120+ Great Personalities Who Inspired the World!

When you ask young kids about what they want to become when they grow up, you are sure to come across answers like “I want to become a scientist like Albert Einstein” or “I want to become a cricketer like Sachin Tendulkar.” It is exciting how great personalities influence not only adults but also children. Reading stories of successful people can leave an indelible impression on the people and their lives. From their struggles to their passion and achieving great reputations, there is an endless number of things that you can learn from such personalities.

Keeping that in mind, we have curated a list of great personalities who not only excelled in their careers but also gave the power to dream to millions of others. In this blog, you will find a comprehensive list of famous personalities of India and famous personalities of the world. So, if you are ready to boost your general knowledge, let’s get started.

17+ Great Personalities of India

From the independence era to the present day, there have been many famous personalities of India India who have contributed to nation-building in their own capacities and in different fields. While some are renowned for leaving a mark on the nation’s history, others have represented India on the global level through difficult endeavours.

Here is a list of famous personalities of India with names and pictures for students.

Name	Year of Birth – Death	Profession/Title	Contributions
Mahatma Gandhi	1869-1948	Father of India, Leader of Indian Independence Movement	Led India to independence through non-violent civil disobedience.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar	1891-1956	Indian Social Reformer, Architect of the Indian Constitution	Fought for the rights of Dalits and marginalised communities, and drafted the Indian Constitution.
Jawaharlal Nehru	1889-1964	First Prime Minister of India, Indian Independence Activist	First Prime Minister of India, and a leader in India’s struggle for independence.
Indira Gandhi	1917-1984	First and Only Female Prime Minister of India	First and only female Prime Minister of India, led India through the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
Mother Teresa	1910-1997	Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic Nun and Missionary	Founded the Missionaries of Charity and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979.
Sri Aurobindo	1872-1950	Indian Philosopher, Poet, Nationalist	A leader in India’s independence movement and a spiritual reformer.
Lal Bahadur Shastri	1904-1966	Second Prime Minister of India, Indian Politician	Known for his slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan,” he led India during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965.
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam	1931-2015	Indian Aerospace Scientist, 11th President of India	Role in India’s missile and nuclear programs, known as the “Missile Man of India.”
Homi J. Bhabha	1909-1966	Indian Nuclear Physicist	Father of India’s nuclear program, laid the foundation for India’s nuclear power development.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel	1875-1950	Indian Politician, First Deputy Prime Minister of India	Role in unifying India post-independence, known as the “Iron Man of India.”
Rabindranath Tagore	1861-1941	Indian Poet, Writer, Philosopher, Composer, Painter	First non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, composer of India’s national anthem.
Kalpana Chawla	1961-2003	Indian-American Astronaut	The first woman of Indian origin to go to space perished in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster.
Ratan Tata	1937-Present	Indian Industrialist, Philanthropist, Former Chairman of Tata Group	Led Tata Group to international success, known for his philanthropy and business ethics.
Mary Kom	1982-Present	Indian Boxer	The only female boxer to win medals in each of the first seven World Championships, Padma Vibhushan recipient.
Kapil Dev	1959-Present	Indian Cricketer	Captained India to its first Cricket World Cup victory in 1983.
Sachin Tendulkar	1973-Present	Indian Cricketer	Widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, the first player to score 100 international centuries.
Azim Premji	1945-Present	Indian Businessman, Investor, Engineer	Known for his leadership in Wipro, one of India’s leading IT companies, and his philanthropy.
Mukesh Ambani	1957-Present	Indian Businessman	Chairman of Reliance Industries, one of India’s most valuable companies.
Smriti Irani	1976-Present	Indian Politician, Former TV Actress	Union Cabinet Minister, known for her role in Indian television and politics.
Aamir Khan	1965-Present	Indian Actor	Renowned for his versatility and socially impactful films.
Lata Mangeshkar	1929–2022	Indian Playback Singer, “Nightingale of India”	One of India’s most iconic and celebrated singers, Lata Mangeshkar recorded over 25,000 songs in multiple languages during her career. She received numerous awards, including Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, for her immense contribution to Indian music and culture.

Here are a few details about some great personalities of India whose true and inspiring stories have the power to influence anyone. Take a look and be inspired!

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

“Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.” – Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

People’s favourite leader, Dr Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, also known as APJ Abdul Kalam, was a millennial Aerospace scientist. Named the Missile Man of India, he brought astounding technological reform to the country. From introducing the launch vehicle facility and ballistic missile to supporting the second round of nuclear tests at Pokhran, he did everything necessary for the nation’s civilian space program and military missile development.

