Dakshina

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A Dakshina, also known as Gurudakshina is a Sanskrit word describing the Indian tradition of a student repaying his teacher, his guru after the completion of his education.

This tradition is a mark of respect, and of thanks. The repayment is not money, but a special task a teacher wants his pupil to accomplish for him. In most cases, the teacher receives a valuable gift from the pupil and his family.

Indian traditions equate one's teacher as equal in importance to one's parents, and to be given great respect throughout one's life. However, this tradition is not practiced in India's modern education system.