Liba Hopeson

If you are someone who dreams of a government job and shows great respect for government employees, but at the same time refuses to send your children to government schools, you need to pause and reflect. Something is not right with this picture. The irony is that in our society, most people chase after government jobs and admire government officers, yet we fail to give true honor to those who actually shape the future—our teachers.

Recently, we organized a program for students where more than 100 young people participated. During the session, we asked them to share their aim in life. To my surprise, not even one student said they wanted to become a teacher. I asked myself: Why? We often say “teaching is a noble profession,” but do we really believe it? The truth is, we don’t. We say it with our lips, but in practice, we show very little regard for teachers.

In fact, many private school teachers are not even comfortable telling others about their profession. Some avoid talking about their salaries because they feel embarrassed. And who can blame them? The reality is that most teachers do not choose the profession out of passion but often end up there because of limited options. Two big reasons stand out: first, society does not give teachers the respect they deserve, and second, they are often underpaid.

Think about it. A daily laborer earns around Rs.500 or more in a day. A barber can earn Rs.1,000 in a single day. Skilled workers like masons, carpenters, painters, plumbers, and electricians earn handsomely for their skill. A mechanic may charge Rs.3,000 for repairing something that costs only Rs.70. Meanwhile, many teachers earn less than Rs.400 a day—some even less than Rs.300. Doctors, lawyers, and business owners may earn more in a single day than what a teacher earns in an entire month.

Now here is something to reflect upon: our leaders and representatives often raise their voices for the rise in prices of commodities. They fight for the increment of daily wages in many other professions. But when was the last time we heard them seriously discuss the poor condition of teachers’ pay? Very rarely, if at all. The silence is telling, and it reveals where our priorities truly lie.

This is not to say others earn “too much.” Every profession deserves respect and fair earnings. But when teachers, who build every other profession, are given the least, it reveals a serious flaw in our values.

Some may argue that dignity is not about money. That’s true. But can a teacher serve wholeheartedly if he or she cannot live a decent life? A teacher who struggles financially will always be looking for a better opportunity. And when that happens, their mind becomes divided, and their dedication suffers. In the end, it is our own children and our society that pay the price.

We complain that our society does not progress, but have we ever thought that it may be because we are unwilling to invest in the right areas? Education is one of those areas. Sadly, we grudge every extra rupee when it comes to schools and teachers, even though we do not hesitate to spend lavishly on weddings, festivals, parties, and luxuries. The truth is, we lose far more by neglecting education than by investing in it.

It is not only school owners who carry the responsibility; parents, communities, and the public as a whole must also take part in promoting the dignity of teachers. Yes, some schools can afford to pay more but do not. If you have the means to pay teachers well but choose not to, it shows that you care less about the students. However, in the case of certain schools with fewer students, I believe the fees collected are simply not enough to provide decent salaries for the teachers. The larger issue is that, as a society, our overall investment in education is far too low.

One of the first aims of school proprietors should be to uphold the dignity of teachers. As a society, we need to create awareness that teaching is not just a fallback option but a career worth pursuing. Teachers must be celebrated and respected openly. Personally, I do not respect a Deputy Commissioner more than a dedicated teacher. In fact, I respect a faithful, selfless teacher far more than an official who does not truly serve the people.

Every day should be a Teachers’ Day. When you meet a teacher, especially a private school teacher, thank them sincerely for their selfless work. Show appreciation for the countless hours they spend shaping young minds, often with little recognition. Only when we start lifting them up will our children begin to dream of becoming teachers.

My hope is that one day, the brightest, smartest, and most passionate students will choose teaching—not because they had no other option, but because they love it. Imagine a society where our best minds become teachers and, in turn, raise up scientists, doctors, engineers, thinkers, entrepreneurs, leaders, and reformers. That is how real transformation begins.

Teaching is one of the greatest professions. If you love your children, respect their teachers. If you love your school, respect your teachers. If you want to see a better tomorrow, honor the people who are shaping it today. Respect the teachers, because they are the ones who build every other profession.