New Delhi: The All-India Ideal Teachers Association (AIITA) organised a reception for newly appointed teachers in Delhi government schools on Sunday at The Scholar School on the theme, “Teachers as Nation Builders: Roles and Responsibilities.” Around 120 participants attended the programme, including 60 newly appointed teachers, who were felicitated with certificates and mementoes.
The event focused on the role of teachers in shaping society, nurturing future generations, and promoting democratic and value-based education. Speakers emphasised that teachers must serve not only as instructors, but also as mentors, guides, and role models.
Presiding over the programme, T. Arif Ali, Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), said the role of teachers has changed significantly in the age of digital technology and instant access to information. In this changing environment, he said, teachers must remain lifelong learners in order to stay relevant and effective.
Drawing on his experience in the media sector, Arif Ali observed that communication systems have undergone a major transformation with the rise of digital technology. He said that just as information is now delivered instantly, teaching too must move beyond simply transmitting facts and instead focus on interpretation, engagement, and critical understanding.
He stressed that classrooms should reflect democratic values where students feel free to think, ask questions, express opinions, and seek answers. He advocated child-centred learning as essential for developing creativity, confidence, and critical thinking, and urged teachers to respond constructively to difficult questions rather than discourage them.
Emphasising moral and ethical development, Arif Ali said teachers should consciously integrate values into every lesson. These, he said, include punctuality, discipline, commitment, social responsibility, hard work, and good conduct.
He concluded by identifying three key responsibilities for teachers: remaining lifelong learners, creating democratic and child-centred classrooms, and ensuring that every lesson imparts values.
Mohd Shariq, Deputy Director of Education, Government of Delhi, attended the programme as chief guest and congratulated the newly selected DGT Urdu teachers. He said that whether teaching was chosen by intention or circumstance, the profession deserved equal dignity and respect.
Addressing young recruits, he noted that with a retirement age of 60, they had the opportunity to serve in classrooms for more than three decades and influence at least two generations of students.
Shariq said long-term success in classrooms would depend as much on emotional intelligence as on intellectual ability. Effective teachers, he said, must understand children emotionally, create supportive classroom environments, and allow students to express themselves freely. He also stressed the need for child-centred rather than teacher-dominated classrooms.
Salimullah Khan, President JIH Delhi, spoke on the need for collective responsibility, social harmony, and constructive engagement in society. He urged participants to reject hatred and division and instead work towards unity, mutual respect, and the common good. He said lasting progress depends on justice, peace, and equal opportunity for all.
Rahmathunnissa A, National Secretary of JIH Women’s Wing, addressed the gathering on the dignity and responsibility of the teaching profession. Congratulating the newly appointed teachers, she described teaching as a noble vocation that shapes generations and contributes to the moral and intellectual development of society.
She acknowledged the pressures teachers face from institutions, parents, students, governments, and families, and appreciated educators for their contribution to building educational institutions.
She said that in today’s competitive environment, hard work must be complemented by smart work. Urging teachers to invest in training, self-development, and professional skills, she cited the example of a woodcutter who succeeded by sharpening his tools, underscoring the importance of continuous learning.
Addressing language teachers in particular, she said their role extends beyond teaching grammar to transmitting culture, philosophy, and values. She urged teachers to become positive role models capable of instilling confidence, character, and hope in students.
Earlier, Dr Khalid Mubashshir, Assistant Professor, Department of Urdu, Jamia Millia Islamia, presented a detailed introduction to AIITA and its objectives.
Among those present were Abdul Qadir, Acting President of AIITA; Dr Khalique Ahmad; Dr Shujauddin; Murshid Ali; and Faizan Shahid.
