Respecting a teacher does not simply mean showing reverence to an individual, it is in fact a way of honouring the very foundation of our society. When we bow our heads before a teacher, we are bowing before generations of wisdom, knowledge, and guidance that shape humanity. A teacher is not just the person who provides us with formal education in classrooms, a teacher is anyone who teaches us even a single word, a single value, or a single lesson in life.
Teacher’s Day, celebrated every year on 5th September in memory of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, is an occasion to honour the noble profession of teaching. But it should not be reduced to a single-day celebration or a formality of garlands, speeches, and awards. Instead, it must serve as a reminder for us to introspect, are we truly respecting our teachers in our daily lives? Do we remember their sacrifices beyond this date, or have we confined our respect to ceremonies? In today’s modern era an era dominated by technology, globalization, and changing social values the status of teachers is unfortunately diminishing. Teachers are often remembered only on Teacher’s Day, while their real dignity and importance are forgotten the rest of the year. Who is responsible for this decline? Both teachers and students/society share the blame. Many teachers have forgotten their sacred duty of being guides, mentors, and nation-builders the very job entrusted to them by the Almighty. On the other hand, students and parents too have failed to preserve the honour and status of teachers in society.
History shows us that behind every successful individual stands a teacher. This chain of guidance began with Prophet Adam (AS) and will continue till the Day of Judgment. Our past is filled with shining examples of those who respected their teachers and achieved immortality in the hearts of people. Take Allama Iqbal (RA), for instance. Once in Sialkot while chatting with friends at a shop, he noticed his teacher, Mir Hassan Shah, passing by. Shocked at his presence, Iqbal immediately stood up and walked barefoot alongside his teacher, helping the elderly man reach home safely. Such was his respect and that is one reason why Iqbal lives forever in our hearts. Similarly, Aristotle and Sikander (Alexander the Great) give us another timeless lesson. When they reached a river during their travels, Aristotle insisted on crossing first. But Sikander refused, saying: “If I survive, I can only be one Alexander. But if you survive, you can create thousands of Alexanders like me.” This reflects the immeasurable power and respect due to teachers.
Our Islamic tradition too is full of such examples. The cousin of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (RA), used to stand outside the homes of Sahaba (RA) just to listen and learn from them. Imam Shafi (RA) would turn the pages of his books so softly in the presence of his teacher that the sound would not disturb him. The great caliph Haroon Rashid instructed his children to wash the feet of their teacher. Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) never stretched his legs in the direction of his teacher’s house out of deep respect. These noble personalities are remembered even today not for their wealth or power but for the values they held for their teachers.
A teacher is like a flower, spreading fragrance to make society fragrant. A teacher is like a candle, burning himself to illuminate the lives of his students. A teacher nurtures us morally, socially, emotionally, physically, and mentally. Without teachers, there is no civilization, no progress, and no future.
Yet, the bitter truth of today’s world is that teachers are losing their existence and dignity. The commercialization of Teachers’ Day where expensive gifts are exchanged has turned respect into a trend. Sadly, some teachers even demand gifts from students, which tarnishes the sanctity of this noble profession. A real gift to a teacher is not materialistic it is when a student succeeds in life, prays for his teacher, and lives by the values he has been taught. Awards and ceremonies are not the true honour; genuine respect comes from society’s heart and daily actions. If we want to shape our society, we must shape our teachers. If we want to build a strong nation, we must bring back the dignity of teaching. Teachers are not just individuals they are the architects of generations, the guardians of knowledge, and the eternal light of society.
This Teacher’s Day, let us not merely celebrate with words and flowers. Let us revive the true spirit of respect, honour, and gratitude towards teachers not for a day, but for all time.
Author is teacher by profession in the department of education
