Schools can be fun if only...

How often have we seen children imitate their teachers? Such is the fascination kids have for their teachers. But why when there is a holiday at sight, children's joys know no bounds? And why are daily trips to school such a painful ordeal for children? Education - considered to be the backbone of an individual - doesn't seem to go well with kids? Doesn't it seem like an irony - childrendreading something which is supposedly so important in their lives?

I have personally seen this trend among many kids - they exhibit such briskness and grasping power in their infanthood but seem so drained and dull during school days. I am sure many of you would have seen this amongst children within your own circles. I am not sure if I should blame the education system but I definitely think teachers play a big role.

How often teachers rebuke students based on their physical appearance. "You look as big as my uncle but cannot do this simple sum". Such remarks create a deep impact in the minds of little kids and though some come over it in due course, for many, unfortunately, the wound tends to stick on and they never overcome it.

Corporal punishment is another case. Good that now people are slowly realising the ill effects of corporal punishment and many schools have advised teachers to refrain from punishing the child physically. I still have the images of such brutal punishment in my mind - beating with scale on knuckles, kneeling down for hours, smashing the hand on the edge of desk, caning, slaps, pinching by the ear - oof.. if reading this might make you sick, imagine the plight ofstudents.

Segregation of dull/bright students is another common feature in schools. Though the attitude seems to be genuine, the methodology is definitely bound to create mental agony. Infact many schools these day use the term "slow learners" in place of "dull students".

There are again teachers, whom the students look upon for advice, inspiration, as a role model, idol. Infact if one was asked to name 10 of their inspirational personalities in life, a teacher would definitely be one among them.

So it is a no 'name-sake' statement when people say that teachers shape an individual's character. A teacher can be a student's best friend or worst enemy.

This is a humble request to all teachers - do not think your job as menial. The pay may be but definitely not your job. Remember - all that it takes to mould those little ones is your love and care!