The act of a teacher in Ulundurpet, Tamil Nadu, who punished eight of her students for being inattentive in class by placing burning camphor on their feet is inhuman (“Teacher brands 8 students with camphor, suspended”, June 11). The teacher has failed to be tolerant and decent. As a teacher, one has to be patient and encouraging as this is the only way one will win the respect of one’s students. A child who is criticised becomes hostile, causes fights or becomes withdrawn. It makes sense that we respect children and consistently demonstrate respectful forms of behaviour. Teacher training courses need to be upgraded to reflect this.
A.J. Rangarajan,Chennai