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam - Great Personalities — A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Dr Kalam spent close to 4 decades in ISRO and DRDO as a scientist and administrator.
He served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007.
After retiring, he became a visiting professor at IIMs, IITs, and other universities where he motivated students to innovate and compete with the world.

From the Prithvi missile in 1988 to the Agni missile in 1989, his contribution and achievements have earned him the Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, King Charles II Medal, Hoover Medal, and many others. He is a hero to millions of people making him one of the great personalities of all time.

Also Read: A career in Aerospace Medicine

Sachin Tendulkar

“People throw stones at you and you convert them into milestones.” – Sachin Tendulkar

Famed all across the world and carrying the nation’s pride on his No. 10 jersey, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar is prominent in the list of great personalities. Popularly known as a ‘master blaster’, he is a true inspiration for all cricket lovers. This finest right-handed batsman in the history of international cricket started his cricket journey at the age of 11 and made his first-class debut when he was 15 and his first test debut against Pakistan at the age of 16. We know, that in India cricket is a religion and Tendulkar is a modern legend and India’s very own God of Cricket.

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar is a great personality — Source: WAMU

Sachin is renowned for his unmatched achievements in cricket and his contributions to society. This iconic figure has left an indelible mark both on and off the field. The table below organizes the key Achievement/Fact of Sachin Tendulkar’s life. Please take a look.

Achievement/Fact	Details
Bharat Ratna Award	Youngest recipient of the Bharat Ratna after retiring in 2013.
Cricket Career Duration	Spanned 22 years and 91 days.
International Cricket Records	– Only player to score over 30,000 runs. – Only player to secure 100 international hundreds. – First to score a double century in limited-overs cricket.
Awards and Recognitions	– 62 Man of the Match awards. – 15 Man of the Series awards. – Numerous other accolades.
Yorkshire Club Membership	One of the first Indian players to join the Yorkshire club.
Rajya Sabha Membership	Active member of the Rajya Sabha; donated entire salary to the Government of India for welfare initiatives.

Tendulkar carried the hopes of millions every time he walked up to bat and continues to be the biggest reason students across the world aspire to make a career in Sports and Sport Management. Watching his memorable knocks and winning many games single-handedly, people started watching cricket just to see him bat.

Also Read: A career in Sports Journalism

Kalpana Chawla

“You are just your intelligence.” – Kalpana Chawla

A girl born to change the vision of a country towards women, born to bring change in the world with her starry imagination, Kalpana Chawla is a true name that stands to be on the list of great personalities of all times. She was born in 1962 in Haryana and since the beginning of her school life, the universe fascinated her the most.

Kalpana Chawla a great personalities of all times

She was an ordinary girl with towering dreams and indomitable courage, which led her to become the first Indian woman and the second Indian person to fly in space in 1997.
In an interview before the Columbia mission, she recalled how she and her brother used to hop on their bicycles to watch where the airplanes were headed.
Her creativity was evident from a young age, from choosing the name ‘Kalpana’ (meaning ‘imagination’) to drawing colorful airplanes, sparking her explorative journey.
Kalpana Chawla was one of the seven crew members who tragically died in the Space Shuttle Columbia accident on February 1, 2003, when the shuttle exploded during re-entry.

Chawla received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor posthumously, and various streets, colleges, and other organisations carry her name. In India, she is remembered as a national hero.

Also Read: Education of Kalpana Chawla

Satyajit Ray

“The director is the only person who knows what the film is about.” – Satyajit Ray

“Not to have seen the cinema of Ray means existing in the world without seeing the sun or the moon.” The personality of Satyajit Ray cannot be better explained than the words about him by Akira Kurosawa, one of the most influential filmmakers. Revered among the best storytellers of the 20th century, Satyajit Ray has left an indelible legacy in film direction which continues to inspire the modern industry.

Satyajit Ray - great personalities — Satyajit Ray

Born in Bengal in 1921, Satyajit is counted among the very few filmmakers having mastery over several fields. A Screenwriter, Music Composer, Graphic Artist, Lyricist, and Author, Ray has an unmatched reputation as a polymath in modern cinema. Regarded as among the greatest film directors of all time, he has several awards to his credit including the prestigious National Film Award, BAFTA, and Ramon Magsaysay award.

