After a month-long closure due to anti-discrimination student protests, all educational institutions have started reopening. The long closure of educational institutions has created a learning gap among students, which needs to be addressed by the authorities of each educational institution. At the same time, teachers, parents, and everyone else need to come forward to ensure students’ participation in the classroom. The mass uprising triggered by the participation of students has started to influence individual and collective lifestyles, bringing about changes in state and social systems.
Despite this, there is a noticeable tension in the teacher-student relationship. In various colleges and universities, teachers who have not stood by the students during protests have been boycotted by the students. In some cases, protests are being held demanding the resignation of teachers. Even if someone is not guilty, there are criticisms of being removed from the position for political reasons. The interim government has also advised against doing so. However, it must be remembered that due to the changing times or the realities of the situation, the relationship between students and teachers is no longer the same. Like other institutions of the state, various educational institutions are also plagued by corruption. In addition, allegations of sexual harassment by teachers, mental and physical abuse of students, absence from class, leaking question papers in exchange for money, etc. are often heard. Moreover, the tendency to monopolize private coaching business and their involvement in the tail-wagging of political parties is gradually corrupting the noble profession of teaching.
Teachers are the architects of ideal human beings. To uphold the noble nature of this profession, they must make many sacrifices. It is impossible to become an ideal teacher if one cannot stay away from personal temptations and maintain restraint in behavior. Since students still consider their teachers as role models, it is solely up to the teachers to decide the extent to which they should expand or contract their personal freedoms, so that they do not face any lack of acceptance from students or parents. For this, they need to maintain such transparency in their own behavior and perspective that no one can easily point a finger at them. Teachers are human beings after all. They can make mistakes. But every teacher should maintain such moderation in their behavior that students can be inspired to reach out to them very closely. Students should feel like they can talk freely to their teachers, considering them as friends; there should be no room for mental tension.
It’s also true that teachers in various educational institutions often become frustrated and depressed due to various pressures. Additionally, political pressure can be observed in higher education institutions like universities. Under the influence of these multifaceted pressures, teachers often struggle to fulfill their professional responsibilities. They cannot maintain their mental stability, which often affects the delicate minds of students. Educational institutions need to be free from partisan political activities so that teachers can perform their duties properly. The courage, tolerance, and personality of teachers are all governed by their behavioral prowess. Therefore, it is essential to have control over their behavior. Every teacher must understand their strengths, weaknesses, obstacles, and the power to overcome those obstacles.
