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Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future by guiding and supporting young minds. In India, teachers are highly respected because of the significant contributions made by esteemed educators throughout history.
JBM Smart Start, a leading school in Greater Noida West, draws inspiration from legendary figures like Chanakya and Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. These influential individuals have left a lasting impact on education in India.
In this blog, we will explore the contributions of some of India’s greatest teachers and how they have shaped the education system, serving as role models for educators and students alike.
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, honoring his significant educational contributions.
Some of Dr. Radhakrishnan’s quotes are:
- “Books help us connect different cultures.”
- “Happiness and joy come from understanding and science.”
- “We need to remind people of the moral values that form the foundation of order and freedom.”
2. Savitribai Phule
- Savitribai Phule, known for her bravery and commitment to fairness, was India’s first female teacher and a champion of social equality. Born in 1821, she bravely challenged societal norms to ensure that education was available to girls from marginalized communities. Despite facing discrimination due to her gender and lower caste, she persevered in her efforts to promote education. Her inspiring story resonates with educators and advocates for social justice, highlighting the importance of equal access to education for all.
- In 1848, she started a school in Pune for girls considered untouchables despite facing opposition. However, she remained determined in her courageous efforts. Her story inspires teachers and activists throughout history. Her challenges emphasize that education is not merely a privilege but a fundamental right for all.
Here are some quotes from Savitribai Phule:
- “Not learning is like being an animal. By gaining knowledge, one moves from a lower to a higher level.”
- “We will conquer it, and success will be ours in the days ahead. The future is ours.”
- “Don’t stay idle any longer. Go pursue an education.”
3. Chanakya
Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, played a vital role in Indian history. His teachings in “Nitishastra” (Chanakya Niti) and “Arthashastra” provide valuable lessons on governance, diplomacy, and ethics.
Even now, these ancient texts remain a source of inspiration for many. Chanakya wasn’t just a teacher but also a philosopher who guided leaders, thinkers, and students toward success for generations.
Chanakya quoted:
- “A strong mind is unbeatable.”
- “Education is like a faithful companion. People admire those who are educated. It’s more valuable than beauty and youth.”
- “Don’t accept 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 popularized 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 famous quotes are:
- “If you believe in the inner purity of the human soul, neither you nor your religion can be tainted by contact or association with anyone.”
- “Fearlessness is the path to freedom. Be brave and fight for justice.”
- “Knowledge without humility is worthless.”
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.
Here are some popular quotes by Tagore:
- “Being happy is easy, but being simple is hard.”
- “The best education goes beyond giving us information; it helps us live in harmony with everything around us.”
- “The main purpose of teaching is not to explain, but to open the mind’s doors.”
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 center 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 recognize their potential. He reminds us that true education should empower us to change ourselves and the world.
Here are some inspiring words from Vivekananda:
- “Rise up! Stay alert! Keep going until you achieve your goal.”
- “Tasks feel simple when you’re active. But they become tough when you’re idle.”
- “Have a chat with yourself every day; you might miss out on meeting someone 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 traveled 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.
Here are some uplifting quotes by Kalam:
- “If you wish to glow brightly like the sun, you must first endure the burning like the sun.”
- “Not everyone has the same skills, but we all have a fair chance to nurture our abilities.”
- “Don’t relax after your first win because if you stumble in the next, many will claim your first 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 way is seen as a guide to living ethically and finding inner calm and freedom. Buddha formed a group of followers to share his teachings, spreading them across India and beyond. Over time, these teachings formed the basis of Buddhism.
Therefore, he isn’t only a figure from the past and a significant teacher whose teachings still matter. His focus on being mindful, kind, and peaceful motivates many people today.
Here are some wise words from Buddha:
- “You lose only what you hold on too tightly.”
- “If you win in your thoughts, you’ll win in your life.”
- “You might not control everything outside, but you can always manage what’s inside.”
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 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.
Quotes by Swami Dayanand:
- “Accepting a child’s culture is like accepting the child itself.”
