Knowledge, Values and Equality Can Build an Empowered Society: Speakers Share Their Views at Teachers’ Day Celebration at BBAU

Lucknow: Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, organised a programme on the occasion of Teachers’ Day on September 5, under the aegis of the Standing Organising Committee. The programme was chaired by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal. Renowned Indian writer and Padma Shri awardee Vidya Bindu Singh Ji graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while renowned Ayurvedic surgeon and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Keval Krishna Thakral was present as the Guest of Honour. Apart from this, Dean of Academic Affairs Prof. S. Victor Babu and Chairman of the Standing Organising Committee Prof. K.L. Mahawar were also present on the dais. The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by floral tributes to the portrait of Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Thereafter, the guests and faculty members were welcomed and felicitated with tokens of appreciation by the Organising Committee. At the beginning, Dean of Academic Affairs Prof. S. Victor Babu welcomed all the dignitaries and participants and briefed them about the objective and outline of the programme. The programme was moderated by Prof. Sufia Ahmed.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Raj Kumar Mittal, while remembering the great educationist, philosopher and former President of India Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on Teachers’ Day, said that he was an important torchbearer of the Indian knowledge tradition. His entire life was dedicated to education, philosophy and human values, and various aspects of his life continue to inspire teachers and students even today. He said that the responsibility of a teacher is not limited to completing the syllabus or imparting subject-specific knowledge; rather, teachers must continuously engage in dialogue with students, connect with them and identify their potential to motivate them to move forward. Teachers play a significant role in developing confidence, sensitivity, responsibility and a sense of commitment towards society and the nation among students. The Vice Chancellor further stated that education is fundamentally a two-way process of dialogue, which should not remain confined to classrooms and textbooks but must be connected with practical life. He emphasised that the objective of an educational institution should not merely be to award degrees to students; rather, the development of their overall and empowered personality should be its primary focus. He called upon teachers to encourage students to question, think, learn and innovate so that they can confidently utilise their knowledge and talent for the development of society and the nation. He added that a teacher’s positive influence on a student can have a lasting impact on their personality and future, and this, he said, is the true achievement of a teacher.
Chief Guest renowned Indian writer and Padma Shri awardee Vidya Bindu Singh, in her address, said that the life and character of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan exemplify what an ideal teacher should be. He dedicated his life to the dissemination of knowledge, education and Indian philosophy. She said that when a person dedicated to imparting knowledge goes on to adorn the highest constitutional office of the country, the office of the President, it reflects the dignity and stature of education and the teaching profession. She stated that a teacher does not merely impart academic knowledge but also provides direction to the personality, thoughts and life of students. Under the guidance of teachers, students are able to recognise their potential and become capable of contributing to the development of society and the nation. Highlighting the importance of teachers, she recalled the famous couplet by Sant Kabir: “Sab dharti kagad karun, lekhani sab banray; Saat samund ki masi karun, guru gun likha na jay.” She said that the contribution and benevolence of a teacher cannot be adequately described in words. In the same context, she also quoted another couplet by Kabir: “Kabira te nar andh hain, guru ko kahte aur; Hari ruthe guru thaur hai, guru ruthe nahi thaur.” and highlighted the supreme place of the Guru in one’s life. She said that the first teacher in our lives is our mother, who imparts values and basic life lessons, while the father also plays the role of an important teacher and guide. She emphasised that respect for teachers should not be limited to a single day; rather, imbibing the knowledge, values and life lessons imparted by them into one’s conduct is the true way of honouring them.
Guest of Honour, renowned Ayurvedic surgeon and Padma Shri awardee Dr. Keval Krishna Thakral, while remembering Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, said that his life was dedicated to the values of Indian culture, philosophy and education. He said that a teacher is not merely a provider of knowledge but a guide who gives direction to society and the nation. Referring to Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, he said that it was a matter of pride that the Teachers’ Day programme was being organised on the campus of a university named after Babasaheb, which carries forward his thoughts and ideals. Babasaheb showed us the path of equality, education and social justice. If we adopt his ideals in our lives and move forward with a spirit of mutual respect, equality and cooperation, India will continue to progress and develop. He said that teachers have the responsibility to develop not only knowledge and skills among students but also human values, sensitivity, discipline and a sense of mutual respect, as these values form the foundation of a strong society and a developed nation.

Dean of Academic Affairs Prof. S. Victor Babu, while sharing his views, said that the role of a teacher is not merely to provide students with textbook knowledge, but also to identify the talent and potential hidden within them and motivate them to explore opportunities and move forward. Prof. Babu stated that teachers play a significant role in shaping the personality of students in the classroom and in providing the right direction to their knowledge, skills, confidence and thinking. He further said that teachers have an extremely important role in nation-building through the creation of empowered and responsible citizens.
On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, retired faculty members of the University, University advisors, faculty members recognised among the World’s Top 2% Scientists/Researchers, and other teachers were felicitated with awards and certificates of appreciation for their outstanding contribution, exemplary work and dedicated services in the field of education. Faculty members also shared their teaching experiences, professional experiences and memorable experiences of their interactions with students. During the experience-sharing session, teachers expressed their views on the changing nature of education, the holistic development of students and the importance of teacher-student relationships. In addition, the book ‘Botanical Microbiomes – Sustainable Practices in Agriculture and Ecosystem Management’, jointly authored by Dr. S. Jaishankar of the University and Dr. Ashwini Kumar and Dr. Shobhit Raj from another institution, was released on the occasion.
At the end of the programme, the Organising Committee presented mementoes to the guests as a token of gratitude. Prof. K.L. Mahawar delivered the vote of thanks. Deans of various faculties, Heads of Departments, faculty members and non-teaching staff were present during the programme.

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