Hello modern Guru, metamorphose yourself

In ancient time, a teacher was defined as a Guru who has now, with the changed time, malformed into a commercial entrepreneur. It is the teacher who has the ability to dispel the darkness and kindle the light of knowledge. It is the teacher who is able to show the good path to wayward youths of society. He has the talent not only mould the students but affect their character and attitude.

In old times, it was popular adage that it is the only teacher who was responsible to inculcate good values in his students. No doubt, a group of dedicated teachers even today are performing their duty sincerely but majority has turned themselves into commercial businessmen and tuition shops are mushrooming recklessly with the only target to fleece the parents of suave students.

Despite this, teacher complains that he is not getting proper regard by society. How can one command respect leading the youths astray?

It is unfortunate that the one who supposed to be the beacon of knowledge is now seemingly bitten by the bug of westernization. Apart from burgeoning tuitions, some teachers of prominent private public schools and colleges dress themselves like Bollywood stars. In fact, it is a bad trend increasing among teaching community.

Female teachers do not hesitate to wear transparent, deep-necked and sleeveless dresses. Men are proud wearing Jeans and colourful T-Shirts like Salman Khan or like that. This attitude gives the young, malleable students a message that is which- if you want to showcase your brain, you have to display your dresses like soap operas’ stars.

We generally talk of banning the girls’ skimpy dresses in colleges and universities and announce fatwa-like dress codes for them. Why not we direct new age teachers to be models for their students.

India itself and each region of our country has a glorious tradition of attire. No doubt, these have been adapted from time to time and was adopted with pride by societies but now the teacher community who is hoped to guide the youth is leaving behind the Bollywood stars in fashion. The teacher who dresses non-fussy and simple kurta-pyjama is derisively branded as real guru. The gown which the British had invented for their teachers and students has now become the relic.

A teacher is always a model for his students; therefore, his dress should be very simple, sophisticated, decent and non-fussy. White colour- associated with purity and simplicity, can be the best option. Literally, he has to live up to the ubiquitous adage- simple living, high thinking. He need not to colour his hair like stars, need not to show off newest model, hi-fi mobile phones.

Subject literature holding in their hands looks pleasant rather than mobile sets. The library should be their real home and they should have a library in their home also. They should understand properly that heavy jewelry, latest cellphones, perfumes, varieties of gel, sleeveless & skimpy dresses can not produce a good teacher. A teacher can win the hearts of his or her students with knowledge, method of teaching and with the ability to grow students good citizens. A teacher should burn for the cause of students. This should be his or her real aim, nothing else.