Teachers are the pillars of our society and it is through their contribution that every young mind is nurtured to be a part of the promising future. They recognize the potential in each student and offer unwavering support so that every child can flourish in their life.
In India, the role of a teacher has always been revered because many great minds in the country have made massive contributions to the field of education. From the ancient wisdom of Chanakya to the great mentorship of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, the country is rich with people who are great sources of inspiration.
JBM Smart Start, one of the top schools in Greater Noida West, draws inspiration from these great minds. The educators at this institution try to embody their unique qualities so that they can set a great example for the students who are the future of our country.
In this blog, we will discuss some of the great teachers of India and how their contributions and achievements have influenced education.
Born in 1888, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan completed his Master’s in Philosophy at the young age of 21. He was not only a renowned philosopher and statesman but also a teacher who was widely respected for his passion and dedication.
Prestigious institutions like the Mysore Presidency College, the University of Mysore, and Andhra University witnessed his career as an educator. Teacher’s Day in India is celebrated on his birthday, 5th September, every year. It serves as proof of his undeniable contribution to the field of education.
Some of Dr. Radhakrishnan’s quotes are:
The epitome of courage and social justice, Savitribai Phule, was India’s first female and one of the best teachers in India. She fought against societal norms to make education accessible for marginalized girls. Since her birth in 1821, she faced discrimination for being a woman of a lower caste and was denied the right to education.
In 1848, she opened a school in Pune for untouchable girls which was met with fierce opposition. But, she continued undeterred in her brave endeavours. Her life story continues to inspire educators and social reformers across generations. Her struggles remind us that education is not just a privilege, but a right.
Let us look at some of Savitribai Phule’s quotes:
Chanakya, sometimes known as Kautilya or Vishnugupta, was a significant figure in Indian history. His influence and contribution are found in the scholarly writings of “Nitishastra” (Chanakya Niti) and “Arthashastra” which offer timeless insights into statecraft, diplomacy, and social conduct.
These historical relics continue to inspire countless individuals even today. Chanakya wasn’t just a teacher, he was also a philosopher who paved the way for success for generations of leaders, thinkers, and students.
Chanakya quoted:
Born in 1861, Madan Mohan Malaviya strongly believed that education was a tool for both individual empowerment and national progress. His most significant contribution is the establishment of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Asia’s largest residential university. Malaviya’s influence spread through the national consciousness as well.
He popularized the motto “Satyameva Jayate” (Truth alone triumphs). Thus, his dedication to education earned him recognition as one of India’s finest educators. Generations of teachers and learners continue taking inspiration from him.
Some of Malviya’s famous quotes are:
“If you admit internal purity of the human soul, you or your religion can never get impure or defiled in any way by touch or association with any man.”
“Fearlessness is the only way to Freedom. Be fearless and fight for justice.”
“Knowledge without humility is useless.”
One of the greatest contributions of Rabindranath Tagore is the composition of India’s national anthem. He also founded the Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan. According to Tagore, learning existed beyond the four walls of a classroom.
He emphasized activities like drama, music, and even tree climbing. His innovative approach to teaching made him a famous teacher in India and a pioneer in Indian education. Even today, he continues to inspire generations to learn with joy and embrace their individuality.
The following Tagore quotes are quite popular:
“It is very simple to be happy, but it is very difficult to be simple.”
“The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence.”
“The main object of teaching is not to give explanations, but to knock at the doors of the mind.”
Born as Narendranath Datta in 1863, Swami Vivekananda was a social reformer as well as one of the great teachers of India. His greatest tangible contribution is the Ramakrishna Mission which is a centre for learning and service even today. Vivekananda believed in a Gurukul system where teachers and students lived and learned together.
He has also captivated audiences across the globe with his powerful lectures on faith, education, and social issues plaguing India. His teachings encouraged individuals to break free from limitations and recognize their inherent potential. He continues to remind us that true education must empower us to bring forth a change in ourselves and the world around us.
Let us find some inspiration from Vivekananda’s words:
“Arise! Awake! Stop not until the goal is reached.”
“Everything is easy when you are busy. But nothing is easy when you are lazy.”
“Talk to yourself at least once a day otherwise you may miss meeting an excellent person in this world.”
Though widely known as a scientist and statesman, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam is also considered one of the best teachers in India. Despite achieving the prestigious titles of “Missile Man” and President of India, Kalam found immense joy in interacting with children.
He delivered lectures across the country with utmost emphasis on equal access to education in both urban and rural areas. He also stressed the importance of basic amenities like water, playgrounds, and toilets for every student. His focus on values and ethics continues to inspire generations. His contributions are proof of how he touched countless lives without standing behind a formal podium.
Let us look at some motivational quotes by Kalam:
“If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.”
“All of us do not have equal talent. But, all of us have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.”
“Don’t take rest after your first victory because if you fail in the second, more lips are waiting to say that your first victory was just luck.”
Born as Siddhartha in 480 BC, Gautama Buddha, renounced his royal life and earthly comfort to become a teacher. His most significant teaching was the Eightfold Path, a practical framework that included the right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
This path is considered to be a roadmap to ethical living, inner peace, and ultimately, liberation. To spread his message across India and beyond, Buddha established a community of disciples. His teachings gradually gave birth to the religion of Buddhism.
Hence, he is not just a historical figure but also a great teacher whose lessons remain relevant. His emphasis on mindfulness, compassion, and non-violence continues to inspire millions today.
A few enlightening words from Buddha are:
“You only lose what you cling to.”
“Win in your mind and you will win in your reality.”
“You cannot always control what goes outside, but you can always control what goes inside.”
Swami Dayanand Saraswati was born into a religious family which fuelled his curiosity about the true essence of Hinduism. This led him to immerse himself in Vedic and Sanskrit studies, eventually becoming a renowned scholar. He founded the Arya Samaj and fought for equal rights for women, including education.
He also established Gurukuls which focused on Vedas, Sanskrit, and religious knowledge. His deep understanding and ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms made him an excellent teacher. He attracted students from diverse backgrounds, leaving a permanent mark on Indian education and social reform.
Swami Dayanand quotes:
“Validation of culture of a child is itself a validation of a child itself.’
“Give the world the best you have and the best will come back to you.”
“The highest form of service is to help a person who is incapable of thanking in return.”
Munshi Premchand started teaching around 1900 to support his family. His passion for writing increased during this period. Influenced by Swami Vivekananda’s social reform ideals, Premchand began shaping his observations of rural life and societal struggles into powerful stories.
He wrote numerous novels, short stories, and essays that beautifully capture the essence of everyday India with poignant realism. Today, his works are celebrated for their social commentary and literary merit, earning him the title “Man of Letters.”
Some wise words of Premchand include:
“To be successful in life what you need is education, not literacy and degrees.”
“Wealth and compassion are opposites.”
“Like timidity, bravery is also contagious.”
Every great mind was once a student who was guided by a great teacher to achieve success in life. Hence, it is crucial to set a great example for the students so that they can follow in their footsteps.
JBM Smart Start is a school in Greater Noida that acknowledges the contribution of many great teachers of India and believes that the students will be inspired by them to become responsible citizens of the country.
Some of the best teachers in India are Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Anand Kumar, Savitribai Phule, etc.
The best teacher is someone who doesn’t differentiate between the students, identifies their strengths, and guides them towards the path of success.