In the Indian tradition, education has always been understood as a journey that shapes the individual and enriches society. Knowledge enables a person to understand the world, while the guidance of a teacher gives learning purpose, direction, and meaning. From the gurukuls of ancient India to the classrooms of today, the relationship between the teacher and the learner has remained at the heart of this journey, and Teachers' Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate it.
Every year on 5 September, we celebrate Teachers' Day in memory of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan ji , a distinguished scholar, philosopher, and teacher whose life reflected the dignity of education and the profound contribution a teacher can make to society. The occasion therefore carries a significance that extends beyond a day of appreciation, reminding us of the civilisational values that have shaped India's understanding of learning and the teacher.
In our ancient tradition, the teacher was revered as a guide who helped the learner move towards knowledge and wisdom. The spirit of "गुरु देवो भवः " expressed the deep respect accorded to the teacher, whose role extended to nurturing discipline, character, values, and a sense of responsibility. Education was viewed as a process of developing the whole person.
The Guru-Shishya Parampara is still alive in India’s education system. A teacher’s contribution goes beyond academic learning and plays an important role in the overall development of a person . Teachers guide students, recognise their strengths, encourage them to pursue their interests, and help them develop confidence. Their guidance can have a lasting role in someone’s life and can help them become a successful and responsible person . In this way, the bond between the teacher and the student continues to shape young lives.
This rich educational tradition is visible across India's long history of learning. Our ancient centres of education, including Takshashila, Vikramashila, and Nalanda , attracted students and scholars from different parts of India and beyond. They became centres of scholarship, discussion, and the exchange of ideas across mathematics, astronomy, medicine, philosophy, literature, languages, and the sciences of life.
At the heart of this tradition was a deep understanding of what knowledge means to human life. The Sanskrit expression "ज्ञानं मनुजस्य तृतीयं नेत्रम्" describes knowledge as the third eye of a person. Knowledge enables us to see beyond the immediate, understand more deeply, and make thoughtful choices. The teacher plays a vital role in this process by guiding the learner from information towards understanding, and from understanding towards wisdom.
These ideas remain deeply relevant as India prepares its education system for the opportunities of the 21st century. Under the visionary leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji , education has been placed at the centre of India's journey towards becoming a developed and knowledge-driven nation. The National Education Policy 2020 represents a significant step in this direction, placing the learner at the centre of education and giving importance to holistic development, conceptual understanding, critical thinking, creativity, experiential learning, and skills, while also renewing focus on Indian languages and preparing students for emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, coding, robotics, and other new technologies.
Technology is opening new avenues for accessing information and learning at an unprecedented scale. The teacher gives this learning context, direction, and human connection. A classroom equipped with the latest technology becomes truly meaningful when a teacher inspires students to question, explore, understand, and apply what they learn. Teachers are adopting innovative methods, integrating technology, and helping students discover their interests and abilities as they translate the vision of educational reform into everyday classroom experiences.
The changing nature of knowledge also makes the teacher’s role increasingly significant. Students today have access to an extraordinary range of information. Teachers help them examine ideas carefully, distinguish between information and understanding, ask meaningful questions, and use knowledge responsibly. In this way, education becomes a process of building judgement, confidence, character, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
The Prime Minister has consistently emphasised the importance of teachers in shaping the India of the future. His vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 places young people at the centre of India's development journey, and the foundations of that future are being laid through the everyday work of teachers. By encouraging curiosity, building confidence, recognising potential, and creating opportunities for talent to flourish, teachers are helping prepare young Indians for the responsibilities and opportunities of the future.
The journey from the gurukul to the digital classroom reflects India's remarkable ability to carry its civilisational wisdom forward while embracing new possibilities. The tools of education may evolve, but the pursuit of knowledge and the guiding role of the teacher remain central to our educational journey.
As we honour our teachers this Teachers' Day, let us celebrate the timeless Indian tradition that places knowledge among the highest pursuits of human life and accords deep respect to those who impart it. Let us carry this rich legacy forward by creating an education system that empowers every learner to discover their potential, contribute to society, and participate confidently in India's journey towards a developed and knowledge-rich future.