams, but for life.

No tribute to our teachers would be complete without mentioning our Principal, Sir J. M. Ray, and the founder of Tyndale Biscoe School and his son Eric Biscoe, whose vision and dedication laid the groundwork for the institution that shaped us. Their influence on our lives is a testament to the lasting power of education and mentorship for more than nearly a century and a half in Kashmir, when Biscoe school came into existence in 1880.

On this Teachers' Day, let us honour these mentors who guided us and continue to inspire us, no matter how far we've come in life. Whether in ancient times or today, the bond between teacher and student remains one of the most powerful relationships we will ever experience.