JOIN USIn ancient times a king decided to find and honour the greatest person among his subjects. A search was soon carried in the kingdom.
A man of wealth and property was singled out. Another was praised for his healing powers; another for his wisdom and knowledge of the law. Still another was lauded for his business acumen. Many other successful people were brought back to the palace and it became evident that the task of choosing the greatest would be difficult.
Finally the last candidate stood before the king. It was a woman. Her hair was white. Her eyes shone with the light of knowledge, understanding and love. "Who is this?" asked the king, intrigued. "And what has she done that would merit her as greatest?"
"You have seen and heard all the others," said the king's aide. "This is their teacher." The people applauded and the king came down from his throne to honour her!
None can deny the role a teacher in educating and widening the minds of students. They are constant companions to students, instilling knowledge and morals in them. They are instrumental in moulding intellectual and ethical aspects of their students' personality. No wonder Alexander the great remarked, "I am indebted to my father for living, but to my teacher for living well."
Today, as our nation celebrates "Teachers' Day," let us awaken the dormant reverence we cherish for the teaching fraternity. Despite our best intentions we seldom give our teachers the right honour they deserve. It was this realisation that urged Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, the first Vice-President and second President of independent India, to seek a day exclusively in honour of teachers. When, on his birthday, his friends wanted to celebrate the day, he requested them to dedicate it for teachers.
Since that day on September 5, 1962, Teachers' Day is celebrated across the country both to honour the birthday of Dr Radhakrsihnan and all teachers who are the pillars of erudition and instruction. Let us remind ourselves that the spirit of Dr Radhakrishnan, India's most celebrated academician and philosopher in showing his gratitude to teachers, needs to be imbibed in us, not just on Teachers' Day, but all year round.