By Grace Pinto
Managing Director
Ryan International Group of Institutions

Sep 5: Our former President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam has beautifully said, "If you are a teacher in whatever capacity, you have a very special role to play because more than anybody else it is you who are shaping the future generation". Indeed, these words aptly highlight the significant role bestowed upon a teacher to play in students’ life. Today, we see the world changing day by day and our society is not the same. There are paradigm changes in the segment of education worldwide and these changes have also drastically influenced changes in the role of a teacher. Teaching and learning process is also evolving and therefore teachers cannot afford to remain attached to their old-fashioned methods. Today, the teacher is called to be a facilitator and a guide in the entire teaching-learning process.

With technology pervading the present education system, teachers today are left with no other options other than to equip themselves adequately. Teachers have to be visionaries, information and technology savvy to cope up with high expectations of the students, with multiple tasks of teaching, researching and being the resource persons in consonance with the changing times. However, in this context, it is relevant to remember what Bill Gates has beautifully stated, "Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is the most important." It is a teacher who can prepare our youth to face the future with confidence, purpose and responsibility. I strongly believe that while technology does its bit, teachers as facilitators add the desired human touch and instill values for holistic development and uplift the essence of education.

September 5, the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, is a special day that is dedicated to all our beloved teachers to remember and thank them for their sacrifice for the humanity. On this day, one can look back, admire and get inspired by the lives of teachers that have influenced thousands of minds. In the present globalized world, the youngsters are faced with lots of challenges. They need to be instructed and inspired in order to reach their potential growth and development. Today’s teacher has a tremendous responsibility to reinvent her/himself to be able to assist carefully every child helping them integrate their social, emotional, and intellectual growth arousing their natural curiosity to develop a love for learning. On this teachers’ day, I would like to leave you with what Dalai Lama has wonderfully said, "When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts."

Wishing you a very Happy Teachers' Day!