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Teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the future by guiding and nurturing young minds. In India, teachers are deeply respected, thanks to the remarkable contributions of esteemed educators throughout history.
JBM Smart Start, a prominent school in Greater Noida West, draws inspiration from legendary figures like Chanakya and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. These influential personalities have made an indelible mark on education in India.
In this blog, we will explore the contributions of some of India’s greatest teachers and how their efforts have shaped the education system, serving as powerful role models for both educators and students.
1. Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Born in 1888, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan earned his Master’s in Philosophy at just 21 years old. He was a famous philosopher, statesman, and highly respected teacher known for his dedication and enthusiasm.
Throughout his career, he taught at esteemed institutions like Mysore Presidency College, the University of Mysore, and Andhra University. In India, Teacher’s Day is celebrated on his birthday, September 5th, each year, honouring his significant educational contributions.
Some of Dr. Radhakrishnan’s quotes are
“Books bridge the gap between different cultures, helping us connect in ways words alone cannot.”
“Happiness and joy are born from understanding and the power of science.”
“We must remind others of the moral values that uphold the foundation of order and freedom.”
2. Savitribai Phule
Savitribai Phule, celebrated for her courage and dedication to justice, was India’s first female teacher and a pioneering advocate for social equality. Born in 1821, she boldly defied societal norms to ensure that education was accessible to girls from marginalised communities. Despite enduring discrimination due to her gender and caste, she remained steadfast in her mission to promote education for all. Her inspiring journey continues to resonate with educators and social justice advocates, underscoring the importance of equal access to education for everyone.
In 1848, she founded a school in Pune for girls who were deemed untouchable, despite facing fierce opposition. Yet, she remained unwavering in her brave pursuit of education for all. Her legacy continues to inspire teachers and activists throughout history. Her struggles highlight that education is not just a privilege but a fundamental right for everyone.
Some of Savitribai Phule’s quotes are
“Ignorance is akin to living like an animal. Knowledge elevates us, moving us from a lower state to a higher one.”
“We will overcome it, and success will be ours in the days to come. The future belongs to us.”
“Don’t remain idle any longer. Go after education and seize your future.”
3. Chanakya
Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, played a pivotal role in Indian history. His teachings in “Nitishastra” (Chanakya Niti) and “Arthashastra” offer timeless lessons on governance, diplomacy, and ethics.
These ancient texts continue to inspire and guide many to this day. Chanakya was not only a teacher but also a philosopher who mentored leaders, thinkers, and students, shaping generations and leading them toward success.
Some of Chanakya’s quotes are
“A powerful mind is invincible.”
“Education is a loyal companion. People admire those who are knowledgeable. It holds more value than beauty and youth.”
“Never settle for less than what you deserve. It’s about self-respect, not pride.”
4. Madan Mohan Malviya
Born in 1861, Madan Mohan Malaviya believed strongly in education as a means for personal empowerment and national development. His most notable achievement was the founding of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), the largest residential university in Asia. Malaviya’s impact extended throughout India’s national consciousness.
He popularised the motto “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth alone triumphs). His dedication to education earned him a reputation as one of India’s greatest educators. Generations of teachers and students continue to draw inspiration from his work.
Some of Malaviya’s quotes are
“If you trust in the inner purity of the human soul, neither you nor your faith can be corrupted by contact or association with others.”
“Fearlessness is the way to freedom. Be courageous and stand up for justice.”
“Knowledge without humility holds no value.”
5. Rabindranath Tagore
One of Rabindranath Tagore’s significant contributions is composing India’s national anthem. He also established Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan. Tagore believed that learning extended beyond classroom walls.
He valued activities such as drama, music, and even tree climbing. His unique teaching methods made him a renowned teacher in India and a trailblazer in Indian education. Today, he inspires generations to learn with joy and embrace their uniqueness.
Some of Rabindranath Tagore’s quotes are
“Happiness comes easily, but simplicity is much harder to achieve.”
“The finest education does more than just provide information; it teaches us to live in harmony with everything around us.”
“The true purpose of teaching is not to explain, but to unlock the doors of the mind.”
