Lessons from the past for today’s students

An author imagines what pre-eminent teachers from the days gone by would have to say to today’s students

Buddha

I taught ‘The Noble Eightfold Path’, all those years ago, under the Bodhi Tree. (1) Right View (2) Right Thought (3) Right Speech (4) Right Action (5) Right Livelihood (6) Right Effort (7) Right Mindfulness and (8) Right Concentration. But, today, I realised that I don’t have to sit under the Bodhi tree and speak. The Bodhi tree is in everyone’s hand; it’s called a mobile phone! Gautam Buddha, step aside, it’s the era of Google baba. Jokes apart, I hope children use it mindfully and imbibe the Eightfold Path.

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

I like to think of myself as an academician and teacher first. When I became the second President of independent India, people wanted to celebrate my birthday by making it a National Holiday. But I insisted that, instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if September 5 is observed as Teachers’ Day. Teachers should be celebrated every day! When you grow up, I hope some of you become teachers. We need to have the best minds in the country inspiring youngsters to think independently. I spent my academic life studying Indian philosophy. Meeting children today, I wonder: are children thinking for themselves? Do they understand what it means to be Indian? To be truly tolerant of all religions?

Rukmini Devi Arundale

I have been featured in lists that tell me I’m one of top 100 people to have influenced India. That makes me happy because it means people take art seriously. I dedicated my life to revival of Indian classical dances. Meeting Russian ballet dancer Anna Pavlova was an “Aha” moment for me and I decided to start Kalakshetra, a centre for learning art. I wish I had Instagram reels in my time! Can you imagine the number of followers I would have had? I am already thinking of short videos to make; I have so many ideas! How do I say it like you kids? It would have been lit!

Confucius