Increasing Cases of Teachers Sexually Assaulting Students Make us Wonder if These Incidents Malign Reputation of the Noble Profession
From bringing in topics of sexual connotations unnecessarily during classes to being accused of rape and sexual assault, those imparting knowledge are accused of grave claims by students these days.
Teachers are believed to be an important part of any student's life and the society in whole. They impart knowledge, imbibe good values and nurture then for a better tomorrow. It is often said that what children learn from their elders, mostly teachers at a young age will stay with them for rest of their lives. While we were brought up to love and respect our teachers, some incidents in the recent past will make you question is teachers are really helping in the society's betterment.
From bringing in topics of sexual connotations unnecessarily during classes to being accused of rape and sexual assault, those imparting knowledge are accused of grave claims by students these days. It is unfortunate that such incidents make the better lot also being questioned for just doing their job rightfully. While quality education and overall social development of a student is what society expects from schools, there has been quite an increase in sexual assault claims on teachers recently. While teaching is considered a noble profession, such claims make us wonder how the relationship between the two will be in the years to come.
Here are some of the horrendous incidents that make us worry what our society is headed for:
Professor who made personal diary about his sexual experiences for compulsory reading
A professor at a Mumbai nursing college has been convicted for outraging the modesty of a woman by bringing in topics of sex unnecessarily. Ramesh Bandre, aged around 45 would always discuss honeymoon, and explicit details of his first night of marriage with his aspiring nursing students and also made sexual experiences written in a diary a compulsory reader. According to the complainant, despite being reminded that the sex was not a part of the assigned topic, the professor continued with it. According to The Times of India, Bandre "name-called girl students and said they had affairs with ward boys and other teachers".
A Haryana teacher rapes minor in staffroom
A senior teacher allegedly raped a student in the staffroom of a local private college in Himachal Pradesh Hamirpur, earlier this month. The accused, a chemistry teacher called her minor to the staffroom and then raped. The incident resulted in students boycotting their classes along with protests on the streets. People had demanded a death sentence for the accused.
Uttar Pradesh teacher strips girl student
A Class 8 student of a government school in Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj was strip-searched by her teacher on the pretext of taking measurements for a new uniform. The teacher's act came to light after the girl's parents filed a complaint with the police.
While these a few to number the hundreds of such cases which happen on daily basis, it questions the role of teachers today and if the bond between the two has reduced when compared to the past. Although there are enough teachers who responsibly do their duties, the few in the clan are an abomination to the rest. Whatever be the factors causing the distance or making teachers look at students are just objects is an important concern that school and parents should equally take measures to deal with. It should be ensured that such cases get reported and accused ne held.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 20, 2018 01:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).