Teachers' Day 2023: 6 Greatest Teachers In Indian History

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India has always been known for its rich history of spiritual scholars philosophical teachings and significant educators and teachers whose ideas are immortal and have emerged throughout its history.

On Teachers' day, we have listed some notable teachers who have left a lasting impact on the education system of India and have contributed in numerous fields in terms of knowledge.

1. Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902)
A disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda was a key figure in the introduction of Indian philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world. He emphasized the importance of spirituality and the unity of all religions. Born on 12th January 1863 in Kolkata, India, as Narendra Nath Datta, he was deeply influenced by his guru, Ramakrishna Paramahansa, who taught him that all living beings were an embodiment of the divine self.

He is the founder of Ramakrishna Mission in 1863. The hallmark of Swami Vivekananda's short but impactful life was his groundbreaking speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions, Chicago in 1893, where he propagated the message of tolerance and universal acceptance.

2. Swami Dayanand Saraswati (1824- 1883)
Swami Dayanand Saraswati was a forward-thinking scholar who advocated for women's education and their right to scriptural learning, which was uncommon in his time. His thoughts were truly ahead of their time. Saraswati harnessed the power of the Vedic scriptures, interpreting them in a manner that espoused women's rights. He classified the demeaning practices towards women as un-Vedic, striving to eradicate them.

The foundation of the Arya Samaj by Swami Dayanand signifies his commitment to uplift women's status. The principles of this organization stand for equal rights and opportunities for women, contributing immensely to their empowerment.

3. Savitribai Phule (1831- 1897)
Savitribai Phule is known as India's first female teacher. Born in 1831 in a casteist society that frowned upon girls' education, Savitribai Phule confronted these disadvantages and transformed them into stepping stones towards empowerment. Together with her husband Jyotirao Phule, Savitribai founded the first female school in Pune in 1848. It was a ground-breaking venture, heralding a new era of women's education and gender equality in India.

She was not only an educationist but a reformer too. She relentlessly worked towards eradicating untouchability and caste discrimination. Her endeavors set a foundation for the emancipation of oppressed classes. With her unyielding spirit to overturn patriarchal norms, Savitribai Phule stands tall as an aspirational figure. She symbolizes every woman's power and potential to drive social and cultural changes.

4. Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888-1975)
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a revered philosopher, scholar, and statesman, has contributed significantly to the sphere of education in India. In this article, we uncover the intricacies of his unique teaching methods. Dr. Radhakrishnan's teachings were an amalgamation of traditional wisdom and modern interpretation. He believed in imbuing his teaching with cultural insights while emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and innovation.

One of Radhakrishnan's key teaching principles was encouraging independent thought. He fostered a learning environment where questions were welcomed and debate was appreciated, thus breaking the traditional mould of passive learning. For Dr. Radhakrishnan, learning wasn't confined to classrooms or textbooks. He stressed the importance of holistic learning and included life skills and practical knowledge as critical elements of his teaching methodology.

5. Madan Mohan Malviya (1861-1946)
Referred to as 'Mahamana', Madan Mohan Malviya was not only a notable Indian educationist but also a lawyer, statesman, and freedom fighter. His unwavering belief was that education is the pillar of a nation's progress and prosperity. The foundation of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) is the most notable achievement of Malviya. Established in 1916, BHU today stands as a testament to its vision of imparting quality education and knowledge.

He believed that education should transcend beyond textbooks and promote unity, cultural revival, and moral values. BHU's multicultural environment, boasting students and teachers from all faiths, is a befitting example. Facing countless hurdles and rejections, His relentless pursuit to establish BHU is a stirring tale of courage and resilience. He was a firm believer in self-sustainability and often organized fundraising campaigns to achieve his vision.

6. Rabindra Nath Tagore (1861-1941)
Rabindranath Tagore, India's celebrated polymath, had a unique philosophy of education. With his forward-thinking ideals, he redefined the concept of education in India during the early 20th century. Tagore's philosophy deviated from the conventional learning system. He believed that wisdom can't be confined within four walls and thus, teaching should not be bookish or mechanical. He was a prominent teacher, writer, and freedom fighter who fought against the oppressive British government.

The writer of the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana', Tagore emphasized the all-around development of a child's mind, body, and spirit. He believed in education that would help students to grow into complete human beings, and not just academically proficient ones. Putting his ideas into action, Tagore founded the Shantiniketan. With its open-air education system and paramount emphasis on creativity, it proved revolutionary in the formative years of modern India. Under Tagore's stewardship, Shantiniketan became a meeting point for global intellectuals. It pioneered an enriching cross-cultural exchange that honed students' holistic learning experience.