When Teachers Lose Respect, Nations Lose Future

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

By Mohammad Ayaz Raina

PIRPUNJAL OCTOBER 27 2025:

Lecturer National & State Awardee

Think back for a moment. Who first taught you how to hold a pencil? Who patiently helped you shape letters into words, and words into sentences? It was a teacher. Teachers have always been regarded as the torchbearers of knowledge and the shapers of human destiny. In earlier times, the position of a teacher was regarded as second only to that of a parent. Whenever a teacher or guru entered any gathering or office, people would stand in respect, offer them a seat, and welcome them with honour. Such gestures were not mere formalities, but reflections of a society that recognized the pivotal role teachers play in building character, imparting wisdom, and guiding the future generations. These were not empty gestures; they showed how deeply society valued its educators but today such respect feels like a fading memory, surviving only in speeches and textbooks.

Yet, sadly, the very people who lit the lamp of knowledge in our lives are today often disrespected, ignored, or even ridiculed or treated with indifference. This decline in respect is not just sad; it is dangerous for the future of a nation. In the past, society understood that teachers were not just professionals; they were guides who shaped minds and built character. A teacher’s presence carried dignity, and their words carried weight. Now, however, many teachers face daily struggles: misbehaviour from students, blame from parents, and neglect from society.

“When a teacher loses dignity, the classroom loses its soul.”
Teachers do much more than teach facts. They spark curiosity, build discipline, and teach values. It was a teacher who showed us how to write our first word and solve our first problem. To insult or ignore such a figure is to weaken the foundation of our society.

“Armies defend borders. Teachers defend civilizations.”
History tells us that when teachers are respected, nations prosper. Armies may guard the land, but teachers guard the future. Disrespect them, and society sinks into ignorance and disorder. Across religions and cultures, teachers have always been honoured.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of knowledge, saying, “The best among you are those who learn and teach.” Islamic tradition places immense respect on teachers, considering them guides who lead others from ignorance to wisdom.
In Hinduism, the guru is revered as next to God. The saying “Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwara” highlights the teacher as the embodiment of the divine trinity. The guru was considered indispensable for attaining true knowledge and enlightenment. In Christianity, Jesus was called “Rabbi,” meaning teacher, and the Bible praises teachers as guides to truth. In Buddhism, the Buddha is remembered as the “Great Teacher” who showed humanity the path of wisdom.
“When teachers fall from grace, students forget how to rise.”
The status of teachers has also shaped the destiny of nations.
After World War II Japan rebuilt its nation by placing great trust in its teachers. The teaching profession became one of the most respected in society, and even today, students bow to their teachers as a gesture of profound respect. This enduring culture of honour and regard for education played a key role in Japan’s rise as one of the world’s most advanced nations.
Known for the best education system, Finland treats teachers with great dignity. Becoming a teacher there is as prestigious as becoming a doctor or lawyer. The respect given to teachers reflects in the success of their students.
In China, Teachers are called “Engineers of the human soul.” Every year on Teachers’ Day, students and leaders alike celebrate them. This cultural respect is one of the reasons China made rapid progress in education and development.
Ancient India honoured Gurus above kings. Students lived in Gurukuls and served their teachers with devotion. That respect built scholars, saints, and leaders who shaped civilization. Sadly, this deep respect has faded today.
On the other hand, nations that ignored their teachers fell into ignorance, poverty, and moral decline. History proves that without teachers, no army, economy, or technology can save a nation. Respecting teachers is not a mere slogan; it is a matter of survival.
To truly appreciate the essence of a teacher, reflect upon these lines:

From whose heart flows the scent of truth,
Even stones may soften in their youth.
A teacher moulds both mind and soul,
And barren hearts they make whole.

They fall like rain on lands long dry,
And barren gardens bloom beneath their sky.
Through their guidance, knowledge grows,
And brighter shines the world they chose.

A teacher may not be a king, but he is the one who creates kings. The student who bows in respect before a teacher ultimately rises to walk with dignity and confidence in the world. Therefore, it is our duty to value and honour our teachers throughout our lives. A teacher is the lifeblood of society, the force that nurtures and shapes a nation. It is upon the shoulders of the generation prepared by teachers that the future of a country rests.

This truth has been beautifully expressed by the great saint Kabir in his famous couplet:
“Guru Gobind Dou Khade, Kake Lagu Paye,
Balihari Guru Aapne, Jin Gobind Diyo Bataye.”
(If both God and Guru stand before me, I first bow to the Guru, because it was he who showed me the way to God.)

“To honour a teacher is to honour the light that shows us truth.”
Respecting teachers is not just about celebrating Teacher’s Day once a year. It means giving them dignity in daily life, supporting their efforts, ensuring fair treatment, and valuing their role.
A teacher may not carry weapons, but he prepares the minds that will defend the nation. He may not rule a kingdom, but he nurtures the values that hold kingdoms together.
“The hands that hold the chalk today are the hands that shape tomorrow’s destiny.”
If we continue to ignore and humiliate teachers, our future will be filled with ignorance. But if we restore their dignity and respect, we will secure a brighter future for generations to come.

As the proverb goes: “If you plan for a year, plant rice. If you plan for a decade, plant trees. But if you plan for a lifetime, educate people.”
The choice is yours: Respect the teachers today, or prepare to lose nations tomorrow.