The Bearers and Carriers of smile
Dr Sonali Sahu
Teaching is not a mere profession, it’s an indomitable passion that one follows to experience eternal bliss. And, I as a teacher have got addicted to it. Students should do this, do that, should not do this and should not do that…all such toxic statements fly all around the school campus, staff room, home, bus stop, principal’s office, canteen and playground. But in such discussion, we miss their mellifluous voices, scintillating and smiley faces, healthy flirts, genuine compliments and the heart melting good morning and good day wishes.
We always make the students feel embarrassed by narrating our history before them about what kind of relationship we had with our teachers in our time and what should be the relationship between teacher and student. We should stop expecting such stereotype behaviors from them as we know how monotonous the ambience was during that time. Of course the teachers were excellent and they taught us with all dedication but we could never get a friendly environment in the class which could make us eager to go to school every day.
We too were teenagers; we too had problems but no one was around us to understand our unspoken words and put a hand on our tiring shoulders to console and comfort. Indeed the childhood of every 90s’ student was extraordinary and joyful with our friends outside the home and school but with the rules and regulations in everything we buried few of our pain and desires that we never got a person in home or school to confess and confer. But the definition of relationship between students and teachers has been changed and transformed in this 21st century.
We the teachers can’t be the friend of them as it is confined into certain limitations but a friendly nature of a teacher change the idea of students about school, teacher and teaching profession what put a lasting impression on the mind and life of today’s students.
Good teachers of the society carry this profession with much dignity and follow their principles meticulously that leave an indelible mark on the life of children. They start emulating each activity of their teachers. And I think, making their favourite teachers role models in this technology hungry world is nothing but the biggest motivational factor for teachers. Teachers are not immensely respected and valued in this country. That’s why this profession is not the dream of all students. The taken for granted attitude of the school managements, authorities, parents of students and in some cases the unprofessional behaviour of few inexperienced teachers are responsible for this. Our educational qualification and knowledge don’t make us teachers; sometimes our students build us so. Their expressions inside the classroom, curiosity, intellectual and unexpected questions make us perfect, skilled, proficient and capable of putting our theoretical knowledge in practical fields.
Instead of bestowing a stream of advice on them when you make them feel that you understand them and their dilemma in choosing a career, day to day teen agers’ problems and distraction then they will be the most lovable ones. Sometimes the way they react to the absence of their favourite teachers in school, observe each expression minutely, ask questions like – “Are you okay? How are you, Ma’am, Sir?” This shows their immense love and concern for teachers.
Walking with holding the hands of these beautiful hearts in this profession is really a romantic journey! Getting overwhelming messages on Teachers’ Day is the most blissful moment. The way they run to the parking area and carry your bags, water bottle , make the classroom ready before you reach there , offer water in between the class when they notice your exhaustion is the moment to be captured forever.
Every year students come and go but the same classrooms are left with few indelible memories of such wonderful kids. Teachers are nothing but a celebrity to them to whom they admire and imitate. They never forget to ask you – “Ma’am/Sir, “have you had your breakfast/ lunch?” Answers to these innocent questions may be simple but intense. Seeing you in pain, their eyes glitter, tears roll down, smiles disappear. These doings connect us powerfully with them.
Who said that they are ill-mannered, uncultured and not organized? They are just what and how they are…they can’t be compared with everything and everyone. In lieu when you sit with them, hold their hand smoothly and whisper into their ears – “Don’t worry my dear, I am with you.” That gives them a moment to understand. Instead of scolding and being harsh to them, make your age a little slow to comprehend them. Practical instances of real life will make them come out of their fantasy world. Spending time with these precious children and counselling them is therapy for a teacher.
Believe me! Teaching is not only a noble profession , but also it’s a lovely flash to fall in love with your children not once but again and again.
The writer is a teacher at Mount Litera Zee School, Berhampur, Ganjam, Odisha
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Photograph:
Dr Sonali Sahu with her students
