Saturday 7 September 2024

TEACHER'S DAY IS NOT CELEBRATED IN JAPAN.

 In Japan , there is no Teacher's Day .

 One day, I asked my Japanese colleague , teacher Yamamota : 

- How do you celebrate Teacher's Day in Japan? 

Surprised by my question , he replied : 

- We don't have Teacher's Day .

When I heard his reply , I wasn't sure whether I should believe him or not. A thought passed through my mind : " Why a country , which is so advanced in economy, sciences and technology, is so disrespectful towards teachers and their work ? "

***

Once, after work , Yamamota invited me to his home . We took the metro since it was far away . It was the evening peak hour, and the wagons in the metro train were overcrowded . I managed to find a space to stand , holding tightly the overhead railing . Suddenly, the elderly man who was seated beside me offered me his seat. Not understanding this respectful behaviour of that elderly man , I declined but he was persistent and I was forced to sit . Once we were out of the metro , I asked Yamamota to explain what exactly the whitebeard did . Yamamota smiled and pointed towards the tag of teacher I was wearing and said :

- This old man after seeing the tag of a teacher on you & as a sign of respect towards your status , offered you his seat . 

 Since I was visiting Yamamota for the first time , I felt uncomfortable going there with empty hands. So thought of buying a gift. I shared my thoughts with Yamamota. He supported the idea and said that little further, there is a shop for teachers, where one can purchase goods at reduced prices. Once again , I couldn't hold my emotions :

- Privileges are offered only to teachers ? I asked .

Confirming my words, Yamamota said :

- In Japan, teaching is the most respected profession and the teacher is the most respected person. The Japanese entrepreneurs are very happy when teachers come to their shops, they consider it an honour . 

***

During my stay in Japan, I've observed multiple times the utmost respect of the Japanese towards teachers. They have special seats allocated for them in metro , there are special shops for them , teachers there don't line up in queue for tickets for whatever type of transport... That's why the Japanese teachers don't need a special day , ( as every day in their life is a celebration. ) 

 Spread this story to everyone. Let the society grow to appreciate the teachers to this level . Re-tell this story to your colleagues so that their chests swell with pride .

My teacher, I bow down.

❤️❤️❤️

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