Having produced several films, the critically lauded ones include Pathar Panchali, Charulata, Music Room, and The Big City. The cynosure of Indian cinema, Satyajit’s genius is incontestable making among great personalities. His dedication motivates many to pursue Film Studies, Film Editing, and Acting Courses.

Also Read: Top Acting Colleges That Can Level up Your Skills

15+ Great Personalities of the World

In this section, you will read about the famous personalities of the world and their major contributions. Our world has always been full of inspiring people who have shaped history with their actions. From scientists and innovators to human right activists, this list has everything you need to know about great personalities of the world.

Name	Year of Birth – Death	Profession/Title	Contributions
Abraham Lincoln	1809-1865	16th President of the US	Led the US during the American Civil War, and abolished slavery in the US.
Charles Darwin	1809-1882	English Scientist, Naturalist	Developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.
Thomas Alva Edison	1847-1931	American Inventor, Businessman	Held over 1,000 patents, and invented the phonograph, the electric light bulb, and the motion picture camera.
Walt Disney	1901-1966	American Motion Picture Producer, Showman	Created iconic characters like Mickey Mouse, and founded Disneyland and Disneyworld.
John F. Kennedy	1917-1963	35th President of the US	The youngest person elected to the office, led during the Cuban Missile Crisis, promoted civil rights.
Nelson Mandela	1918-2013	South African Anti-Apartheid Revolutionary	Fought against apartheid, became the first black president of South Africa, Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Marilyn Monroe	1926-1962	American Actress, Singer, Model	An iconic figure in Hollywood, known for films like “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” and “Some Like It Hot.”
Martin Luther King Jr.	1929-1968	American Activist	Led the Civil Rights Movement, famous for his “I Have a Dream” speech, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964.
Anne Frank	1929-1945	German-Dutch Diarist	Authored “The Diary of a Young Girl,” documenting her life during the Holocaust.
Albert Einstein	1879-1955	German Theoretical Physicist	Developed the theory of relativity, one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century.
Leo Tolstoy	1828-1910	Renowned Russian Writer	Known for his literary masterpieces like “War and Peace” and “Anna Karenina.”
Rosa Parks	1913-2005	American Activist	Played a pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a key event in the Civil Rights Movement.
Coco Chanel	1883-1971	French Fashion Designer, Businesswoman	Founded the world-famous brand Chanel, revolutionized women’s fashion.
Michael Jackson	1958-2009	American Singer, Songwriter, Dancer	Renowned as the “King of Pop,” revolutionized music and dance, known for hits like “Thriller” and “Billie Jean.”
Satyajit Ray	1921-1992	Indian Filmmaker, Writer, Illustrator	Oscar-winning filmmaker, known for classics like the Apu Trilogy and “Jalsaghar.”
Muhammad Ali	1942-2016	American Boxer, Activist, Philanthropist	Considered one of the greatest boxers of all time, known for his activism and humanitarian work.
Bill Gates	1955–Present	American Business Magnate, Co-founder of Microsoft, Philanthropist	Bill Gates revolutionized the technology industry with the creation of Microsoft, bringing personal computing to the masses. He is also a leading philanthropist through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, working on global health, education, and poverty alleviation.

Here are a few details about some great personalities from around the world whose inspiring stories have the power to influence anyone. Take a look and get inspired!

Coco Chanel

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” – Coco Chanel

Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel, was a French fashion designer and businesswoman who established the prolific fashion brand Chanel. From little black dresses, tweed jackets, bell-bottomed pants, gold-chained handbags, menswear, and womenswear to their signature scent, Coco Chanel has contributed to the sphere of fashion and design making her one of the great personalities.

Coco Chanel is one of the great personalities worldwide — Coco Chanel

Coco’s intense belief that fashion cannot be restricted to couture clothing brought accessories and fragrances as an essential part of fashion.
She worked as a seamstress and stage performer to save money to put up her first store. In 1913, Coco managed to open her first shop in Paris followed by another in Deauville.

Her affection and passion for every item produced by the brand made her a fashion icon in no time. Who knew a young girl who learned sewing at an orphanage would someday not just design the famous Chanel logo herself but also inspire millions of people looking out for opportunities to make a career in Fashion Designing?

