What is the three-fold responsibility of a teacher? Bhagawan clearly explains today, as we observe Teachers' Day in India.

The Guru is referred to reverentially as Brahma, the first of the Trinity entrusted with Creation; as Vishnu, the One entrusted with preservation; and as Maheshwara, charged with destruction and dissolution. This description is symbolically correct, as we can see when we analyse the work the Teacher or Guru is expected to carry out. The Guru sows the seeds of virtue, wisdom, and faith in the heart of the pupil. He is therefore Brahma. He is like the farmer who plants saplings in the well-prepared soil of his field. But the farmer does not sit with folded hands thereafter. He takes incessant care to see that the saplings grow well, and he is vigilant to water the growing crops and feed them with fertilisers at the appropriate stages of growth. This is the role of Vishnu. The Guru cannot sit back and silently watch the fate of the pupil after the first few lessons. He has to guide the pupil at every step, foster and encourage good habits, sound reasoning and valid emotions, and act as Vishnu. The Guru also has the duty to warn the pupil when he takes a false step, or develops a bad habit, or entertains a deleterious doubt. Like the farmer who has to be vigilant against the growth of weeds or the upsurge of pests, the Guru too must be ever alert to destroy the pests of vice and the weeds of sloth and unsteadiness.