President Droupadi Murmu extended greetings and gratitude to teachers on the occasion of Teachers’ Day, acknowledging their role in shaping the knowledge, skills, values and motivation of millions of students.
She said teachers and students who uphold mutual respect remain enduring role models. Teachers, she noted, should treat students like their own children, guide them fairly without bias, and place students’ welfare above all else.
Murmu emphasised that teaching goes beyond completing a syllabus. Through their conduct and example, teachers also help students learn the arts and life skills needed for constructive living, and should act as mentors, well-wishers and friends who guide students’ search for learning.
Highlighting the most fulfilling dimensions of the profession, she called on teachers to nurture independent thinking, curiosity, questioning, discussion and decision-making abilities, while helping students stand tall as unique individuals. Such encouragement, she said, can help build future entrepreneurs, scientists, creative artists and a young generation capable of finding innovative solutions to growing challenges.
She also underlined the trust parents place in teachers when they send children to school, and said a teacher’s approach should not create fear, anxiety or inferiority in children. As India moves toward inclusive development, she urged teachers to raise students who respect cultural heritage, uphold a scientific temper, care for the most marginalised, protect the environment and living beings, and move forward with a “nation first” spirit.
