On September 5, as India honours its teachers, we also honour their remarkable ability to evolve with the times
The story of Teachers’ Day in India begins with a significant act of humility. When Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, philosopher, statesman, and the nation’s second President, was asked about celebrating his birthday on September 5, he proposed that the day be dedicated instead to honouring teachers.
It served as a reminder that education is not merely a profession but a calling—a thread that links generations and builds nations. Decades later, as classrooms transition from chalkboards to smart boards, the spirit of that gesture endures: teachers remain the guardians of change.
For many of us, the first smell of a classroom was not of technology but of chalk dust. Blackboards framed our earliest lessons, and a teacher’s handwriting became the rhythm of knowledge itself. In these traditional classrooms, authority rested not on gadgets but on presence, patience, and the gentle insistence that discipline and curiosity must walk hand in hand.
Chalkboards may seem old-fashioned today, yet they symbolised an intimacy between teacher and student—a form of learning that was personal, immediate, and rooted in human connection.
The pandemic accelerated a revolution already underway: the rise of digital boards, tablets, and hybrid classrooms. Suddenly, teachers became not just educators but also navigators of technology, learning to manage video calls, online assessments, and virtual whiteboards.
Smart boards now facilitate dynamic visuals, real-time feedback, and collaborative learning across distances. For a generation of students raised on screens, this adaptation is essential; however, it demanded exceptional resilience from teachers who had to master unfamiliar tools while maintaining the continuity of education.
The shift has required more than just technical training. Teachers nowadays balance the art of storytelling with the science of data analysis. Digital platforms enable them to personalise lessons, monitor student progress, and adjust teaching styles to suit different learning speeds.
This blend of empathy and efficiency redefines the role of the teacher—not as the sole source of knowledge but as a guide who curates, mentors, and inspires in a world overflowing with information.
One of the quiet victories of digital transformation is inclusivity. Virtual classrooms allow a child in a remote village to attend the same lesson as one in a metropolitan school. Assistive technologies help students with disabilities learn more effectively.
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Teachers, once limited by geography and resources, now have tools that can bridge gaps and democratise education. However, this inclusivity relies on teachers’ ability to adapt—showing again that human will, not technology, is the real driver of change.
Despite ongoing advances in technology, the core of teaching remains timeless. A smart board might display equations clearly, but it cannot replace the empathy of a teacher who notices a struggling child.
Algorithms may personalise study plans, but they cannot provide the encouragement of a human voice that says, “You can do it.” Technology broadens the scope of education, but the creative touch still belongs to teachers.
As India observes Teachers’ Day in 2025, the shift from chalkboards to digital screens mirrors not only the development of education but also the adaptability of those who guide it. Teachers have consistently demonstrated that, regardless of how the world evolves—whether through pandemics, digital revolutions, or shifting cultural tides—they remain the cornerstone of learning.
