Not Enough to Simply Recite “Gurubramha gururvishnu gurudevo maheshwarah”: Teachers Deserve Dignity Beyond Words, Says Supreme Court
Not Enough to Simply Recite “Gurubramha gururvishnu gurudevo maheshwarah”: Teachers Deserve Dignity Beyond Words, Says Supreme Court
The apex court criticised Gujarat for paying contractual assistant professors just ₹30,000 a month, stressing that fair treatment of educators is vital to the nation’s intellectual future.
The Supreme Court has strongly remarked that it is not enough to simply recite “gurubramha gururvishnu gurudevo maheshwarah” at public functions without backing it up with real respect for teachers. The court emphasised that the dignity and fair remuneration of educators must reflect the nation’s commitment to knowledge and intellectual growth.
Court’s Observations
A bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi expressed displeasure at the low salaries paid to contractual assistant professors in government engineering colleges in Gujarat. “It is disturbing that assistant professors are getting monthly emoluments of ₹30,000. It is high time that the state takes up the issue and rationalises the pay structure on the basis of functions that they perform,” the bench said in its August 22 judgment.
The court highlighted that academicians, lecturers, and professors form the intellectual backbone of any nation. Their work extends far beyond delivering lessons it includes mentoring, guiding research, nurturing critical thinking, and instilling values that shape society’s progress.
Dignity and Motivation
The bench observed that inadequate compensation and lack of recognition for teachers undermine the value a country places on education. “When educators are not treated with dignity or offered respectable emoluments, it diminishes the value a country places on knowledge and undermines the motivation of those entrusted with building its intellectual capital,” the order stated.
Call for Change
The Supreme Court said ensuring fair remuneration and dignified treatment affirms the importance of educators’ roles and strengthens the nation’s commitment to quality education, innovation, and a brighter future for its youth.
Background
The observations came while the apex court was dealing with appeals arising from two judgments of the Gujarat High Court regarding the pay structure of contractual assistant professors.
