Greatest Indian Teachers of all Time

Marking the birth anniversary of India’s second President and first Vice President, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, we celebrate Teacher’s Day on 5 September to recognise the contribution of teachers in our society. Dr Radhakrishnan was very popular among the masses, for obvious reasons but for students he was a Star. When some of his students and friends approached him to allow them to celebrate his birthday, he said, “It would be his honour if 5 September was marked as Teachers’ Day.” So instead of celebrating his birthday, we pay homage to the valuable contribution of teachers, who play an important role in a student’s life. This year on today’s occasion of Teacher’s Day, let’s recognise the efforts of Indian Teachers who have contributed significantly to the nation’s pride. Here’s everything you need to know about the Greatest Indian Teachers of all time.

Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second President and the first Vice President of Independent India, is considered one of the best teachers in Indian history. He used to teach at the University of Mysore. He always laid emphasis on spiritual education and was acknowledged for making the most difficult concepts of philosophy seem easy to understand. 

Jawaharlal Nehru, one of Dr Radhakrishnan’s closest friends said: “He has served his country in many capacities. But above all, he is a great teacher from whom all of us have learnt much and will continue to learn. It is India’s peculiar privilege to have a great philosopher, a great educationist and a great humanist as her President. That in itself shows the kind of men we honour and respect.”

APJ Abdul Kalam

Do we even need to say more? APJ Abdul Kalam was one of the greatest leaders India has ever witnessed. He was also a renowned scientist and played a huge role in advocating education as the primary factor of personal growth. He taught that holding an academic degree isn’t enough, a student must also enhance his personal skills and calibre for career and individual development. He taught at the IIT, Banaras Hindu University and Anna University.

“Failure will never overtake me if my definition to succeed is strong enough.”- APJ Abdul Kalam 

Chanakya

Known as Kautilya, he is the first famous Indian Scholar who taught political science and economics at the Taxila University, an ancient Indian University, located in present-day Punjab, Pakistan. The university was renowned for science, especially medicine, and the arts, but both religious and secular subjects were taught, and even subjects such as archery or astrology. Arthashastra and Neetishastra are two of his famous books.

“Education is the best friend. An educated person is respected everywhere. Education beats the beauty and the youth.”- Chanakya

Swami Dayanand Saraswati

Known famously for his contributions to reformist movements in British India. Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded Arya Samaj, a Hindu reform movement of the Vedic tradition. He was a scholar of the Vedic lore and Sanskrit language. He played a major role in working for the right to education for women in India. 

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“Beneficence removes evils, introduces the practice of virtue, and adds to general welfare and civilization.”- Swami Dayanand Saraswati 

Rabindranath Tagore

Bharat Bhagya Vidhata composer and writer Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore were one of the most influential figures in Indian History. He took teaching to a whole new level when he formed a school with the aim to connect India and the world. He was highly influenced by the Concept of gurukul and teachers taught under trees and on open ground in his school. 

Did you know? Amar Shonar Bangla, the national anthem of Bangladesh, was written by Rabindranath Tagore

Savitribai Phule

How can we forget to add India’s first female teacher, Savitribai Phule to this list? She taught at India’s first women’s school. In a time when female students were not even allowed to touch books, Savitribai paved the way for us. She played a significant role in the upliftment and education of women in India. Fortunately, it was with his husband’s help that she was able to open a school for untouchable girls. 

“We shall overcome and success will be ours in the future. The future belongs to us.”- Savitribai Phule 

The difference a teacher can make in our life is undeniable. It’s not just Teacher’s Day when we need to recognise their efforts but every day. Hope now you know all the Greatest Indian Teachers of all Time. For more such information follow Leverage Edu.