Guwahati: The unique bond that teachers and students share is drawing many govt school teachers back to classrooms on Teachers’ Day, despite prolonged census duty.Census duty has kept many govt school teachers across Assam away from their classrooms since last month. However, several are expected to return on Saturday, responding to appeals from school authorities and colleagues as they are unwilling to miss the occasion.Some teachers engaged in the exercise are unlikely to get relief. “This year, as census duty is going on, teachers like us will not be able to celebrate Teachers’ Day in the usual way. Since I will have to remain outside the school till Sept 15, I will miss the opportunity to enjoy the events with my beloved students and fellow teachers,” said Mahidhar Kalita, an assistant teacher at New Guwahati Railway Colony High School.Kalita said he would visit his school to meet his students and fellow teachers. “Being with them, even for a short while, means a lot to me,” he added.Teachers said they were disappointed that their census duty coincided with Teachers’ Day, but described the national assignment as a matter of pride.“Teachers’ Day is emotionally important to us, and we would naturally want to be with our students. But census duty is a national responsibility that we cannot ignore. Since I have almost completed most of my enumeration work, I have decided to be present at my school on Teachers’ Day and spend the day with my students,” said Dewan Noor Amin, a teacher in Barpeta district.Ratul Chandra Goswami, president of Assam State Primary Teachers’ Association, said concerns over teachers’ participation eased, with most now expected to attend the celebrations.“According to the latest reports, most teachers have nearly completed their assigned census duty and are now in a position to return to their schools for Teachers’ Day. While there were genuine concerns earlier about their participation, it is encouraging that many of them will still be able to be with their students on a day that celebrates the teaching profession,” he said.