6. Swami Vivekananda
Born as Narendranath Datta in 1863, Swami Vivekananda was a social reformer and one of India’s greatest teachers. His most notable contribution is the Ramakrishna Mission, which remains a centre for learning and service. Vivekananda supported the Gurukul system, where teachers and students live and learn together.
His powerful lectures on faith, education, and social issues in India captivated audiences worldwide. His teachings inspire individuals to break free from limitations and recognise their potential. He reminds us that true education should empower us to change ourselves and the world.
Some of Swami Vivekananda’s quotes are
“The true purpose of teaching is not to explain, but to unlock the doors of the mind.”
“Rise! Stay vigilant! Keep moving forward until you reach your goal.”
“Tasks seem easy when you’re active, but they become difficult when you’re idle.”
“Talk to yourself daily; you might miss the chance to meet someone truly amazing otherwise.”
7. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
While renowned as a scientist and leader, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is also celebrated as one of India’s finest educators. Despite his notable achievements, such as being dubbed the “Missile Man” and serving as President of India, Kalam found immense joy engaging with young minds.
He travelled the nation, giving talks advocating for equal educational opportunities in urban and rural regions. Kalam also highlighted the importance of basic facilities like clean water, playgrounds, and toilets for every student. His emphasis on values and ethics continues to motivate generations, showcasing how he impacted numerous lives beyond the confines of a formal classroom.
Some of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s quotes are
“To shine as brightly as the sun, you must first endure the burn like the sun.”
“Not everyone possesses the same skills, but we all have an equal opportunity to cultivate our abilities.”
“Don’t settle after your first victory, because if you falter next, many will say your success was just luck.”
8. Gautam Buddha
Born Siddhartha in 480 BC, Gautama Buddha left behind his princely life to become a teacher. His main teaching, the Eightfold Path, was a practical guide for living right, including good intentions, speech, actions, and more.
This path is viewed as a guide to living with ethics and finding inner peace and freedom. Buddha gathered a group of followers to share his wisdom, spreading his teachings throughout India and beyond. Over time, these teachings became the foundation of Buddhism.
As a result, he is not just a historical figure, but a significant teacher whose teachings remain relevant today. His emphasis on mindfulness, kindness, and peace continues to inspire and motivate countless people worldwide.
Some of Gautam Buddha’s quotes are
“You only lose what you cling to too tightly.”
“Victory begins in the mind; if you win there, you’ll win in life.”
“You can’t control everything around you, but you can always manage what’s within.”
9. Swami Dayananda Saraswati
Swami Dayanand Saraswati was born into a religious family, which sparked his deep interest in understanding Hinduism. He delved into Vedic and Sanskrit studies, becoming a respected scholar. He started the Arya Samaj and advocated for women’s rights, including education.
He set up Gurukuls that focused on teaching the Vedas, Sanskrit, and religious knowledge. His talent for simplifying complex ideas made him a great teacher, attracting students from various backgrounds. He left a lasting impact on Indian education and social reform.
Some of Swami Dayananda Saraswati’s quotes are
“Embracing a child’s culture is like embracing the child themselves.”
“Give your best to the world, and the best will come back to you.”
“The greatest act of service is helping someone who cannot express their gratitude in return.”
10. Munshi Premchand
Munshi Premchand began teaching around 1900 to support his family. His love for writing grew during this time. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s ideas about social change, Premchand turned his observations of rural life and societal challenges into impactful stories.
He wrote many novels, short stories, and essays that vividly depict everyday life in India with deep realism. Today, his writings are praised for their social insights and literary excellence, earning him the title “Man of Letters.”
Some of Munshi Premchand’s quotes are
“To succeed in life, you need education, not just literacy and degrees.”
“Wealth and kindness are not the same.”
“Courage spreads just as fear does.”
Conclusion
Every brilliant thinker started as a student, mentored by an exceptional teacher, and guided toward success in life. This is why being an outstanding role model for students is crucial, helping them follow the path to greatness.
JBM Smart Start, located in Greater Noida, honours the legacy of many remarkable Indian teachers. They believe that by embodying these ideals, they can inspire students to grow into responsible citizens of the nation.
