This article is penned to pay tribute to our teachers. Teachers are respected till eternity, but there is a day dedicated to them so that students can show their love to these mentors. That day is today (October 5).
The best way to show appreciation to teachers is by saying a big ‘Thank You’.  
We are unusually indebted to our Parents, principals or Rev. Fr. Rectors and teachers who have inspired, guided and molded us to be worthy citizens of this country. 
Much of our accomplishments in our lives have come thanks to our association with teachers. You have provide constant enthusiastic encouragement and advice besides enhancing our knowledge.
You are amazing in your role as teachers and you only deserve the best. You are our sunshine and you have brightened our whole lives. You are the spark, the inspiration and the guiding light in our lives. You have sacrificed your time to show the way forward in our lives.  

You have acted as the ‘signposts’ and showed us the right directions in this journey of life. You have cut and polished the rough diamonds we were into sparkling diamonds. You have played your role in a manner to ensure that we have always reached a safe port in lives. But the sad part is that you never continue with us forever.
You, in the role of teachers, have done your part to expel darkness (ignorance) in us and provide knowledge, skills, usher in attitude change and inculcate in us good habits. You have at times been the ‘bridges’ that have helped us to cross over to greener pastures. You have been ‘great sculptors’ who have crafted us students as unique people or role models. We admire your dedication, discipline and determination shown in your work. We appreciate the efforts taken to instil great values in us. You have helped the students to reach new heights in educational, sports and in the perseverance of spiritual glory. You have made us to be efficient and effective.
You have made your students to become dynamic, exemplary and visionary leaders. You have taught us to have a vision, mission, goals, objectives and Values in our lives. You are treasure troves. Your knowledge, competency, mastery and wisdom are astonishing and we are blessed to acquire those values and benefit from them. You were able to create history and brought glory to this ‘noble profession’ of teaching. 
You are the pillars of our hallowed educational institution. You are the “renowned educators” who have “transformed our lives”. You are our “Great Heroes” and we salute you for your untiring and relentless endeavours. Words are insufficient to show our appreciations for your kindness, patience, commitment and devotion to teaching. 
The yeomen services that you have rendered will be remembered by us forever. It’s divine grace that we were blessed to have teachers in your calibre at school. We are deeply thankful to you. 
On this International Teachers’ Day we wish you success, joy, serenity, tranquility peace and good health now and throughout your lives. 
“May The Almighty bless you and your families”.
(Ravindhiran is a Specialist in Professional Communication and Group Communication, Inspirational Speaker and a Life Transformational and Life Management Coach, the Media-Advisor and the Editor-in-Chief of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10)