74.Are we witnessing a shift that challenges traditional values?

 Back in 1997, fresh with a Post Graduate degree in Education, I was preparing to step into the world of teacher training. Although the salary for my guest lecturer position at Calicut University’s Teacher Education Centre in Ollur, Thrissur, was modest—barely enough to start a family—I accepted the challenge. My father, eager for me to marry, pressed me to settle down, but I was driven by a passion to teach.

Thrissur, the cultural heart of Kerala, was a place I’d heard so much about from my sibling, who had begun her career there in a central government office. I was told about the unique nature of its people—their courteous manners, their graceful interactions, and a culture that felt different from anywhere else. When I first taught a batch of 30 student teachers—mainly girls with just four boys—I experienced this warmth first-hand. Their deep sense of responsibility, eagerness to learn, and respectful attitude made every day a joy. I cherished every moment of those six months.

Curiously, that 1997 batch, which I fondly call the “Ollur batch,” turned out to be special in my entire teaching career. They were diligent in reconnecting with me over the years. Around 2019, they formed a WhatsApp group, and within a few years, they  managed to trace 25 of  their classmates— a few living abroad with spouses, others teaching in Thrissur. Despite the distance, a face-to-face reunion seemed elusive—until a virtual get-together two years ago, and then a heartfelt in-person reunion last month, April 2025 in Thrissur.

Seeing them after so many years was a shock—many had transformed physically, and some barely recognized each other. The joy was palpable. They even gifted me a group photo from 1997, a nostalgic treasure. During our conversations, I was curious: how had their careers unfolded? One, surprisingly, had pursued an MBA and become a corporate executive. Others, still in education, shared their experiences.

However, what saddened me was a recurring theme—many of them didn’t seem to fully enjoy their jobs anymore. One teacher, now a Plus Two lecturer, recounted an incident: a student caught for malpractice retorted, “Teacher, be careful… I am a minor.” That moment struck a chord. We all agreed that students from 1997 and those in 2025 seem worlds apart in attitude and behaviour.

This realization aligned perfectly with my recent professional engagements. This month, I was invited by Macmillan Education to conduct sessions on “Positive Teacher Discipline” and “Making Learning Happy” across three schools. After a session at Christ Nagar Public School in Attingal, the principal honoured me with a felicitation and a memento—a gesture that reinforced my belief in the importance of nurturing positive educational environments.

Having completed these interactive sessions, I often find myself pondering: Are these changes in student attitude for better or for worse? Is the evolving student mind-set a sign of progress, or are we witnessing a shift that challenges traditional values? As educators, parents, and mentors, it’s a question we must continuously reflect upon.

In the end, whether it’s a student warning a teacher “I am a minor,” or a teacher trying to foster joy and discipline in the classroom, one thing remains clear: education is a journey of constant change, demanding adaptability, understanding, and a heart full of hope.