MyVoice: Views of our readers 05th September 2026

Quality teaching taking a beating

As we celebrate yet another Teacher’s Day on Saturday, I go back in time to relive my teaching experiences during my 25-years as an educator. I have seen how the profession has changed over the last many years. These days, teachers are undergoing a lot of physical, mental and emotional stress. During my heyday, we never had any technology to support us. Teaching was pure joy in the good old days. Real learning took place in classrooms. Teachers were held in high esteem and commanded respect and reverence.

To help students fare better, some teachers took extra classes after school hours to clarify doubts of students. Sadly, that passion is missing these days wherein education has become a commercial proposition particularly after the arrival of coaching centres and corporate institutes. An offshoot is that teachers are caught in a rat race whereby they must complete the syllabus on time and conduct tests and exams to assess the performance of students. The burden on teachers is enormous-heavy workloads; no proportionate financial compensation; entrusted with the responsibility to design creative projects for students, while NEP 2020 has introduced Competency Based Questions in Board exams even though teachers are not trained enough to teach them.

Caught in a ‘perform or perish’ dilemma, teachers are constantly upgrading themselves vis-à-vis technology, AI tools and audiovisual aids. The ranks and marks-oriented approach have robbed teachers of the pure joy of teaching, which was epitomised by Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan in whose honour we celebrate Teacher’s Day on September 5 marking his birth anniversary.

Parimala G Tadas, Hyderabad-50

Measure growth by people’s progress, not GDP

This refers to “Debate over GDP growth should not be mere statistical dispute” (Sept 4). Growth of the country is often equated with GDP-an economic index. But this single metric has become contentious and politically charged affecting the prestige and reliability of our country. A more transparent and holistic approach would help track alternate indices that reflect socioeconomic improvements.

Growth in per capita income shows whether prosperity is shared across citizens. The percentage reduction in poverty and hunger highlights social progress. Completion of major development projects signals tangible infrastructure gains. Equally important are employment generation, literacy and education levels, healthcare access improvements, and environmental sustainability measures, which capture social well being.

Dr O Prasada Rao, Hyderabad

Employment generation is the best index

With reference to “Debate over GDP growth should not be mere statistical dispute,” (THI, September 4), the discussion should also focus on whether economic expansion is producing adequate employment. A growing economy must create opportunities for the large number of young people entering the labour market each year.

The quality of jobs is equally important. Better vocational training, support for small businesses and investment in labour-intensive industries can make growth more employment oriented. GDP remains an important indicator, but it should not overshadow the human side of economic progress. Growth becomes meaningful when people can find productive work and secure a reasonable livelihood.

M Barathi, Bengaluru-560076

Invest in better statistics

Your editorial, “Debate over GDP growth should not be mere statistical dispute,” serves as a reminder that sound policymaking depends on reliable data. Governments cannot effectively address unemployment, inequality or regional disparities without timely and accurate information. India should strengthen its statistical system through modern surveys, improved data collection and adequate institutional support.

Employment and consumption figures should be released regularly and transparently. Researchers should also have reasonable access to anonymised data for independent analysis. Disagreement among economists is natural, but it should be based on evidence that can be examined. Investment in better statistics is ultimately an investment in better governance.

Pon Arun Kumar, Tirupur-641601

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The Hans India