‘Teachers have a spiritual role to play’

 

“THE duty of a teacher is not restricted to imparting academic knowledge to students but it extends well beyond its limits,” asserted Vijay Phanshikar, Editor of‘ The Hitavada’. He was speaking at the 69th Foundation Day function of Somalwar Shikshan Sanstha organised in memory of Late Govind Kashinath alias  Annasaheb Somalwar at Somalwar High School and Junior College, Khamla, on Tuesday.The topic was:‘The Mirror’. Narrating various incidents and anec dotes to explain the role of a teacher, Phanshikar said,“A teacher has to be a mother and needs toplay myriad roles for creating an ecosystem where the students have the freedom to manifest themselves.”

 

Elaborating on the topic ‘The Mirror’, Phanshikar highlighted the lines by well-known author Kalidas Gupta, ‘Darpan Kar Apna Darpan’. “Mirror has the ability to absorb light and reflect back.Likewise,when we look into the mirror, we reflect back atour value system. Every professional, be it teachers like you or journalists like me,should show honesty to his or her profession, society and the nation, just like the soldiers guarding our nation’s borders in extreme climatic conditions do,” he added. Hailing the role of a teacher in shaping the society, Phanshikar said that no amount of compensation would match a teacher’s job. “Every teacher has a spiritualrole to play in a student’s life. Dropping pride and pre judices are two important factors we as professionals, especially teachers, should practise in their teaching style.This will automatically help bring about a change in our education system and elevate our institutions to a higer level,” he stressed. Earlier, Madhukarrao Somalwar, President of Somalwar Shikshan Sanstha made the opening remarks.

 

“Annasaheb Somalwar was a born teacher. His methods of teaching were observed by the then British education officers who described himasan“experimentor”inimparting education. His sons then joined hismission.With their tireless efforts, the institution grew up and became a known name,” Somalwar said. RPSomalwar, Prakash Somalwar, Seema Somalwar, Mahesh Somalwar, CA Rohit Somalwar, Supriya Kolwadkar, Dr Shivhari Kute, and staff of Somalwar Shikshan Sanstha were present on the occasion.Theprize distribution of inter school ‘Annasaheb Somalwar Memorial Initiative of Rewarding Excellence’ (ASMIRE) competitive examination was also held on the occasion. A total of 31,000 students participated in the competition and 48 students were felicitated for their outstanding performances. Shubra Roy conducted the proceedings of the prize distribution ceremony. The programme was conducted by Geetanjali Shirbawikar, who also proposed a vote of thanks.