Hyderabad, Sept. 5 -- If you have studied in India, chances are you had a teacher who inspired you to do better and grow. If you have studied in India, there are also chances that you have been shamed for something as small as wearing lip balm or putting on a ponytail.

Every September 5th, when Teachers' Day rolls around, classrooms are transformed into stages of celebration. Primary students make cards and perform, while secondary students assume the revered role of teachers to give their mentors a break. It is the one day when students truly understand how noble a profession teaching is.

The rest of the year? Most students are busy grappling with an environment where the line between teaching and hyper-surveillance is routinely erased...