- “Offer your best to the world, and you’ll receive the best in return.”
- “The greatest service is to assist someone who can’t express 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.”
Here are some wise words from Premchand:
- “To succeed in life, you need education, not just literacy and degrees.”
- “Riches and kindness are different.”
- “Just as fear spreads, courage does too.”
Conclusion
Every brilliant thinker was once a student, guided by an exceptional teacher to find success in life. That’s why it’s vital to be an excellent role model for students so that they can follow the path to greatness.
JBM Smart Start, located in Greater Noida, honors the legacy of many exceptional Indian teachers. They believe that by doing so, they can inspire students to become responsible citizens of the nation.
FAQs
Q1: Who are considered the 10 great teachers of India?
Ans: The 10 great teachers of India typically include ancient scholars and modern educators who have made significant contributions to various fields like philosophy, spirituality, science, literature, and education. Some commonly mentioned figures are Gautama Buddha, Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Chanakya, Aryabhata, Kabir, Jiddu Krishnamurti, and Srinivasa Ramanujan.
Q2: What contributions did Gautama Buddha make as a teacher?
Ans: Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama founded Buddhism as a spiritual teacher. He taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, which form the core principles of Buddhism. His teachings emphasized the importance of self-awareness, mindfulness, compassion, and liberation from suffering.
Q3: What was Swami Vivekananda’s role as a teacher?
Ans: Swami Vivekananda was a key figure in introducing Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. He played a significant role in the revival of Hinduism in India and contributed to the spread of Vedanta philosophy. His teachings on spirituality, social reform, and the unity of all religions continue to inspire people worldwide.
Q4: How did Rabindranath Tagore contribute as a teacher?
Ans: Rabindranath Tagore was a polymath who reshaped Bengali literature and music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He founded Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, emphasizing a holistic education that blended Western and Indian traditions. Tagore’s educational philosophy focused on creativity, freedom, and the connection between nature and learning.
Q5: What were Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan’s teachings?
Ans: Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a philosopher and statesman who served as the first vice president and second president of India. He made significant contributions to Indian philosophy and was an influential interpreter of Hinduism in the West. Radhakrishnan’s teachings emphasized the harmony of religions and the importance of moral values in education.
Q6: How did Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam inspire you as a teacher?
Ans: Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, known as the “Missile Man of India,” was a scientist and the 11th President of India. He was a passionate advocate for education and inspired millions of students with his vision for India’s development through science and technology. Kalam’s teachings emphasized innovation, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence.
Q7: What were Chanakya’s contributions as a teacher?
Ans: Chanakya, known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, was an ancient Indian teacher, philosopher, economist, and political strategist. He played a key role in establishing the Maurya Empire under Chandragupta Maurya. Chanakya’s teachings on politics and governance, as documented in the Arthashastra, continue to be studied and applied today.
Q8: How did Aryabhata contribute to education?
Ans: Aryabhata was an ancient Indian mathematician and astronomer who significantly contributed to mathematics and astronomy. He developed the concept of zero and the decimal numeral system and accurately calculated the value of π (pi). Aryabhata’s works influenced the development of mathematics and astronomy in India and beyond.
Q9: What were Kabir’s teachings as a teacher?
Ans: Kabir was a 15th-century mystic poet and saint who composed verses known as “doshas” that emphasized the unity of God and the importance of spirituality over religious rituals. His teachings focused on love, compassion, and the pursuit of truth, transcending barriers of caste and religion. Kabir’s poetry continues to inspire people seeking spiritual enlightenment.
Q10: How did Jiddu Krishnamurti contribute as a teacher?
Ans: Jiddu Krishnamurti was a philosopher, speaker, and writer who explored the nature of the mind, consciousness, and the human condition. He founded educational institutions based on his philosophy of holistic education that nurtured intelligence, creativity, and self-awareness. Krishnamurti’s teachings emphasized freedom from conditioning and the need for radical psychological transformation.
