Can one special teacher make a lasting difference in a child’s life? Yes, absolutely.
Throughout history, gurus have had a significant impact on the lives of their disciples. Examples include Dhaumya testing Upamanyu and Aruni, Sutikshna’s devotion to God, and Puranpolya’s transformation through Eknath’s blessings. Kabir and Kamal, Namdev, Guru Nanak, Adi Sankaracharya, Janaka, Kabir, Dharamdas, and Ashtavakra are additional examples of the positive influence of gurus on their disciples.
Ekalavya and Dronacharya’s story is a fascinating account of the intricate relationship between a teacher and his protégé. Even though Dronacharya is commonly perceived as a harsh and self-centred person, Ekalavya’s unwavering loyalty to him is a timeless symbol of their bond. While Dronacharya’s actions may seem unjustifiable at first glance, a closer inspection reveals that he played a pivotal role in shaping Ekalavya into an embodiment of discipleship. Ekalavya’s unwavering commitment and compliance with his guru’s requests earned him a place in history, an indisputable testament to his dedication. Through his seemingly biased actions, Dronacharya upheld Ekalavya’s Dharma by ensuring that the prince became the most skilled archer and upheld the law of the land. This extraordinary story teaches us that even when the Guru appears to be mistaken, it is only for his students’ sake.
Thus, the relationship between a teacher and student is a unique and profound connection that transcends time. It is a bond that continues to influence both parties, even after the student has moved on. The depth of this connection cannot be measured, as it is rooted in the shared experience of learning and growth. The teacher imparts knowledge and guidance, while the student brings curiosity and eagerness to learn. It is a beautiful and ever-evolving relationship that shapes the lives of both the teacher and the student.
As we all are aware,
The future of civilization is, to a great extent, being written on the walls of the classrooms;
It is paramount to create the ideal ambience that shapes the minds of the generations to come as the inheritors of the Earth.
A true, enlightening education built on love, respect, commitment, and devotion cultivates a curious and adaptable mind grounded in open-minded learning and guided by moral principles applicable in the real world. This kind of education instils a deep sense of self-reliance, self-discipline, honesty, and courage in students’ minds, who remain steadfast in their commitment to doing what is right, no matter how challenging the situation. They become individuals equipped with the skills to tackle new challenges enthusiastically and embrace new opportunities with a sense of duty.
They create a cult of respecting and celebrating differences that are sculptured on the values of understanding, love, empathy, and tolerance to emerge as innovative leaders who are determined to effect transformative change in their communities and the wider world. They become the most dependable and trustworthy citizens of the world, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and positively contribute to society to improve our world.
As said in
“Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character.
When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home.
When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation.
When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world.”
Such an education envisaged and imparted has a timeless message of
“Right Attitude in the Right Direction”, built on the platform of “Respect,” ensembles a cultural experience as, “Education is a shared social commitment to human rights and a social responsibility of all states and citizens”, where Respect for Self, Respect for one’s cult & custom. Respect for others, Respect for human values,
Respect for community living, Respect for Nature.”,
is celebrated, cherished, and a catalyst for a change of cultural commitment.
As said in our Upanishads,
Asato Ma Sad Gamaya — Lead us from ignorance to truth (realization)
Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya — Lead us from darkness to light (enlightenment)
Mrityor Ma Amritam Gamaya — Lead us from enlightenment to liberation (liberation)
Shanti, Shanti, Shanti – peaceful coexistence – (making the world a better place to live in)
This unique learning experience can be compared to the intricate art of pottery making, where every touch of the potter’s hand and every rotation of the wheel shapes the wet clay and delicately refines any misshapen pottery. Each day spent in school is akin to being in a kiln, where the environment is thoughtfully crafted to foster a deep bond based on love, care, sharing, empathy, and respect, all while creating a sturdy foundation for the future. All five fingers are united towards a common goal, working with precision and skill to shape the mould and surpass expectations, resulting in a beautifully crafted masterpiece.
A well-rounded education places equal emphasis on nurturing a child’s physical, emotional, moral, psychological, and spiritual growth. It aims to provide a comprehensive learning experience that caters to every aspect of a student’s development, including their academic progress, ethical values, social skills, and emotional well-being. The ultimate objective is to create an environment that supports learning by offering comprehensive support services and fostering a safe and encouraging atmosphere for students to explore and showcase their unique talents and abilities. Providing such a holistic education, we help students develop into well-rounded individuals capable of facing life’s challenges with confidence and competence and contributing positively to society.
This type of education focuses on empowering students to become active participants in their communities, where students are given opportunities to engage in projects that require critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to develop the skills needed to address real-world issues. This approach also recognizes the value of experiential learning, where students can learn from the community, engage with diverse perspectives, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. By participating in community projects and initiatives, students gain a greater sense of empathy, compassion, and social responsibility, which can help them become effective change-makers in their communities and beyond.
Pursuing such educational excellence is possible only through our highly esteemed teachers’ unwavering commitment and selfless service. Their deep-rooted passion and dedication towards their profession are genuinely remarkable, and they are viewed as the epitome of enlightenment and inspiration for their students.
This is achievable only by caring, committed souls who are our dedicated teachers who worship this profession as a divine service to humanity with a mission of
“Education as a process of enlightenment.”
They don’t just teach their students;
They inspire their students.
And guide them to being soul mates as
“Lead Kindly Light”.
That is why, our teachers are always treated as next to Gods, as said in
GururBrahma GururVishnu GururDevo Maheshwaraha
Guru Saakshaat ParaBrahma Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha
(It is said that the teacher is the dispeller of darkness, where “Gu” represents darkness and “Ru” represents remover. Brahma, the creator, is believed to be the personification of the creating quality of God. Vishnu, the preserver, is considered to be the personification of the preserving quality of God. Deva is a term used for God. Maheshwara, the destroyer, is seen as the personification of the destroying quality of God. Saakshaat is a reference to self or himself. Para Brahma is the highest Lord and represents consciousness. Tasmai is a term used to refer to him or such. Sri is an adjective that means holy and splendorous. Finally, Namaha is a word used for salutations).
As responsible members of the global community, it is with greatest esteem that we express our gratitude and appreciation for the invaluable contributions made by our esteemed educators. Let us take the greatest pleasure in celebrating this auspicious occasion by extending our heartfelt wishes to all the teachers worldwide, offering our sincerest congratulations on this particular day, and expressing our gratitude for their unwavering dedication and commitment towards shaping future generations.