Anne Frank

“When I write, I can shake off all my cares.” – Anne Frank

The world-renowned German-born diarist, Anne Frank, jotted down her experiences as her family went into hiding from Nazis during the Holocaust. She spent two years in a “Secret Annex” somewhere in Amsterdam before being discovered and deported to concentration camps. Anne got her diary as a gift for her thirteenth birthday and wrote down the different events during the two years of hiding with her family.

Anne Frank, great personality worldwide — Anne Frank

She expressed her feelings and thoughts, began a novel as well as wrote a bunch of short stories because according to her, writing helped in passing time during those years. Her diary was later discovered by two helpers and then her writings were published as “The Diary of Anne Frank”.

Anne’s father Otto survived the Holocaust and got to know about her diary from his friend and realized that it was an entirely different girl that he knew and said, “I had no idea of her depth of thoughts and feelings”.

The Diary of Anne Frank has been translated into 57 languages and tells an incredible perspective of the holocaust through the point of view of a thirteen-year-old girl in hiding and shows her extraordinaire storytelling as well as unfaltering spirit even amidst the horrible circumstances.

Nelson Mandela

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.“ – Nelson Mandela

Born in a small village named Mvezo in South Africa, Nelson Mandela was originally named Rolihlahla Mandela. He grew up listening to the stories of the valour of his ancestors during the wars of resistance.

Nelson Mandela is one of the great personalities worldwide — Nelson Mandela

In the early 1940s, he chose to study law at the University of Witwatersrand where he got to know people from all races and backgrounds.
During these years, he went on to join the African National Congress (ANC) in which a group of young Africans aimed to start a mass grassroots movement to voice the concerns of rural peasants and working people.
ANC accepted his effective ways of petitioning like boycotts, strikes, non-cooperation, and civil disobedience.

What ensued ahead was a long journey of defiance against the oppressive South African regime and its apartheid policies.

Mandela spent almost 27 years in prison. He was arrested and detained continuously and emerged as a potent symbol of black resistance. He was released in 1990, and in 1993, Mandela received a Nobel Peace Prize for dismantling apartheid in South Africa. In 1994, he was elected as the first black President of South Africa in the country’s first-ever democratic elections.

Albert Einstein

“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” – Albert Einstein

You must be aware of the world’s most famous equation E=mc², the theory of relativity, which helped to complete theories that had been put forth by Newton and the discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect which is an important step in the development of quantum theory. A German-born theoretical physicist, Albert Einstein is the man behind these innumerable findings.

Albert Einstein: One of the great personalities worldwide — Albert Einstein

As a fact, do you know that Einstein took a diploma from Federal Polytechnic School and was later awarded a PhD by the University of Zurich? He started his career working in a patent office but later shifted to the research & development domain completely. The famous scientist greatly contributed his knowledge to students in various educational institutes like the University of Bern, Humboldt University of Berlin, Caltech, University of Oxford, etc.

Awarded a Nobel Prize for Physics in 1921, Albert Einstein is generally considered the most influential physicist of the 20th century. With his great personality and contribution, many leading scientists and physicists are trying to complete Einstein’s ultimate dream of a “theory of everything.”

Abraham Lincoln

“My best friend is a person who will give me a book I have not read.” – Abraham Lincoln

Renowned for the liberation of slaves in the United States, Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1849. He was raised in Kentucky where he pursued a meagre education as he had to juggle between jobs to provide for his family consistently.

Abraham Lincoln: Famous and great personality worldwide — Abraham Lincoln

He was a self-taught lawyer and legislator, who went on to become one of the American heroes and great personalities of the American Civil War.
He was appointed as the 16th US President shortly before the outbreak of the Civil War. Lincoln adopted an unconventional approach as a war leader in which he preferred to react to arising problems and circumstances rather than originating new policies and laying out designs.

Taking an experimental approach, he blended statecraft with the direction of armies. He utilised his practical insight and common sense to bring triumph to the country as a brilliant military strategist and savvy leader. It was not just his military genius that set him apart, but his gradual plan to bring freedom to the slaves through his tactical Emancipation Proclamation which paved the way for the abolishment of slavery in America.

Also Read: MBBS in Germany

Walt Disney

“All dreams can come true if we dare to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

The legendary pioneer of Disney cartoons, Walt Disney created the beloved animated character of Mickey Mouse and was the mastermind behind mesmerizing animations as well as scintillating theme parks! Growing up in a poor family, his artistic talent was sparked by a doctor in his neighbourhood who asked him to draw a horse. Young Walt fell in love with drawing and painting and worked on improving his art by drawing cartoons from his father’s newspaper.

