تعمیر سیرت کی تشکیل میں اساتذہ کا کردار (شورش کاشمیری اور جلیل قدوائی کی آپ بیتیوں کے تناظر میں)

THE ROLE OF TEACHER IN THE FORMATION OF CHARACTER (IN THE CONTEXT OF THE BIOGRAPHIES OF SHURASH KASHMIRI & JALIL QIDWAI)

Abstract

Education plays a vital role in shaping any society, and at the heart of this process stands the teacher—often likened to an architect of the future. Just as a farmer nurtures his crops with tireless effort, a teacher, through dedication and sincerity, cultivates the intellectual and moral character of the younger generation. A teacher’s role extends beyond the dissemination of knowledge; it encompasses the development of ethical conduct, discipline, respect for others, and a sense of social responsibility in students. The article highlights the moral and cultural responsibilities of teachers, especially in imparting Islamic values like compassion, humanity, discipline, belief in monotheism, and respect for the Prophet’s (PBUH) finality of Prophethood.

Autobiographical literature in Urdu provides vivid depictions of the teacher-student relationship and the role of educators in character development. For instance, Agha Shorish Kashmiri’s autobiography "Boo-e-Gul, Nala-e-Dil, Dood-e-Charagh-e-Mehfil" reflects upon the disciplinary yet affectionate nature of his teachers. He fondly recalls the moral grooming and value-based education imparted during his school days, comparing the moral standards of his time with the declining discipline and ethical behavior among modern students. He pays tribute to headmaster Pandit Ram Narayan, whose calm demeanor and principled personality left a lasting impression on students, proving that influence through character outweighs physical punishment.

Similarly, Jaleel Qadwai’s autobiography "Hayat-e-Mustaar" emphasizes the positive impact of his teachers, particularly Munshi Kashi Prashad, whose soft-spoken and affectionate attitude fostered a love for learning and helped shape Qadwai’s literary and personal discipline. These autobiographies serve not just as personal recollections but also as social documents revealing the moral frameworks of their eras and the central role teachers played within them.