On Teacher's Day

Let us pose three questions to ourselves to start this address.

The first, and often the toughest, is why are we talking about teachers' day in

times of technical mastery (with examples of automated writing tools like AI

and all + ghost writers) and the loss of human faith/ human value?

Second, who should we refer to as the best teacher?

Finally, what makes one a teacher?

In these trying times such questions are not completely inessential. I once

heard from my teacher the story of a great teacher who once told that he had

not seen any student in his entire career that had not helped him learn a thing.

And this revelation is important for him and for many of us.

“We are connected globally and divided locally” Ajay Gudavarthy, writer and

professor wrote in his latest book on Limits of Subaltern politics and

sectarianism. I would request you give it a thought for such an aphorism. For

us human beings some degree of connection to our past baggage is needed

but ever getting ready to bow down to the unquestioned realm, perhaps, is not

the way forward.

Is the teacher ‘a man for all seasons’? To be there for all your queries? Your

confusions and aspirations?

When I am referring to the phrase I am reminded of the 1966 historical film on

the life of Sir Thomas More, the writer of the book Utopia, who had to face

execution by beheading as he fell prey to the warring conditions between the

church and the king and could not defend himself.

If I am allowed to make a joke I would definitely call Derrida by my side and

say the famous line from his book The Politics of Friendship where he says,

quoting from Aristotle, “Oh my friends, there is no friend”. Now, if I extend the

same with the phrasing “Oh my students, there is no student” or “Oh my dear

teachers, there is no teacher” might shed light on some uncalled situations

equally perceived by students and teachers both in classroom scenarios.

To be frank I very much believe in binary oppositions whenever I feel like

defining anything. Is a student binary opposition to the teacher? Giving

purpose to that stated position called ‘teacher’ and making it mutually

habitable. Or, the teacher himself/ herself the transcendental signifier? I leave

it to your better understanding.

To conclude, I endorse the belief that uncut diamonds are no diamonds at all.

Until you sought to know the amount of pain you can endure, the

unimaginable practice you can do and to the limits you can go you have not

done enough for yourself. The degree of self reflexivity, impersonation and

courage to rebuke yourself in all possible measures is what makes you a

better being. Leonard Cohen, Canadian songwriter, singer and poet in one of

his songs towards the end of his life had this to say,

I love to speak with Leonard

He’s a sportsman and a shepherd

He’s a lazy bastard

Living in a suit.

But he does say what I tell him

Even though it isn’t welcome

He just doesn't have the freedom

To refuse. (“Going Home”)

In the end, I again want you to remember all the three questions I stated first.

But honestly I don’t feel the urge to have it defined.

Go get your answers.