Addressing the complacency of teachers, students, and parents to rebuild a robust and inspiring education system
By Hilal Bukhari
Education is often described as the backbone of a society. It is the force that shapes individuals, builds nations, and directs the future of communities. However, when we examine the state of our education system closely, we find that it suffers from a deeply rooted problem: a widespread, lazy approach from all its stakeholders. Education, in my view, resembles a three-wheeler, with the student, the teacher, and the parent acting as its three wheels. If even one of these wheels fails to perform its role properly, the entire system falters and collapses. Unfortunately, in our present context, all three wheels appear to be losing their strength.
Let us first reflect on the role of teachers, who are often called the architects of society. Teachers are expected not only to deliver lessons but also to inspire, innovate, and awaken curiosity among students. Yet, many of our teachers approach their duties with reluctance. Simple responsibilities, such as maintaining a teacher’s diary, are considered a Herculean task. Some continue to rely on outdated methods of instruction, avoiding modern techniques that promote critical thinking and creativity. Instead of encouraging active participation, project-based learning, or open discussions, they often prefer the easier, monotonous approach of dictation and rote instruction. This reluctance to change makes classrooms dull and uninspiring, leaving students unmotivated to explore beyond the bare minimum. A teacher who resists innovation risks producing passive learners who struggle to cope with the demands of the modern world.
The second wheel, the students, also reflects the same lazy attitude. Education today is increasingly exam-centred, with the majority of students focusing solely on securing good marks rather than on acquiring real knowledge. Even bright students seem confined to short-term goals such as clearing exams or obtaining degrees. The love of learning, the joy of discovery, and the habit of questioning have all but disappeared. Instead, shortcuts like rote memorisation, reading notes without understanding, and relying solely on summaries have become the norm. Sadly, the culture of using libraries, reading extracurricular books, or engaging in healthy academic discussions has almost vanished. Students are not to be blamed entirely, as the system itself rewards marks more than genuine knowledge. Yet, the lack of self-motivation among them further weakens the educational process.
The third wheel of the system is the parents, and here, too, the situation is disappointing. Parents, especially those whose children study in government-run institutions, often appear indifferent to the education of their wards. They seldom inquire about their children’s academic progress, rarely interact with teachers, and do not create a home environment conducive to learning. For many, education is seen as the sole responsibility of schools and teachers, while their role is reduced to mere spectatorship. This lack of parental involvement sends a damaging message to students, who begin to believe that education is not something of high value. In reality, when parents actively participate—by motivating their children, monitoring their studies, and cooperating with teachers—the results are remarkably positive.
The collaboration between teachers, students, and parents is absolutely essential for the success of any education system. These three groups must function as a team, complementing and strengthening one another. A teacher may deliver excellent lessons, but if a student is unmotivated and the parent is unconcerned, the effort is wasted. Similarly, a hardworking student cannot reach his or her full potential without the guidance of an innovative teacher and the encouragement of supportive parents. It is this triangle of cooperation that ensures the smooth functioning of the system. Sadly, in the present scenario, this cooperation is almost missing.
Unless this attitude changes, our education system can hardly see the progress it deserves. We need teachers who are motivated and innovative, students who are curious and hardworking, and parents who are supportive and involved. Only then will education fulfil its true purpose—not just of producing degree holders, but of creating responsible, creative, and capable individuals.
To sum up, the lazy approach of teachers, students, and parents is a serious hurdle to the growth of our education. If we fail to address this, we risk raising a generation unprepared for the challenges of the modern age. But if we revive the lost spirit of sincerity, discipline, and collaboration, our education system can once again become a powerful engine driving both individual success and national progress.
 The writer is a teacher in the J&K’s Education DepartmentÂ
bu*****************@***il.com