I do not seek justice for everything in this one lifetime. If ever I am insulted, humiliated, or even assaulted by a student, I will not demand justice. If someone hears of it and steps forward to seek justice on my behalf, that will only bring me a second round of insult, humiliation, and harm. There are countless doors of alternative livelihoods open in this life. The day I lose the respect that comes with teaching, I will choose another profession. As an alternative, voluntary death is always easier. And yet…
The disrespect toward teachers in society did not develop overnight. The state and politics paved the way, and respected teachers themselves have widened that path. Should teachers who disclose exam questions to their private students beforehand, show undue favoritism by increasing their marks, or provide unethical advantages in the exam hall still be respected? When knowledge becomes a commodity sold for money, why does society perceive it as a guru-disciple relationship instead of a buyer-seller dynamic? The environment where students glare at teachers with contempt, force resignations, or disrespect them did not emerge in a day. No one is less culpable than the other in this.
Are students attending classes at all? Most current students seem capable of doing everything except studying! They can be used to grab land, monitor markets, chant slogans in agreement, or even clean streets! Major settlements are now a routine task for students. Can soft words and appeasing behavior bring them back to the classroom? It is crucial for the nation and the state to get students back into class.
To attract the most talented individuals to teaching, a life of dignity and appeal must be ensured. The farther students advance in knowledge and science, the farther the nation will progress. Teachers must maintain integrity, parents must be conscious, and students must be nurtured with sincerity. In truth, there is no substitute for education! Students’ minds are drawn to everything but studying. But above all, they must be inspired to gravitate toward the pursuit of knowledge. This is achievable if the state takes active measures. Otherwise…