Walt Disney, one of the greatest personalities worldwide, known for creating Disney cartoons — Walt Disney

He joined the Mckinsey High School as his family moved to Chicago but dropped out at the age of 16 determined to join the army. With his relentless efforts, he somehow entered the Red Cross and then travelled to France with the army.

Amidst the grim injuries and bloodshed that he witnessed daily, Walt found comfort in imagining new cartoon characters to fulfil his dream as an artist. Then, he came back to the city and took up a job as a cartoonist though soon fired with a decline in revenue given the reason that “he lacked imagination”.

He wrote “Alice in Wonderland” while struggling with the fall of his two businesses and then shifted to Hollywood to sell his story. But destiny had something else for him as he went on to produce Alice in Wonderland under the Banner of Disney Bros. Studios and then there was no looking back as the studio reached new heights and established itself among the top film studios in the country as well as the world!

Michael Jackson

“If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, then make that change.” – Michael Jackson

Popularly known as the “King of Pop”, the best-selling American singer, songwriter and dancer, Michael Joseph Jackson was a multi-talented musical entertainer who enjoyed a topping career both as a solo artist and with the Jackson 5.

Michael Jackson, the greatest personality, known for its dance. — Michael Jackson

Encouraged by his father, Joseph Walter Jackson, MJ started his musical journey at the early age of 5 and later came to be recognised as the greatest entertainer of the 20th century.
With his popular moonwalk dance moves and fashion specialism like his crystal gloves, and immortalised solitary, trophy jacket trend in the 80s, he was in the limelight for more than 4 decades.
Jackson’s most famous work was exhibited in Thriller which was the second best-selling album in history and he later released a series of hit records like Bad, Dangerous, Off the Wall, History, and Invincible.

Some of his greatest achievements include 31 Guinness World Records, 13 Grammy Awards, 26 American Music Awards, Billboard 100 top ten singles in five different decades, etc. People across the world consider him among the great personalities for the kind of excellence he had towards his work while others sign up for Music Production courses to be a legend like him.

Also Read: Diploma in Music

Marilyn Monroe

“I am not interested in money. I just want to be wonderful.” – Marilyn Monroe

Popularly known as the Blonde Bombshell by her millions of admirers, Marilyn Monroe was one of a kind. Famous for her bold acting roles, she was a complete star with great modelling and singing skills. Monroe was born in 1926 in Los Angeles and was named Norma Jeane Mortenson.

Marilyn Monroe, among the great personalities of all time. — Source: Simple Wikipedia

After a rough childhood where she was constantly moving parts from foster homes to orphanages, she met her first love and decided to get married at the age of 16. 1946 was the golden year of her life, as she established a great career as a Model and also signed her first movie.

As she had no knowledge or background in acting, her performance was judged by the people to a great extent. But, in no time she became one of the great personalities of all time.

Some of her most iconic works include:

The Seven Year Itch
The Prince and the Showgirl
Some Like It Hot
The Misfits
Bus Stop

Due to the struggle, anxiety, depression and family issues, she died at the early age of 36.

Thomas Alva Edison

“Genius is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine per cent perspiration.” – Thomas Alva Edison

Known as the most creative inventor of all time, Thomas Alva Edison spent most of his life bringing new inventions to people’s lives by feeding his ideas with a correct approach. Edison was born in 1847 in Milan, Ohio and spent his early childhood days in Michigan. His family was canal owners and with time, the business declined.

Thomas Alva Edison, a great personalities of all time. — Thomas Alva Edison| Source: Pinterest

To support his family, he started selling candies and vegetables on trains. Later he became a telegraph operator and spent a handful of years in this profession. At 19 he moved to Kentucky to work at the Associate Press Beuro and requested the night shift, this would give him plenty of time to read and experiment.

Due to an incident that occurred at the press house, because of his experiment, he was fired. This is when he decided to open his research laboratory. His most famous inventions were Photograph, Motion Picture Camera and the life-changing – Light Bulb. Edison is also regarded as the very first inventor who promoted teamwork while processing an invention with researchers and employees.

Rosa Parks

“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.“ – Rosa Parks

Known as the woman who refused to give her seat to a white passenger on a bus in Montgomery, Rosa Parks was a civil rights activist whose single act of defiance led to nationwide efforts to abolish racial segregation in America.

