MUMBAI: Shakespeare famously pondered the significance of a name, but the power of a well-chosen prefix cannot be underestimated. We’ve seen the venerable ‘Dr’ for doctors and ‘Adv’ for lawyers. In 2005, ‘CA’ became a coveted prefix after the Institute of Chartered Accountants sanctioned its use. Architects also adopted ‘Arch’ to grace their visiting cards. Now, a new contender has entered the scene – ‘Tr,’ which educators are seeking to gain recognition on Teachers’ Day.
‘Tr’ stands to elevate the morale of schoolteachers who often labour in obscurity, despite being the bedrock of education. Some state governments are considering adding this prefix to the felicitation certificates awarded to educators on Teachers’ Day, acknowledging their vital role.
This move aims to give teachers their long-overdue recognition through the ‘Tr’ prefix. Devish Gala, CEO of Navneet Education Ltd, emphasizes that all prefixes owe their existence to teachers, yet teachers themselves are often undervalued for the crucial work they do. His company is taking the initiative by using the ‘Tr’ prefix on visiting cards and personalized stationery kits for government school teachers.
Gala has reached out to state governments and the President’s office, advocating for the use of ‘Tr’ in certificates presented to exceptional teachers during the Teachers’ Day celebrations on September 5. The idea is gaining traction, even receiving interest from schools in the UAE and Israel. The goal is simple: garnering more respect for teachers.
Peggy Mohan, an author and linguist, agrees that teachers have long been underappreciated and that this small step can help rectify the situation. She points out that teachers have often been regarded as powerless and recounts her own experience of receiving more respect when she was mistakenly perceived as a doctor.
Many teachers also share this sentiment, highlighting that university professors often enjoy more recognition due to their titles, while schoolteachers often go unnoticed. Adding the ‘Tr’ prefix is seen as a significant stride forward, providing not only societal recognition but also a substantial morale boost for teachers. Avnita Bir, director-principal of R N Podar School, notes that teachers now work collaboratively and are focused on interdisciplinary education, making this title a source of unity and community among them.
‘Tr’ stands to elevate the morale of schoolteachers who often labour in obscurity, despite being the bedrock of education. Some state governments are considering adding this prefix to the felicitation certificates awarded to educators on Teachers’ Day, acknowledging their vital role.
This move aims to give teachers their long-overdue recognition through the ‘Tr’ prefix. Devish Gala, CEO of Navneet Education Ltd, emphasizes that all prefixes owe their existence to teachers, yet teachers themselves are often undervalued for the crucial work they do. His company is taking the initiative by using the ‘Tr’ prefix on visiting cards and personalized stationery kits for government school teachers.
Gala has reached out to state governments and the President’s office, advocating for the use of ‘Tr’ in certificates presented to exceptional teachers during the Teachers’ Day celebrations on September 5. The idea is gaining traction, even receiving interest from schools in the UAE and Israel. The goal is simple: garnering more respect for teachers.
Peggy Mohan, an author and linguist, agrees that teachers have long been underappreciated and that this small step can help rectify the situation. She points out that teachers have often been regarded as powerless and recounts her own experience of receiving more respect when she was mistakenly perceived as a doctor.
Many teachers also share this sentiment, highlighting that university professors often enjoy more recognition due to their titles, while schoolteachers often go unnoticed. Adding the ‘Tr’ prefix is seen as a significant stride forward, providing not only societal recognition but also a substantial morale boost for teachers. Avnita Bir, director-principal of R N Podar School, notes that teachers now work collaboratively and are focused on interdisciplinary education, making this title a source of unity and community among them.
