Mains Marathon

Approach :

• Briefly state the idea that ethical learning in children is observational.
• Analyze the impact of role modelling by parents, teachers, and societal figures on youth.
• Illustrate with relevant examples.
• Conclude with a suitable way forward.

Introduction:

Children are not passive recipients of moral instruction; rather, they actively internalize values through observation of behavior around them. This idea is rooted in Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, which asserts that people—especially the young—learn by watching others. In the context of ethical development, parents, teachers, and societal figures become powerful agents of value transmission.

Body

Role of Parents: The First Moral Anchors

• The family is the primary environment where children first witness human interactions.
• Parents who model respectful communication, kindness, integrity, and conflict resolution impart these traits to their children.
• According to UNICEF, early parental influence accounts for more than 60% of a child’s ethical orientation before age 7.
  • Example: A parent who greets domestic workers with courtesy and treats them with dignity imparts the value of equality and respect for all, regardless of social status.

Teachers: The Ethical Architects in Education

• Teachers hold moral authority in a structured environment.
• Their attitudes towards inclusivity, discipline, and fairness shape students’ perceptions of right and wrong.
  • Example: A teacher who gives equal attention to students from all backgrounds demonstrates impartiality and social justice.

Societal Figures: The Broad Influence of Public Conduct

• Public personalities—politicians, celebrities, and civil servants—have a wide influence through media, social media, and public discourse.
• Positive Role Models:
  • Sudha Murthy, through her humility and philanthropy, inspires ethical service.
  • Ratan Tata has set benchmarks in corporate ethics by prioritizing values over profits.
• Negative Influence:
  • When youth see corruption, hate speech, or misogyny from leaders or celebrities, it undermines ethical standards and can normalize deviant behavior.

Conclusion:

As Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam emphasized, “If a country is to be corruption-free and become a nation of beautiful minds, I strongly feel there are three key societal members who can make a difference: the father, the mother, and the teacher.” Strengthening these pillars of role modelling is essential to nurturing a generation grounded in ethical consciousness.