Written by: Rtr. Sanathi Jayasinghe

Teaching is not merely a profession; it is the art of shaping lives, building character, and listening to hearts. Among the many callings in this world, teaching stands as one of the noblest because it requires more than knowledge; it requires compassion, patience, and selfless dedication. Here, we pause to honor those remarkable individuals who dedicate their lives not just to imparting knowledge but also to nurturing potential, guiding values, and embracing every child with unconditional care and compassion.

A child’s very first teachers are their parents, but as they grow, they encounter countless others, such as schoolteachers, lecturers, mentors, and even guides beyond the classroom. Loving one’s own child is natural, but to love and guide another’s child as if they were your own is an act of pure selflessness. In Buddhism, this is described as Muditā—the joy of finding happiness in another’s success. For centuries, teachers have been promoting Muditā.. Their greatest joy comes not from personal gain, but from the progress, achievements, and happiness of their students. That, in its truest sense, is what it means to “love the unlovable.”

Seeing Beyond Differences

Every classroom holds its own story of diversity. Within those walls are the confident and the shy, the disciplined and the restless, the eager learners and the ones who resist guidance. A true teacher does not stop at these differences. They look deeper, beyond the noise, hesitation, or misbehavior, and see the potential each child carries within.

Some children bring light through their confidence; others carry silent struggles that cloud their growth. Yet teachers embrace them all, reminding us that a school is not just a place for academics but is a place where every child is accepted, understood, and encouraged.

The Heart of Teaching: Loving the Unlovable

To “love the unlovable” is the very essence of teaching. It is found in the quiet patience shown to the slow learner, in the gentle correction given to the rude or rebellious child, in the encouragement whispered to the shy one, and in the celebration of the unique talents that make each student different.

These small yet profound acts are life-changing. They teach children that kindness, acceptance, and understanding are forces more powerful than judgment or criticism. A child who once doubted themselves begins to believe. A student who once resisted begins to grow. A life that seemed ordinary begins to bloom with extraordinary promise, all because a teacher chose to love when it was hardest to love someone, which is purely to love the unlovable.

Teachers as Builders of Humanity

Teachers do more than prepare students for exams; they prepare them for life. They teach resilience in failure, humility in success, and empathy in relationships. They instill values that cannot be measured on paper but are reflected in the way their students live. Their influence stretches far beyond the classroom, which shapes communities, societies, and generations.

As Rotaractors, we recognize in teachers the same spirit that drives us—Service Above Self. Just as we dedicate ourselves to uplifting communities, teachers dedicate themselves to uplifting individuals. In every lesson taught, every hand held, and every act of encouragement given, teachers embody the values of service, compassion, and humanity that we strive to uphold as a movement.

The Legacy They Leave Behind

The true impact of a teacher is not written only in certificates or degrees but in the people whom their students become. The patience, belief, and kindness shown to a child ripple outward, shaping future leaders, professionals, parents, and citizens, which is simply the foundation of the future.

A student who once struggled but was encouraged may become a compassionate leader. A child who felt invisible but was seen may grow up to give voice to the voiceless. The “unlovable” child who was embraced may one day carry forward the same acceptance to others. This is the eternal legacy of teaching: loving the unlovable multiplies love across generations.

A Gratitude Beyond Words

Let us honor not only the knowledge our teachers impart, but also the love they extend, especially to those who need it most. Their ability to see potential where others see difficulty, to show compassion where others see flaws, and to believe where others doubt which are the gifts that make them true builders of humanity.

From all of us at Rotaract, we offer our deepest gratitude to every teacher from the past, present, and will be in future. Thank you for loving the unlovable, for seeing the unseen, and for shaping the very essence of who we are. You are not just educators but are guiding lights and living epitomes of Muditā. Thank you for being the hope of humanity, which will continue to bloom for generations that are yet to come.

Graphic Design by: Rtr. Buthma Menali