In Bengal, the term mastermoshai — of late, gender-neutral, like President — instantly conjures up the image of a stern-looking teacher — a storehouse of knowledge, commanding respect, always upright, and almost always leading a modest life. What compensates for the lack of riches is the lifelong gratitude expressed by students and the pride that comes with the profession.
The pride has now taken a hit; the sanctity associated with teaching getting dented by the recent arrest of Mr. Partha Chatterjee who, as Education Minister of West Bengal, is alleged to have presided over a scam in recruitment in schools. As more allegations pile up — that almost everything related to education in the State came with a price tag while he was at the helm — disenchantment in the teaching community is increasingly evident, with several serving teachers openly speaking out against the rot.