Rosa Parks, a great personality worldwide. — **Rosa Parks**

She spent her school education in segregated schools, Parks witnessed racial segregation throughout her life and when she refused to stand from her seat on the bus and was arrested. During her trial, around 500 supporters were present for her in the court and later in her support, a city-wide boycott of buses happened when African-American commuters chose to walk to work rather than take the buses.

Parks is among the foremost activists to take a stand against racial segregation carried out in the buses during that time and emerged among the great personalities who led the largest and most successful mass movements in American history. She was later honoured with the Martin Luther King Jr. Award by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Leo Tolstoy

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” – Leo Tolstoy

With notable work in the realm of Literature, Leo Tolstoy, a Russian novelist and moral philosopher are regarded as one of the great personalities of bibliophiles. Ranked as one of the world’s leading writers, Tolstoy has worked intensely on philosophical essays, short stories and numerous plays that turned out to be best sellers.

Leo Tolstoy: Great Personality worldwide. — Leo Tolstoy

Some of his renowned work includes The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Anna Karenina, Resurrection, War and Peace, Hadji Murad, and The Kingdom of God Is Within You, to name a few. Tolstoy did his schooling at home with the help of German and French tutors and later went for a course in oriental languages. Although writing was something which always fascinated him, Tolstoy later joined the army as a junker for a short period and was a part of the Crimean War in 1855.

Leo is often acknowledged as having possessed a skill for describing characters’ unconscious motives. With a belief that novels are not just a source of entertainment, but tools for psychological education and reform, Tolstoy’s finest achievements have continued to inspire young writers and students planning to pursue a BA in English Literature, an MA in English and a PhD in English.

25 Inspiring Personalities for Students

Many well-known personalities in science, literature, politics, technology, business, and arts inspire children to give their best and learn about the complexities of life! In this section, you will read about some inspiring personalities for students who have been motivating sharp brains around the world to make great contributions to the world.

Famous Scientists

The scientists and astronauts of India have immensely contributed to the growth and development of the nation. The names of some of them are –

Albert Einstein: German Theoretical Physicist, Renowned for developing the Theory of Relativity
Isaac Newton: English Mathematician, Physicist, and Astronomer who gave the Laws of Motion and Gravitation
Thomas Alva Edison: American inventor and businessman, known as America’s greatest inventor
Nikola Tesla: a Serbian-American Engineer and Physicist, designed the Alternating-Current (AC) electric system
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam: Indian Aerospace Scientist and 11th President of India

Nelson Mandela: South African Anti-Apartheid Revolutionary
Abraham Lincoln: 16th President of the US; Leader of the American Civil War
Mahatma Gandhi: Often called the father of India, an anti-colonial Nationalist, Led the Non-violence movements against British colonisers for India’s independence
Mother Teresa: Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary
Kailash Satyarthi: Indian social reformer working towards the elimination of child labour in India; Nobel Peace Prize Winner 2014

Famous Politicians

Martin J. Luther King: American Activist who led the Civil Rights Movement
Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru: the First Prime Minister of India, an Indian Independence activist
Dr Rajendra Prasad: Indian Independence activist, lawyer, and the First President of India
Barack Obama: American Politician and Attorney, the first African-American President of India
Subhash Chandra Bose: Indian National, Founder of the Indian National Army

Great Personalities in Innovation & Technology

Steve Jobs: American inventor, the Co-founder of Apple Computers
Mark Zuckerberg: American Entrepreneur, the Co-founder of Facebook
Jeff Bezos: American Entrepreneur, CEO and Founder of Amazon
Jack Ma: Chinese Entrepreneur and co-founder of Alibaba Group
Elon Musk: American businessman, Engineer, CEO, CTO & Chief Designer of SpaceX

Famous Authors

Some of the great personalities in arts and literature are –

William Shakespeare: English Playwright, Poet and Actor, and one of the greatest playwrights in English Literature
Rabindranath Tagore: Indian writer, poet, and composer, Nobel Laureate in Literature, Best known for his literary works in Bengali literature including Gitanjali, The Home and The World, and Gora
Jane Austen: English Novelist, best known for Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Sense and Sensibility
Anne Frank: German-Dutch Diarist, known for the Diary of a Young Girl
Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910): Renowned Russian Writer, known for his phenomenal works like Anna Karenina and War and Peace

Additional List of famous Personalities of the World

Great Personalities	Known For
Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton	Antarctic Exploration
Virginia Woolf	Her novels like Mrs Dalloway, To The Lighthouse, Monday or Tuesday.
Muhammad Ali	Professional boxing. He also won a Gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics.
Alfred Hitchcock	Directing and producing movies. Best known for his movies “Vertigo”, “The Man Who Knew Too Much”, “Psycho”, etc.
Helen Keller	Her political activism, and the steps she took to educate physically disabled students. She was also the 1st deaf-blind student to receive a BA degree.
Tenzin Gyatso	Tibetian Buddhism. He’s the 14th Dalai Lama
Tim Berners-Lee	His immense contributions to the field of Science and Technology. The World Wide Web was invented by him.
George Orwell	His world-famous novels – are Animal Farm and 1984.

