India’s deep-rooted educational history is shaped by extraordinary visionaries who redefined the true purpose of learning. This curated compilation honors eight iconic thinkers, scholars, and leaders who took teaching far beyond conventional classroom walls. From ancient political strategists to modern-day presidents, discover how these trailblazers broke rigid traditions to empower the mind and build a better society.
September 5 – the birth date of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second president of India – is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India. Have a look at the finest teachers who made India great.
Teaching is one of the noblest professions. A teacher not only helps children gain knowledge about various subjects and domains, but also recognise their strengths and weaknesses, helping them become better human beings. India has a deep-rooted history as far as the field of education is concerned and the contribution, talent and skills of its educationalists, teachers and lecturers have been acknowledged globally.Here are some finest teachers who made India great and who have left their mark in the field of education.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
“The true teachers are those who help us think for ourselves.”
Sept.5 – His birthday is celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India
He was the first Vice-President and the second President of the country
Taught at Madras Presidency College and University of Mysore
He earned fame as a teacher of the most difficult concepts of philosophy
Laid great emphasis on spiritual education
Whenever he used to teach students at his home, he used to welcome them himself, offer them tea and even see them off to the door
Once a few students asked him if they could celebrate his birthday, he replied, “Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if September 5 is observed as Teachers’ Day.”
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
“Education gives us wings to fly.”
Accomplished scientist and India’s 11th President
He was a huge advocate of education as the primary driving force of personal growth
He believed that, apart from holding an academic degree, a student should also enhance his/her personal skills and calibre, which are ,ore useful in shaping the individual’s career and life
He was a guest lecturer at IIMs in Shillong, Ahmedabad and Indore and an honorary fellow of Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
He taught IT at the IIIT, Hyderabad, and technology at Banaras Hindu University and Anna University.
Chanakya
“Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats beauty and youth.”
Also known as Kautilya, he is the first famous Indian scholar who was the strength behind the Mauryan empire (322 BCE – 185 BCE)
He served as a professor of political science and economics at the ancient Takshila University (now in the Punjab province of Pakistan)
His two famous books are Arthshastra and Neetishastra.
Swami Dayanand Saraswati
“A virtuous, truth-speaking and educated person is arya while the opposite to that is a thief.”
Founder of Arya Samaj, a Hindu reforms movement in the Vedic tradition
He was a well-known scholar of the Vedic lore and Sanskrit language
Worked to promote equal rights for women — right to education and reading of Indian scriptures
His commentary on the Vedas from Vedic Sanskrit in Sanskrit as well as in Hindi is quite famous.
Rabindranath Tagore
“The main objective of teaching is not to give explanations but to knock at the doors of the mind.
Tagore took teaching out of the confines of the four walls and formed a school which he hoped would be ‘the connecting thread’ between India and the world
Teaching at his school was often done under trees
He reinvented the concept of ‘gurukul.’
Savitribai Phule
“Awake arise and educate. Smash traditions – Liberate.”
First woman teacher of India’s first women’s school
Founder of the modern Marathi poetry
At a time when women’s potential and calibre were under-estimated, she worked for the upliftment and education of women in the country
With her husband’s help, she opened a school for untouchable girls
Orthodox individuals from the upper cast used to mock at her efforts and throw stones and dung on her. Nevertheless, she continued with her teaching
The British government honoured her contribution to education later on.
Swami Vivekananda
“If the poor cannot come to education, education must reach them, at the plough, in the bakery, factory, elsewhere.”
His famous saying: Education is the manifestation of perfection already in men
He was the man behind ‘Ramakrishna Mission’, in which monks and lay people would jointly undertake propagation of practical Vedanta, and various forms of social service
His teachings and philosophy applied this reinterpretation to various aspects of education, faith, character -building as well as social issues pertaining to India
He propagated the gurukula system, where the educational institutions and the home are blended together and where the teachers and pupils live together and work in close and harmonious relationship
He believed in empowering students to handle different life situations and become good citizens
He argued that every individual has infinite potential which can be manifested as excellence in every walk of life.
Premchand
“To be successful in life, what is needed is education, not literacy and degrees.”
Known for his contribution to modern Hindustani literature
He was also a teacher in a school in Chunar (Uttar Pradesh)
He was influenced by the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.
Source: India Today, Sept. 5, 2017
Images of Rs. 5 coin of Chanakya courtesy: http://beekar-the-numismatist.blogspot.com/
