I WAS writing a research paper recently when unexpectedly a notification popped up on my phone. Many thoughts crossed my mind. Perhaps, it could be my PhD work group or maybe a new assignment from my office. But I felt saddened when I read the message. Surprisingly, it was a threatening message from one of my students, asking me to set an ‘easy’ paper for the examination.

Being a teacher, I usually receive calls for recommendations, but this time, I was amazed to see a girl’s courage to send such a nasty message to her teacher. Clearly, her message was more of a threat than a demand. It was certainly not a request.

Nowadays, students seem interested in free attendance, free marks and free assignments without learning from their lectures. As a PhD student, I do not get a single free mark, and that is how it should be.

This raises a perplexing question: why do other students expect such things? They want their examination paper to be ‘easy’ so that they may pass it with the clichéd flying colours without any hard work. They do not hesitate using abusive language in their interaction with their teachers. This new generation, with due exceptions, has no manners at all. Teachers put their heart and soul in the performance of their duties, and in return they deserve to receive respect from their students.

Maria Khushk
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2024