Till this date I remember vividly, the statement made by Mahatma Gandhi in his autobiography that a teacher must be aware of his Ps & Qs ,even when he is away from his pupils. I feel it very strongly that to be a true teacher, one needs to be a great and genuine human being first. That is why this is the toughest profession. Students are very keen observers and quick in catching the vibes of the speakers.
“ If I were to be their real teacher and guardian , I must share their joys and sorrows, I must help them to solve the problems that they face, and I must take along the right channel, the surging aspirations of their youth”-Mahatma Gandhi
Profound morality and independent thinking must be depicted in the Guide’s own mannerisms. How can we ask our pupils to follow what is not taken by us in our routine? They look towards us for the role of trail blazing. And how badly they must be disheartened when they do not find the values sung the whole day , not reflected in the mentor’s behaviour.
We blame our youth for irresponsible and immoral behaviour. But a very simple question often forces me to go deep in the recesses of my mind – Are elders , especially Mentors not responsible for Value teaching and inculcating? How are we made so sincere? Was it our temperament or real nature or the way we were nurtured and guided by our parents and teachers, that matters? Our elders taught us the value of family rituals. They themselves were dutiful, empathetic and caring. And the same lineage passed on to us.
Our materialistic attitude is being passed on to our progeny. So , rather than checking the young ones, let’s peruse once how we think, act and behave. Let’s set an ideal but realistic and practical demeanour in front of the tiny curious lot. Let’s behave the way we want them to behave, simple. When I ask my pupils to be truthful, sincere, hard working and regular with the work, it means the same must be, I repeat, must be shown through my behaviour and mannerisms too.
‘I am scared of the people whose speech and actions do not match’.
