Teachers' Day 2018: Evolution and Changing Role of Teaching in India
The one constant aspect underlining teaching has always been the spirit of giving the gift of knowledge to young and old minds selflessly.
September 5 is celebrated as Teachers' Day in India in the memory of the second president of Independent India, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Dr. Radhakrishnan was one of the foremost scholars of philosophy and religious studies and his birthday is celebrated as Teachers' Day in India since the year 1962. The contribution of teachers in helping the students and thus aiding the society's growth is often talked about. Teachers are accorded the highest respect everywhere and especially in India as they are symbols of knowledge and represent knowledge itself. Happy Teachers’ Day 2018 Greeting Cards and Download Free HD Images: Wish Your Favourite Teacher & Gurus With These Amazing Picture Messages and GIFs!
The role of teaching has also evolved in India as intructions and information about teachers can be found in ancient Indian texts too. A teacher, who was known as Guru in ancient India, was a very formal system of learning and teaching which included complete dedication and commitment to one's Guru and teacher. But with change in time, demographics and the needs of society, the role, method and structure of teaching in India has also undergone changes. Teachers' Day 2018: 8 Lesser Known Facts About Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
Knowledge in ancient India, at least as explained or indicated in epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, was the prerorogative of privileged few and involved the system where a student or pupil had to renounce his family and home and shift base to the teacher's house or Aashram to learn about vedas (roughly, Hindu religious texts). As the teaching was formulated and designed to meet the needs of a specific section, students were taught all the skills which would mould them and make them ready for their role in the society. This system, known as the Guru-Shishya parampara (tradition) is still operative today in relation to Hindustani classical music, but is very rare.Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan: Remembering the First Bharat Ratna and Former President.
Prof. Sheikh Mustafa (Assistant Professor) Institute of Advanced Studies In Education, M.A Road Srinagar, in his thesis on the topic 'Historical Development of Teacher Education in India' has divided teacher training in five periods namely 1. Ancient and Medieval Period 2. Buddhist Period 3. Muslim Period 4. British Period 5. Teacher education in independent India.
In his work, Prof. Sheikh has explained the way teacher training in India has evolved, grown and deferred over the years under various traditions from the ancient times to the modern days. However, the one constant aspect underlining teaching has always been the spirit of giving the gift of knowledge to young and old minds selflessly. Happy teachers' day to all teachers.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2018 08:22 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).