Of all the expressions of gratitude, perhaps the crowning reward for a teacher is an unsolicited “Thank You” that springs from the heart. It is with this spirit and feeling that on Teachers' Day, felicitations are showered on hundreds of individuals who have been teachers to so many and richly deserve the appreciation. A teacher is a teacher for life, eternally influencing us. In the words of Myrna Beth Lambert:
With your guiding hand and understanding smile you gave much more than we expected. That was your way, your undeniable style. What greater tribute can we pay a teacher? To what greater heights can he ascend? Than to have his students praise his work And to say, ‘He is my friend’.
Every year, since 1962, the 5th of September is celebrated as 'Teachers' Day' to mark the birthday of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India's second President, a profound thinker and philosopher par excellence. On this special day, students and elders alike recall, with grateful reverence and deep appreciation, the enormous contribution of teachers in shaping our lives and revisit their inspiring teachings, which help many of us steer our careers till today
In India, while we live in an era of medical science that offers the real prospect of world-class healthcare, nevertheless there are gaps in medical and nursing education, healthcare provider training and infrastructure for effective pedagogy. Inadequacies also exist in absorbing advances in research methodology, patient engagement and technology. Notwithstanding the same, the immense contribution of our teachers in building a congenial and meaningful learning environment is worthy of recognition and praise.