In our Indian culture, a teacher
or a “guru” holds a highly revered position. Teachers play a very important
role in raising responsible children. They can transform the lives of their students
with the magic of their teaching. A teacher can be regarded as the builder of a
good nation.
But what happens when a teacher
whom students look up to engages in unfair and harsh means of discipline while
teaching? There are a large number of teachers in India who resort to corporal
punishment to discipline their students.
The committee on the Rights of
Child in the General Comment No.8 defines ‘corporal” or “physical” punishment
as “any punishment in which physical force is used and intended to cause some
degree of pain and discomfort. The non-physical forms of corporal punishment
include belittling and humiliating the child, especially in front of the class.”
Corporal punishment is rampant in
our country. Most children do not complain and tend to suffer silently.
Students who have been abused by their teachers are most likely to drop out of
schools. Prolonged abuse fragments their confidence and scars their lives
forever.
In the case of Radha, 16, who
faced severe abuse by teachers, has not only affected her mental health but has
also injured her hand severely. Radha, resident of Kolkata was studying in
Saraswati Devi International Boarding School in Bankura, West Bengal. Her
parents are separated. She and her father do not have any contact with the
mother after her remarriage.
One day, Radha’s father called
CHILDLINE 1098 and informed that she was beaten up by her school teacher,
school warden and the son of the school chairman. She was beaten up so badly
that her right hand got fractured. She needed immediate medical help, but the
school authorities did not help her at all. Her father arrived and took her to
the Bankura Sadar Hospital for treatment.
CHILDLINE filed an FIR on the
same day at the Bankura Sadar Police Station. The case has also been registered
with the Human Rights Commission and they are counselling the child. The
accused are currently out on bail. Radha is extremely scarred and worried
whether she will be able to appear for her upcoming board exams. Currently, she
is living with her father in Kolkata. She will be going to school only to
appear for her board exams.
There are many children like
Radha who are suffering in isolation. Their self-esteem is being destroyed
every day and they don’t know whom or how to ask for help. You can help such
children get justice. All you have to do is pay attention to the signs, listen
to what children have to say, then pick up the phone and dial 1098….
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