NEP 2020 (National Education Policy), states that the purpose of education is to develop good human beings capable of rational thought and action, possessing compassion and empathy, courage and resilience, scientific temper, and creative imagination, with sound ethical moorings and values. It aims at producing engaged, productive, and contributing citizens for building an equitable, inclusive, and plural society as envisaged by India’s Constitution. Yet, when one browses through newspapers, TV screens, the social media, through what is being projected, one is left with more questions than answers. It traverses the road just the opposite of what NEP 2020 envisages. If NEP 2020 is the target, then the onus lies on teachers; for the simple reason that what NEP foresees lies on the doorstep of educational institutions and in the hands of the teachers.
When ex-students look back in gratitude to their Alma Maters, they are grateful to the teachers who touched their minds and hearts. Without a doubt, it is teachers who not only taught them the 3Rs, but those who instilled in them values, who made them think, who challenged them, who made them dream, who empowered them. In all that the teachers have done for their students, it is surely not meant to just make them selfish or wealthy but for the good of society.
NEP 2020 makes a clear mention of the need to strengthen the Constitution which in turn will also strengthen the Democracy. The Constitution lays stress that one is called to uphold the values of equality, liberty and fraternity. There is a need that teachers should inculcate in their students the ability to discuss important issues, so ideas can be generated through dialogue, discussions and debates. It also means that students learn to respect the views and opinions held by others. Today, debates have died in many institutions as it involves much work from the teachers in guiding students. Students should be schooled to think creatively and critically; be able to voice their own thoughts without prejudice and fear; be able to think for themselves; be able to distinguish between genuine and false news. In all this, teachers should make their students realize that they need to focus on ideas and not on persons.
The classroom is like a micro-society, wherein you have students from different backgrounds, cultures, religions, etc. and so this presents a very good platform for the teachers to get students to develop and grow in tolerance towards the way of life of others. This would allow diversity to flourish and peaceful co-existence. Today, the word ‘management’ has become a by-word in different fields of life and so the teacher needs to inculcate and be well versed in Conflict Management. This will be a step in the right direction – it will reduce the feelings of hate towards those of other cultures and creeds. The teacher should be able to bring about mediation where conflicts arise; thereby bringing in peace and reconciliation. In this way, students will be schooled to agree to disagree. The NCF asks teachers to foster in their students a democratic outlook, commitment to liberty and freedom, equality, justice, embrace diversity and inclusiveness, fraternal spirit, spirit of service, social responsibility and action, unity and integrity of the nation; a nationalistic spirit that makes one feel proud to be an Indian.
Teachers should be mindful that criticism can be helpful especially if it is constructive and not unhealthy or destructive in nature. Teachers should give students feedback not only on their academic performance but also on their behavioural performance and patterns. If this does not take place there is a tendency for students to accept substandard performance and mediocre behavioural patterns as licence or as being acceptable.
Teachers should encourage the diversity as it portrays the rich heritage that Indians are blessed with. What gives India a unique place in the world, is her diversity; her richness in her plurality of cultures, languages, festivals, etc. In fact each State presents a diversity of cultures. This is what draws tourists from around the world to experience and explore this diversity. Hence there is a need to protect this multiplicity and pluralism. The desire to have ‘one nation, one culture’ will make the country look poorer in the eyes of the world. Teachers need to develop in their students an open mind and inculcate the value of inclusiveness and not exclusiveness. The latter has resulted in acts of intolerance, violence and even murders.
The NEP talks of introducing an ethics component into the curriculum in the early stages of education so that students can be helped to build character, grow up into good human beings, lead productive and happy lives, and contribute positively to society. This indicates that students should be encouraged to think of doing what is right and be taught to reason out ethically so they can make right decisions. As students grow they will then be in a position to grasp situations that involve tolerance/intolerance, non-violence/violence, equality/inequality, etc.
When disturbing local or national situations arise, students should be made aware of the same and form reasons or opinions so an appropriate moral stand can be taken. To do this, teachers themselves should be able to initiate discussions based on sound moral principles so as to arrive at sound decisions. This indicates that teachers themselves should be well versed and knowledgeable on what is happening in and around the country. While guiding students, the teachers should not be biased and impose their personal views but let students draw their own conclusions after giving much thought. Teachers should therefore keep themselves abreast of what’s happening in the country because then they will not only be able to’ inform’ students, but also ‘form’ and ‘transform’ them to be citizens who will contribute to the health and wealth of the country.
When Teachers’ Day comes around it is then time to award and reward them. It is good to do so but it is also the right time and occasion for teachers to realise that they do carry heavy responsibilities on their shoulders. It is teachers who can make a big difference and everyone looks up to them to do so. Happy Teachers’ Day, dear teachers.
(Fr William Rodrigues is the chairman of Loyola High School, Margao.)