Value the Values

Mar 1, 2022

'Love what you do and feel that it matters. How could anything be of more fun?' - Katherine Graham.                                                           

Teaching primarily is demonstrating 'values' and delivering them uncompromisingly. It, therefore, calls for five Cs namely Character, Commitment, Conviction, Courtesy and Courage. The amalgam of these in a teacher makes him/her distinctly different from the mass. The value someone is committed to 'walks'  before the person at all times and places.  Mahatma Gandhi, the 'Father of the Nation', practiced Truth and Non-violence, among many, and could carve the entire freedom struggle around these two Core Values. Every quote Gandhiji wrote in his writings speak volumes for what he stood for. His 'experiments' with 'truth'  have become universal ethos and of immortal values. They will stand out as pillars of strength and monuments of values for all time to come.

Bapuji will continue to influence the teaching fraternity of the Nation for reasons more than one.   Are we ready to practice in our own way and to the extent possible the Gandhian philosophy in our teaching career? In the first place, make it a point to read and internalize the masterpiece, 'My experiments with truth' by Mahatma himself. If someone did not do, it is high time he did it now. When someone asked for one message to follow, Gandhiji said, ' My life is my message'. Enshrine this line in your mind and that itself should be the end (purpose) of all your endeavours.

As teachers, you have the god-sent opportunity to be with young minds. Share as any quotes, anecdotes and instances on value practices as possible, and more importantly practice them yourself.  Just to give one example, there was a great film actor who was an advocate of social justice. Do you know how he lived up to that? In his whole acting career, he chose lead roles around the themes of social justice! Do you think he only 'acted'? No, in the process and in pursuit of that value, he played a stellar role of a reformer. As teachers, can we not play such roles day in day out in small and small measure? If you say yes, that is it, do it and that is the only way to become the 'change agent'.  Nitte International School, a leading CBSE School in North Bangalore is committed to life values and help teachers convert them into life skills.

By- Dr. N J Shetty, Ph.D., M.Com, MBA, MA(Psy), PG. DHRM, PG. DMM, LL. B, CAIIB, D. TD, Pragya, Professor, NSOM, Certified NLP Practitioner, Certified Life Coach, Certified OD Coach.