Bhubaneswar, Sept 5: On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan paid tribute to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, whose birth anniversary is celebrated nationwide on September 5. In a column published in a national daily, Pradhan echoed Radhakrishnan’s timeless words: “Teachers should be the best minds in the country,” emphasizing their enduring role in shaping India’s future.

Teachers as Nation Builders

In his column, Pradhan highlighted the revered status of teachers in Indian society, from ancient gurukuls to modern classrooms. He described educators as mentors and moral compasses, capable of igniting curiosity, shaping character, and instilling lifelong values. Quoting the cultural maxim “Acharya devo bhava,” he underscored the spiritual and societal importance of teachers.

NEP 2020: A Transformative Vision

The Minister linked the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to India’s broader goal of becoming a self-reliant and prosperous nation by 2047. He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for ‘swadeshi’ and ‘atmanirbharta’, noting that teachers are the “transformers” who will guide future generations into becoming responsible and skilled citizens.

Empowering Educators for a New Era

Pradhan detailed several initiatives aimed at teacher empowerment, including the Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP), NISHTHA, and the Malaviya Mission. These programs focus on continuous learning, experiential pedagogy, and digital literacy. He also spotlighted the “DIETs of Excellence” initiative, which aims to transform District Institutes of Education and Training into hubs of innovation and professional development.

Technology and Teaching: A Powerful Alliance

Acknowledging the shift toward digital and blended learning, Pradhan praised platforms like PM eVidya, DIKSHA, and SWAYAM for equipping teachers with modern tools. He emphasized that technology will never replace teachers but will enhance their ability to inspire and engage students.

A Call to Action

Concluding his message, Pradhan called teachers the “architects of Atmanirbhar Bharat,” urging them to foster critical thinking, ethics, and innovation. He envisioned classrooms as laboratories of national transformation, where students evolve into job creators and responsible citizens.

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