Building character key to shaping responsible students

In a conversation with Avneet Kaur, Chander Shekhar, a State Resource Person at SCERT Punjab, discussed the decline in moral values among students

In today’s fast-paced world, children are increasingly distracted by digital media and influenced by materialism, leading to a noticeable decline in respect and moral values. With social networking platforms promoting self-centred behaviour and academic pressure pushing students to prioritise success over character, the importance of imparting moral values has never been greater.

Moral values serve as the foundation for a student’s character and future. Qualities such as honesty, kindness, respect and responsibility guide students in making ethical decisions and building meaningful relationships. A strong moral foundation helps students navigate challenges, handle success and failure with grace, and become more empathetic individuals.

The life of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of India, is a testament to the power of moral strength. Rising from humble beginnings, Dr Kalam upheld values of honesty, hard work, and humility throughout his life. His dedication to education and integrity continues to inspire students to follow the path of truth.

Another powerful example is Abraham Lincoln’s famous letter to his son’s teacher. In the letter, Lincoln urged the teacher to imbue in his son the values of kindness, honesty and resilience, emphasising that true success comes from strength of character rather than material achievements.

Schools and parents play a crucial role in fostering these values. Integrating moral education into the curriculum, leading by example and engaging students in discussions on ethical behaviour can significantly shape their character. Parents, too, must guide their children with open communication and encourage participation in community service to develop compassion and teamwork.

However, the growing influence of social media and the pressure to excel academically have weakened the focus on moral education. Many students struggle to manage failures and emotional challenges, leading to frustration and imbalance.

To address this, schools, parents and society must work together. Schools should create a positive environment where moral education is given equal importance to academic success. Parents must actively participate in their child’s moral development, while society should recognize and reward ethical behaviour to motivate students.

In conclusion, moral values are vital for the holistic development of students, shaping them into responsible citizens who lead balanced and fulfilling lives. Only through collective effort can we guide the younger generation toward truth, compassion, and integrity.