My grandfather was a teacher – he taught in schools of rural and small town Haryana and Punjab. My father did not let me miss a single day of school except on medical grounds. When it came to education, there would be no negotiation. Nor when it came to the position of teachers in my life.

Teacher’s Day falls in September, an occasion for society to reflect on the values we are imbibing in our young. Mental health issues, falling standards in the classroom, ineptitude at the workplace, and general irreverence are just some of the traits we are increasingly identifying the youth with. But who is to blame?

The biggest influencers shaping those at an impressionable age are their parents and teachers. Each have a role to play, and they did so within their clearly defined boundaries when we were growing up. The teachers never came home, and the parents never went to school (except to collect report cards). And then one day, the parents were given the permission to infiltrate the domain of teachers.

It seems teachers are answerable to parents now – in teaching, in assessments, in discipling children. Leading to loss of the former’s authority, undermining of their efforts, and a sense of disrespect in general. Parents seem to be teaching teachers how to go about their job; who would not find such an atmosphere demoralizing? How will teachers give their best? How will the profession attract the best?

It is time the authorities, the school managements, media, any self-appointed watchdogs and parents restored the dignity of teachers. So they can focus on delivering education of the highest standards. Schools have gates, and technology has firewalls – parents should stay on the other side. For the sake of their own children.

It’s the new year – I will not make (brittle) resolutions but shall strive for the following:

EVOLVE: Through deep reading, and exposing myself to art, culture and literature in a planned manner.

WRITE: More books, and meaningful content on digital and traditional media platforms.

GIVE BACK: By encouraging others to lead enriched and creative lives. And share any knowledge, experiences and tips that may be relevant for those aspiring to achieve such goals.

GET BORED: By simplifying life, somewhat if not totally like in times past. Minimise usage of digital devices, so I am not hyper-connected and seemingly always-at-work. Wondrous ideas emerge in a state of boredom only.

MINIMIZE: Purchase and ownership of material goods. The exercise started in 2025 – will clear more spaces around me, not filling them with fresh shopping.

PERSONAL WELLNESS: I felt jolted on October 14, 2025 to be precise – since then I am watching what I eat and drink, and exercise when the polluted air of Delhi allows. Also sorting things in the head and heart for overall well-being.

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‘Spare the rod and spoil the child’ was a commonly used proverb when corporal punishment was an acceptable practice. I got my share too from canes and rulers in school. It never occurred to parents and children to make it an issue with any authorities.

Of course, things have changed now, and no teacher dare touch a child. But an alternate proverb should be on everyone’s lips now: ‘Give the smartphone and spoil the child’. There is ample evidence on the ill-effects of excessive exposure to technology amongst the young, and yet we do not accept. Western countries have initiated pilots banning smartphones in schools. Just some symptoms we see amongst children around us:

• Reduced cognitive skills.

• Inability to concentrate.

• Irritability and stress.

• Wider mental health issues.- Awkward social skills.

• Relationship issues.

• Poor performance in the classroom.

• Lack of creativity, imagination and originality.

• Exposure to pornography and other toxic images online.

• Inferiority complex when they lag behind peers, further demeaning their self-confidence and self-esteem.

• Unreasonably demanding behaviour and sense of entitlement making them not-so-likeable humans to be with later in life.

• Each of the above feeding these and other symptoms, sending our children down the spiral.

THEY ARE OUR CHILDREN, FOR GOD’S SAKE. WHAT ARE WE DOING TO THEM? Why aren’t we instilling the right values and practices in them? Why aren’t we exposing them to books, nature, art, music and everything wonderful in this world? Even if we are, why aren’t we keeping tech away from them? Why don’t we explain to them that it is ok not to have a smartphone even if all their classmates have?

WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CHILD? YOU HAPPENED. Hope you never have this question. Many a doting parent have to unfortunately. Children don’t necessarily know what is good for them and what it not. They will demand. Giving in is a form of substance abuse of its own kind. Is this how we are readying our children for the life ahead?

LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Look within, and at your own digital habits. Just because you seem in control as ‘adults’ does not mean you too are not suffering yourself. If you have your phones with you all the time, why wouldn’t children expect the same for themselves?

It is time we reclaim our lives. For our sake first. And then for the sake of those we love and cherish.

Try doing this daily – or six days a week:

• 30 Minutes: Brisk walk (Crack of dawn recommended)

• 15 Minutes: Stretching, including light weights (Buy a pair of dumbbells)

• 30 Minutes: Read (Long form, available in the form of a book printed on paper)

• 10 Minutes: Observe nature with all your five senses (be mindful of what you touch or taste though)

• 15 Minutes: Get bored. Think anything. Do more of the above. Express gratitude for being in a position to do this.

• 20 Minutes: Freewriting (In a journal. Pen down anything: reflections, stories, things that happened, memories, problems at work, relationship issues, happy stuff, annoying stuff. Don’t allow a lag between your mind and your hand, and don’t worry about grammar, spellings, structure and content.)

That’s two hours a day out of twenty four. With a weekly off. If you can make a habit of it, transformation (for the better) is guaranteed (or your money back!). It will not matter what you do with the remaining time as long as you check these boxes - with your senses at full alert. If you have to drag your way through it because of lack of energy or interest, then it will not count.

To add to this, make travel plans (which includes exploring your own city). Stay away from toxicity. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Don’t indulge in inanity. Spend time with people who don’t suck your energy.

THERE ARE REASONS WHY IT IS A POTENT FORMULA
For one, none of it is work. It’s about being in a relationship with yourself and love can be elevating (even if it’s demanding).

Your body feels better with the exercise. As long as you don’t negate the gains through gluttony and unhealthy habits. After the first few days of pain, you will be surprised at your body wanting to get moving even if your mind is dead set against it.

I can go on and on about the benefits and joys of reading. Go on Google or Perplexity for loads of articles testifying to this if my word is not credible enough for you.

Concrete and glass are supposed signs of progress, but nature gives us a sense of belonging; humans are an integral part of it. As a regular observer, you will be heartbroken with its degradation – that’s when you will move away from your consumerist and polluting lifestyle. Enough people do this, and we will have a solution to the environmental catastrophe playing out even as you read this.

Writing collects your thoughts in one place, and gives you access to the deepest recesses of your mind. It prompts clarity into the what, why and how of your personal and occupational lives. Considering how fogged up our brains are, such lucidity is vital for decision-making.

We all need to just look at the wall sometimes, or pace around the room with our thoughts. In a randomised state. That’s when the pieces re-align kaleidoscopically.

HERE’S A SECRET….
You will not be able to cope up with this ‘routine’ initially but stay focused long enough and you will enter a state of bliss. Cross this stage, and the magic show will truly start after that. You will want more of it. One hundred and twenty minutes will not satisfy you. You will want to exercise more, read more, write more, enjoy the simple pleasures of life more. Where will you make time for it? By staying away from unnecessary tech and wasteful activities. You will be surprised how much of your time was being taken up by stuff that barely matters.

DO IT BECAUSE YOU CAN…
Before I end, I will give you one more reason to adopt this approach: Because you can. There are hundreds of millions, or even billions, who don’t have the means, the luxury, the conditions or even the literacy to do some or any of this. But YOU do. So make the most of your privilege. And then help others.