No apple for the teacher. . .

 By Fatimah Mazhar

Teaching is one of the noblest professions  and personally it’s one career I would want to pursue if I ever get the chance. It has so much to it, you not only share the knowledge you have but also a teacher can make a huge difference in a student’s life. That change, if positive, can do wonders for him. Therefore, we should and we must respect our teachers because they deserve it after what they give us.

Sadly, the situation of teachers at the University of Karachi is quite depressing.
First of all, the students in their first year at the university come with an attitude that they are now adults who are answerable to none. They take everything for granted, from the security guards to the vice chancellor, nothing stands in their way. Bunking classes, cheating while taking an exam, using cell phones in class etc. are some of the activities that were not a part of our student life before. But after getting into university, these are the "trends" one eventually follows. The reason is simple: there is no fear of any authority that could stop you from bunking lectures or chewing gums in class. Each and every student, long before applying, knows that university professors are not really concerned with students outside class. They are just considered as public speakers who speak what they have been assigned for the semester, and end the lecture without even bidding ‘good day’. It is a state of mutual understanding; neither the students nor the teachers are willing to associate.

This was the mindset of the average student, now let me tell you about the situation of the "special students" we have at KU. (No not those special students) I am referring to the people who come to the university for social and political purposes rather than academic. Yes, I mean the student activists working for different political parties. These are the ones, mostly, who don’t have a shred of respect for the professors. Too busy (and sometimes too holy) to attend a lecture, these beings once in a blue moon, enter class and grab a seat somewhere at the back. And if the teacher dares to ask them about their attendance, they get displeased. To show their displeasure, some leave the class without even answering and some who are too bold (shameless if you ask me) prepare for a cold war with the teacher. In short, the teacher has no right whatsoever to ask these "special students" about their activities and especially about their attendance.

A rather shameful scene is sighted during mid term exams and finals, when teachers ask students to be disciplined for once. Still then, no student bothers to show up on time, discipline is hardly maintained and admit cards are not brought. Teachers also have no control over the seating arrangement. I have seen many blows exchanged between students and professors over this petty issue. As for our "special students", they take and submit the papers at their desirable moments. Teachers prefer to stay away form these characters because they know what conflicts can emerge if they try to have a conversation with them.
Our youth will never prosper if we continue with this disgraceful attitude towards our teachers who could be our mentors if we show them the respect they deserve. Beating up professors over negative marking is not a sign of a civilized society.

Constant Vigilance!