Br Malvino Alfonso OCD –
India celebrates Teachers’ Day on 5 September, the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, former President of India, philosopher and a great teacher. It is a day to remember and honour those who dedicate their lives to educating, guiding and shaping generations.
On this special day, memories of teachers return with deep gratitude. What one becomes in life is, in no small measure, because of the teachers who encourage, guide, correct and believe in their students. Their influence often extends far beyond the classroom and remains with students throughout their lives.
Having had the privilege of being a teacher in the college section, the responsibility and commitment involved in this noble profession became even more apparent. This experience deepened my respect for teachers—not only those who taught me, but all teachers who work quietly and tirelessly to shape the future of our country.
The earliest memories of teachers go back to primary school. They would hold my hand and teach me how to write the letters of the alphabet. They encouraged me to study hard and inspired me to aim for the highest marks in the class. What appeared to be simple lessons at the time were actually laying the foundation for my education and future.
By Class V, an elocution competition brought another important lesson. Standing before others with a paper in hand, nervousness took over and the hands began to tremble. The teachers understood the fear. They held the paper for me and gave me the confidence to speak. With their encouragement, first place in the elocution competition was achieved. More than the prize, however, it was the confidence given by the teachers that remained valuable.
The headmaster also recognised my interest and ability in quizzes and other competitions. He would encourage other students by pointing out that, despite having limited facilities at home, I continued to participate and shine in different competitions. His words gave me confidence and taught me that circumstances need not determine a person’s future.
Another experience during Class XI had a lasting impact. Our Konkani teacher Kamlakar Mhalshi asked us to write a poem, but there was no idea how to begin. A visit to the library provided some inspiration. In my innocence, an attempt was made to compose a poem by taking one sentence from different poems written by Konkani poets. The teacher rejected the poem seven times. Yet he did not give up.
Finally, he corrected the poem, and it was published in a Konkani daily newspaper. That correction became an important turning point and encouraged me to contribute to literature. Had the teacher simply rejected the effort and left it there, perhaps the journey of writing might never have continued. Sometimes, a teacher’s correction can become the beginning of a student’s dream.
The support and guidance of teachers continued through my M.Com. studies. Later, when I began working as a lecturer at Rosary College, the Principal Newman Fernandes played an important role in my professional formation. Opportunities were provided to conduct workshops, prepare workshop materials and participate in different seminars. Each opportunity was intended not merely to give an assignment, but to help me learn, develop and grow.
Those opportunities eventually bore fruit. Today, seminars and workshops are conducted for teachers, parents, youth, students and other groups. Whenever standing before an audience, it becomes clear that much of this journey has its roots in the encouragement, guidance and opportunities provided by teachers.
There is also a special connection with those early school memories. While conducting seminars for students, the paper is sometimes held for them while they read from it. It takes me back to Class V, when my teachers held the paper for me because I was nervous. What my teachers did for me then is now being passed on to others.
Such moments reveal the deeper meaning of teaching. Teachers often make sacrifices that are not immediately recognised. Their work goes far beyond textbooks, examinations and classrooms. They discover talents, build confidence, correct mistakes, provide opportunities and, above all, help young people believe that they can become something more.
A teacher may forget a lesson taught decades ago, but a student rarely forgets the teacher who believed in them. A word of encouragement, a patient correction or a simple gesture of support can remain in a student’s heart for a lifetime.
On this Teachers’ Day, all those teachers who have been part of this journey are remembered with a grateful heart. Some taught the first letters; others taught confidence. Some recognised talents; another patiently corrected a poem until it found its way into a newspaper. Others opened doors to professional growth and new opportunities.
Whatever I am today, my teachers have contributed greatly to it.
A heartfelt salute to all teachers across India who continue to dedicate themselves to educating and shaping generations. Their work may often go unnoticed, but its impact is visible in the lives of their students and, through them, in society.
Teachers do not merely prepare students for the future; they help shape the future itself.