Irreplaceable Gurus

Teachers shape our lives and are agents of change. They impart wisdom and are revered for the intellectual and moral development of the young. Teachers pass on academic knowledge besides life lessons by fostering a positive nurturing environment. Technology em-powers teachers with various online tools, and techniques that make learning an interactive experience. However, technology demands that educators continuously update their skills with innovative teaching methods. So let us look at the role of the teachers in the context of the changing times.

Teachers remain important even in the age of digital technology and e-learning. From kindergarten to graduation, teachers influence not only students' knowledge base but their characters, values and aspirations. “Teachers serve as role models who motivate and support students in their academics and personal growth. Technology provides access to information, but it cannot replace the human connection, empathy and personal assistance that a teacher provides. It takes wisdom to convert knowledge into useful content that is relevant to growing minds,” says Sahiba Rattan Sethi, counselling psychologist and founder of Umeed Healing, Jaipur.

Teachers help develop a child's holistic personality and address emotional and social needs. They create a learning environment where students feel understood and encouraged to reach their full potential “They help them to succeed academically and become responsible and confident individuals with or without AI and digital support. Teachers’ role as educators is irreplaceable, even in a digitally-driven world.” adds Sethi.

Teachers do much more than teaching. They play the role of a counsellor and a mentor. “Teachers are the all-rounders. Their ability to balance the nurturing of academic and non-academic skills gives students a real foundation for life,” says Fatema Agarkar, Edupreneur, and Founder of Agarkar Centre of Excellence (ACE). She has also been involved in setting up various preschools, high schools and a special needs school.

Teachers are committed to upskilling. They recognise the potential and the ability to access information that would possibly have never made it to their lesson plans. “Teachers became de facto parents as they have the power of observation and an unbiased and unconditional view of their growth. They can mould children and correct them when they make mistakes. They help them succeed. The desire to make them independent without the pressure of being their ‘real’ parent keeps them grounded and realistic about the path ahead,” adds Agarkar.

Several celebrities often talk about their ‘gurus’ who have inspired them in life. Apart from his parents, celebrity Chef, author and Entrepreneur Sanjeev Kapoor considers the late Anil Bhandari (Hotelier and tourism doyen) as his mentor whose guidance shaped his career. “His influence and teachings remain ingrained in me. His encouragement in the early years of my career gave me the confidence to overcome challenges and follow my dreams. His legacy continues to inspire me,” says Kapoor. He believes that learning is a lifelong journey, even in today’s digital age. He has started the Sanjeev Kapoor Academy which offers online courses tailored to today’s needs.

Loitongbam Ashalata Devi, captain of India’s National Women’s Football Team considers her mother as an inspiration. “She’s the first person I turn to. I owe my football career to her unwavering support. When others doubted my decision to continue playing football, she stood by me, encouraging me to follow my passion,” she says. Her mother’s belief gave Devi the strength to pursue her dreams. She finds her mother positive and reassuring. Devi adds, “She has taught me the importance of perseverance, no matter what the circumstances. Her lessons on believing in dreams and not giving up motivate me.”

For Singer Kavita Seth, a teacher is an intellectual guide without whose guidance education is impossible. “I consider my late husband KK Seth as my mentor as he gave me the confidence and support to pursue my dream of a singing career,” says Kavita, adding, “He didn’t teach me music, but he taught me about living life with a positive mindset and the belief that nothing is impossible.” For the two last years she has been learning many healing modalities. “And spiritual guru Bharavi Desai has been guiding me on the path,” she says.

Actor Tanya Maniktala feels that a good teacher gives perspective in life. She looks upon her elder sister as her mentor. “I admire her passion, resilience, and ability to constantly pick herself up in life. I took up theatre during my days at Delhi University as my sister encouraged me to do it,” she says. Tanya's sister has always been supportive of whatever she does. Her sister's advice to her is: “This too shall pass. Bad days don’t last, just learn from them and move on in life!”