Teacher’s role in National reconstruction

Prof Milind S Marathe
Before we start discussing the role of any teacher in National Reconstruction let us describe the basic concepts of “National Reconstruction”. It clearly means that we do not want all-together new- making of this country throwing out all old, ancient things as use-less, rotten and orthodox but there are many good things in our age old civilization and culture for which we should be proud of and will not feel ashamed to practice it. On the other hand we do not believe that everything which is “Old” is “Gold”. Wrong things, wrong rituals, outdated processes and believes should be thrown off mercilessly.
We who believes in this concept of National Reconstruction are having firm conviction that our millennia-old cultural heritage and civilization continue to be our source of inspiration for all our endeavors and any plan for National Reconstruction is to be based on the principles and practice of “Dharma” which is the soul and strength of our age-old civilization. Dharma is the below mentioned 10 virtues to be followed by everyone in this world at any time.
Bharatiya philosophy with its unique definition of the relationship of the individual, the society, nature, creation and the creator and its distinct concept of human happiness provides the basis for meeting the multi-pronged challenges facing the world community today.
Reaffirming our unflinching faith that unity and integrity of Bharat are sacred and non-negotiable. Bharat is our mother and we all are sons and daughters of the “Bharat Mata” The moment we add “Mother” before nation then it becomes sacred (Pavitra). Land can be leased, rented and sold-out but “Mother Land” is our “mata” and every inch of it is sacred and sons and daughters of the mother can die to protect her. 
The goal of National Reconstruction should be our life mission and can be attained only by effective participation of the each and every section of the society namely students, youth and the people.
There is one pre-condition for National Reconstruction which is nothing but the social transformation and that is awakening the spirit of National Consciousness and self-respect among the people who are none other than sons and daughters of the Bharat Mata.
Ignited young minds are required for this huge task of National Reconstruction and here is the role of Teacher.
Role 1:- Strengthening national identity amongst the minds of students.
Convincing the students intellectually and at the experiential level that there is an underlying unity in the apparent diversity. Understanding Bharat in its right spirit is very important. Bharat being the most ancient nation of the world, with its vision and wisdom, has to complete her destined global mission of “Vishva Kalyan”, which will ensure everlasting happiness of human life. There may be visual differences in languages, eating habits, costumes and colour of the skin. People may be rich or poor, urban or rural, literate or illiterate, male or female but in spite of these differences there exist unity. To be more precise there is a unity which manifests itself in various different forms. But we all are Bharatiya. No one here is “Bengali” or “Marathi”  he or she can be “Bengali language Speaking” or “ Marathi language speaking” but all are Bharatiya.  We all are with one person- one vote- one value-one constitution. We are one people, one culture and one nation. Our words and deeds should never be such that they will de-stabilize the foundation of our nationhood.
Role 2:-  Developing strong sense of Social Equality and Fraternity among the students.
Eradicating social evils like casteism, untouchability, dowry and establishing social equality, social justice, social harmony and respect to each other. Ensuring gender equality and respectable status to women. Ensure self-respect and mutual respect to all marginalized sections of the society like tribals, SCs, STs, women and economically poorest among the poor sections and enabling them to play their complimentary role as an equal participants in all walks of life without any kind of hindrances and harassment. Teacher should play a vital role in developing “Sarvasparshi and Sarvavyapi” attitude and orientation of students.
Role 3:- Catalytic and very active member of educational change or reforms
Making continuous efforts in all possible ways for educational change for providing affordable and quality education for all.  Educational reforms – in policy, programs, administration, curriculum on the basis of Bharatiya philosophy, values, morals, vision and Bharatiya ethos. Restoring campuses and universities as centers of intellectual, social leadership with healthy campus culture and vibrant campus life.
Role 4:- Respecting and inculcating Democratic values and promoting Systemic Reforms
Keeping unflinching faith on Constitution of India and democratic norms and values, more meaningful reforms should be initiated in various systems at discussion and implementation level. Efforts for systemic changes and reforms in various systems of public life like Administration reforms, Police reforms, Judiciary reforms and election reforms. 
Role 5 :- Developing awareness and actions for sustainable development 
Checking spread of consumerist culture leading to threat to ecological balance and evolving a sustainable model of development with protection of environment, natural resources and pursuing, promoting and practicing concept of “Swadeshi” in our economic and cultural spheres so as to ensure progress of each individual. This will be befitting answer to the problems of poverty, starvation, unemployment and exploitation.
To be contd