Do We Need A Teacher?

The human civilization has lived through the Stone Age, The Bronze Age, The Copper Age, The Iron Age, The Industrial Age and now it is in the Information Age. This age is characterized by the availability of any and all information at the click of the button. Today it is said that the one who has more information is mightier than the one who wields more weapons. Many thinkers believe that as the process of getting information becomes easier, the teacher will become redundant in the educational system. And today’s educational system does rely heavily on passing information to students rather than teaching anything to them. The teachers have become mere instructors. But is that the only role of teachers? To pass information to students? We may argue that the primary and secondary school teachers’ job is more important than the teachers in institutes of higher learning. This is because the schoolteachers handle students who are very young and easily influenced. Their mind is like wet cement; whatever falls on it, makes an impression. And thus the teachers have to ply their outlook, perspective, and mindset and also prepare them for a sound academic career. When these students enter institutes of higher learning like colleges and universities, they are in a very volatile state and age. A craving for adventure, defiance of convention and rebelliousness typify their age. This may lead to a state of normlessness, which may portend danger for the future. This is where a teacher becomes important. The English word “Teacher” does not capture the essence of the Sanskrit word “Guru,” which is more relevant in this context. The actual meaning of the word Guru is “the one who takes the disciple (student) from darkness to light.” The job of a teacher in an institute of higher learning also is critical since he is dealing with a very capricious age group- the youth. Today’s youth, or for that matter the youth of any generation, is hot-blooded, fickle and erratic but at the same time has the potential to change the world. If their energy and exuberance is directed in a constructive way, then they possess the power and capability to move mountains. It should be understood that the sole purpose of education is not only to impart information and knowledge but, as is summarized beautifully in a Sanskrit shloka, it “sharpens the intellect, …….., develops the faculty of discrimination, strengthens our moral nature, enables us to stand the severest temptations of life and thus protects us from falling into errors.”


Some people are born more naturally to leadership and those who want to be leaders can develop effective leadership qualities. A teacher can thus gauge in a student the inherent qualities, which make great leaders and make him aware of them and also help in developing them. The teacher can inspire the student to practice ethical leadership, which has become more important than ever. Philosophy is the platform on which great leadership is built. If the philosophy is not right than all that follows will be built on sand. A teacher can help the student to formulate a healthy, positive and constructive philosophy on which will be based the ethics and principles of the student’s life and leadership.

Thus, a teacher is an indispensable part of a student’s life, regardless of the age of the pupil. The teacher has assimilated the information that he obtained during his disciple years into knowledge. This knowledge when combined with experience becomes wisdom. It is this wisdom that the teacher conveys to his students. It is said that we must learn from other peoples mistakes and experiences, because life is too short to do it all yourself! Thus the teacher is like a guide for the student through the way, which the student has chosen in life. With the help and guidance of the teacher, the student can begin a successful journey through life.