Amid cries over unsatisfactory salary, service structure, lack of facilities and opportunities, inconsistency in policies and above all the ‘stigma’ attached to the noble profession of teaching, the World Teachers Day in being observed in Pakistan like other parts of the world on Monday.
It is a bitter reality that the profession of teaching especially school-teaching is no more a first choice of people in our part of the world and majority of those who go for this, join this profession under compulsion.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani have urged all stakeholders, civil society organisations and the people to play their role in restoring the teaching profession to its pristine glory and acknowledge role of teachers in education development.
In a message on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day falling on October 5, he said the day should serve as a reminder that teacher is the most central element and critical link in the chain of educational development.
The President said, “In the scheme of education a teacher is like the thread that holds the beads together. They are our soldiers in fighting the battle of minds and ideas.”
“Just as wars cannot be fought with materials and weapons alone so the fight for minds and ideas too cannot be fought by material resources alone. No material investment in brick and mortar or in the laboratories and text books can replace the intellectual and spiritual stimulus that is provided by the teacher alone.”
“The observance of the World Teachers’ Day today therefore should awaken us to realise our social responsibility to give the teachers their rightful place in the society.”
“Students want to see their teachers radiate sincerity and commitment as they spread knowledge and wisdom. They expect and want to see them as missionaries and as leaders who inspire and motivate them to greater heights, Zardari said adding, “Remember that no matter what height is attained by a student his teacher will always stand at a higher pedestal.”
Gilani in his message called upon Pakistanis to acknowledge teachers as role models and source of inspiration.
“Today, the entire world is celebrating the World Teachers’ Day. We too in Pakistan join hands with the world community in paying homage and respect to our teachers, who in so many ways have made a difference in our lives,” he said.
“When we look back at the turning points in our lives, we invariably find a beacon in the form of a teacher, who though humble in appearance in all odds, with sheer conviction and commitment, has been busy in shaping our lives for our better future,” he added.