Additional List of Famous Indian Personalities

Great Personalities	Known For
B.R Ambedkar	Referred to as the “Father of the Indian Constitution”, B.R Ambedkar was an eminent social activist and a lawyer.
J.R.D Tata	Founder of the first Domestic Airline in India, Tata Airlines, J.R.D Tata is a world-famous businessman. He expanded the Tata group across Steel, Communications, Energy, Research, and other such sectors.
Sardar Vallabhai Patel	A famous social reformer, 1st deputy PM of India, and the founder of All India Services, Sadra Vallabhai Patel also successfully integrated princely states into a Union.
P.T Usha	Popularly known as the “Queen of Indian Track and Field”, PT Usha is a famous Indian track runner who has many accolades in her name.
Vikram Sarabhai	A Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan awardee, Vikram Sarabhai has made immense contributions to the field of Physics. The “Father of the Indian Space Program”, he was also a world-renowned industrialist.

Quotes By Great Personalities

Here are the motivational and inspiring quotes by great personalities in the world:

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.” – Albert Einstein

“However difficult life may seem, there is always something good you can succeed at.” – Stephen Hawking

“All our dreams can come true if we dare to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. “ – Nelson Mandela

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.” – William Shakespeare

“Don’t spend time beating on a wall hoping to transform it into a door.” – Coco Chanel

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius

FAQs

Ques. Who is India’s No 1 famous?

Ans: Mahatma Gandhi is considered one of the great personalities and is regarded as the Father of India for leading the nationalist movement against British rule.

Who are considered great personalities in history?

Great personalities in history are individuals who have significantly influenced society through their achievements, ideas, or actions. Examples include Mahatma Gandhi for his nonviolent activism, Albert Einstein for his contributions to science, and Mother Teresa for her humanitarian efforts.

Who is the most famous personality in the world?

While subjective, some universally recognized great personalities in the world include:
Mahatma Gandhi
Albert Einstein
Nelson Mandela
Leonardo da Vinci
Helen Keller

What defines a great personality?

A great personality is defined by qualities such as leadership, resilience, empathy, innovation, and the ability to inspire others. Their impact is often long-lasting, transcending generations and cultures.

Can anyone become a great personality?

Yes, anyone can become a great personality by striving for excellence in their field, contributing positively to society, and demonstrating values such as integrity, perseverance, and compassion.

What are the key traits of great personalities?

The key traits of great personalities are:
Vision and purpose
Strong work ethic
Emotional intelligence
Adaptability
Commitment to lifelong learning

How do great personalities influence society?

Great personalities inspire societal change through leadership, innovation, and advocacy. For instance, Martin Luther King Jr. advanced civil rights in America, while Marie Curie’s scientific discoveries revolutionized medicine.

What are some examples of modern great personalities?

Modern great personalities include:
Elon Musk: Revolutionizing technology and space exploration
Malala Yousafzai: Advocating for girls’ education
Greta Thunberg: Leading climate change activism

What role does education play in shaping great personalities?

Education fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and a sense of responsibility, enabling individuals to become influential personalities. For instance, Nelson Mandela credited education as the key to empowerment.

How do great personalities overcome challenges?

Great personalities use resilience, creative thinking, and perseverance to tackle challenges. For instance, Helen Keller overcame disabilities to become a renowned author and activist.

How can studying great personalities inspire personal growth?

Learning about great personalities provides valuable life lessons, motivates self-improvement, and encourages individuals to pursue ambitious goals despite obstacles.

What are the most famous books on great personalities?

Some recommended reads include:
The Diary of Anne Frank
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

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This was everything about the great personalities who inspire generations. Hope you like reading about famous personalities of India and the world. If you want to know more about other Famous Personalities then visit our General Knowledge page!

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Great Personalities Who Have Inspired the World!

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