It is my daily ritual to drop my daughter to the bus stop in the morning.  It is a beautiful way to begin the day- bonding with the children and chit chatting with the parents around. During one of the conversations, I was so aggrieved to know that a child of class 2 studying in one of the elitist schools of the city was given the harsh punishment of sitting alone in the break and not allowed to eat lunch with his friends for a week. The mistake of the child- he being new to the class was talking to an old acquaintance to feel better.

Sadly, there has been an increase in the incidents of corporal punishment, mental torture, and sexual abuse done by teachers on their own students. It is a matter of grave concern and shame.  As a teacher, I am surprised, ashamed, and pained that how can a teacher publicly humiliate a child or take an advantage of a child just because he/ she  is a teacher?  I feel-

Dear Fellow teacher,

When a little child takes the first hesitant step in the corridors of the new school,

Be patient and take care of this precious jewel.

When the child makes a little error,

Gently rectify, you are now his new carer.

When the child accomplishes his first small dream

Appreciate so that his happy face radiates like a sunbeam.

When he comes running to you for help,

Help him learn at every step!

Give your students freedom to learn, explore, and experiment.

Amidst this merriment lies their real all round development!

Teaching isn’t just a job, career, or a vocation!

It is a Sadhana – (practice of self-discipline and commitment) that builds character and nation.