Srinagar, Aug. 25 -- The shocking incident reported from Kishtwar, involving the alleged sexual assault of a minor schoolgirl by a teacher and her subsequent death, has deeply disturbed society. The accused has been arrested and the matter is under investigation.

No doubt anger, condemnation and legal action is underway however, the incident should compel us to ask a deeper question: What is happening to the teacher-student relationship, and what can we do to restore the trust and dignity that once defined it?

When I recall my school days, I remember a very different relationship between teachers and students. Many of our teachers were considerably older than us, some close to retirement. We looked at them almost as parents, and they of...