Dynamics of Guru-Shishya Bond
India has traditionally given a position of pre-eminence to the guru. They were revered, respected and feared. The guru or teacher was like the sculptor who gave a shape and form to the life of a student. The parents too had full faith in the teacher. All worked in collaboration for the betterment of the student and in turn for education. The teacher-student relationship is very important for a child. The thirst of knowledge was encouraged. The major difference between education then and now is that education has become a tool for development. Yes, this was true even of our ancient times but, at that point of time; education was restricted to a certain section of society only. But now, we promote education for all. This has changed the dynamics of the relationship shared between the teacher and the student.
In olden times, the Guru and Shishya had a great understanding within themselves. The shishya respected the guru a lot. The Guru’s wishes were completed by the shishya. The Shishya followed the Guru’s orders blind-folded and had genuine respect for them. Gone are the days when Guru-Shishya Parampara existed in our country, where shishya listen to their guru’s words as God’s words. The communication between the student and the teacher serves as a connection between the two, which provides a better atmosphere for classroom learning. Children spend approximately five to seven hours a day with a teacher for almost ten months in a year. The key is to continuously monitor the student to be aware of any difficulties that they are having. Understanding the child’s problem, fear, or confusion will give the teacher a better understanding about the child’s learning difficulties. Making the child feel secure or less confused when learning is taking place in the classroom.
The teacher needs to be a friend, philosopher, guide and facilitator for the student. Teaching was once seen as an ideal profession and should not lose its sheen. There is a certain erosion of values over the years on both sides. The recent spate of violent incidents against the gurus is alarming. It is a wake-up call for society. Never could one imagine that a teacher could be physically harmed by a student. On the other side, neither could one believe that a student could be raped or harmed by his/her guru. One needs to give a serious thought that all this is basically harming the quality of education in our country.
In this world of selfish people, everyone fails to take a second thought and think about the intention behind our teacher’s scolding. Earlier, our teacher’s scolding was like a blessing. It helped us to be a better person. It still is a blessing, but the students are oblivious to it. But like fire in the rain, teachers love us and they are aware that in this age, we are mere victims to our own anger and peer pressure. Teachers are not perfect. But no one is. Isn’t that what humanity is all about? There is respect within the hearts of the students some have it way deep down and some on the surface. When we dream and begin to think “No I can’t do it”, Teachers are there to say “why not’’? In other words, this unique relation that has been going on for so many years is still the same. But we are just unaware of it.
I strongly believe that it is our job and duty to correct the child when he or she is wrong. Spare the rod, yes, but your eyes should do the talking. No smart board can substitute the teacher. So let’s make the relationship strong and worthy.
