Health is Wealth

A Conversation We Need to Have About Our Teachers

During my school days, I often wondered why my teachers never took a day off due to a headache, fever, or body ache. I mean, these are perfectly valid reasons to take a leave! Their grave expressions would have made it easy for them to avoid any suspicion from their parents, unlike us students who had to do a whole act to get a day off. I was pretty skilled at this.

The process was meticulous: from the first hint of a headache to its gradual escalation, the act was carefully planned and communicated to the stakeholders (Maasa & Hukam) precisely. Sure, I failed occasionally, but my success rate was impressive. It made me think, though—maybe teachers don’t take leave because they’re healthy. After all, they’re the ones who taught us the mantra, “Health Is Wealth.” But is it true that teachers are always healthy, or does anyone care about their well-being?

This is a serious concern that we must address. India is emerging as a leader in health and medical advancements, providing facilities to every section of society. Yet, we seem to have overlooked educators—the nation builders. How is it that we haven’t fully extended these resources to such a crucial human resource that plays a vital role in transforming our nation?

A report by Zamit, which conducted a country-wide survey on the mental health of school teachers, revealed that 55% of school teachers in India struggle with daily tasks due to stress. This stress often leads to various health problems, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance (IR), which can cause discomfort and dysfunction in many organs. Additionally, teachers are prone to musculoskeletal disorders, voice problems, and hypertension, among other issues. These health challenges affect their well-being and their ability to teach effectively.

When we delve into a teacher’s life, we understand how selfless a person can be in their dedication to the community. We often praise teachers for their efforts, but we rarely take steps to make their lives better or easier. While many EdTech companies and organisations have significantly eased some aspects of a teacher’s job, areas in our community still need change.

In teacher training programs and professional development initiatives, we constantly discuss education, STEAM, STEM, pedagogy, the joy of learning, passion, real-life learning, and student psychology and health. But what about the health of the educators themselves? In some schools, teachers aren’t even provided a chair to sit on during a 40-minute lecture. They must do extra work during exams, events, and various other tasks, yet the system doesn’t consider this overtime. Regardless of the circumstances, they must ensure the syllabus is completed on time, carrying immense pressure on their shoulders.

Every part of a teacher—from body and mind to subconscious—is involved and often overextended for the community's benefit. We need significant reforms to address teachers' health, including regular health checkups, self-care in training and courses for teachers, and support systems to help them manage stress. It’s time we recognised this and took action to make their work environment healthier, more structured, and supportive.

As a good and sustainable way to begin this change, starting on Teachers' Day 2024, we should conduct a psychology and stress relief seminar or organise a small health checkup for teachers. The resources to do this are readily available and accessible to perform, and it would be a meaningful way to show appreciation and care for those who dedicate themselves to educating the next generation. Further, foster this aspect. Let's work together for teachers because we are only something because of the teachers. I wish and pray every night before sleep and hope that my teachers, gurus, and mentors stay healthy and joyful whenever I see them, and I hope you do, too.

Photo of author Kunal Rajpurohit (ex-student of The Fabindia School), who works as a Fellow Analyst with the Learning Forward India Foundation with Sandeep Dutt at The English Book Depot, Dehradun.