गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णुः गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः ।
गुरुः साक्षात् परं ब्रह्म तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः ॥
In ancient India, teachers held a sacred place in society. During the Vedic Age, the Guru-Shishya tradition in Gurukuls emphasised the oral transmission of the Vedas, ethics, and discipline. The Epic Age highlighted Gurus like Dronacharya, who taught dharma, morals, and warfare. During the Buddhist and Jain eras, monastic education and universities like Nalanda and Takshashila flourished, where teachers were scholars who encouraged debate. The Gupta Age marked a golden period, with teachers specialising in sciences, philosophy, and medicine. Later, though universities declined, village Pathshalas and the Guru tradition continued. Teachers were always seen as mentors and guides, making teaching a sacred duty, not a profession.
Why does India celebrate Teachers’ Day on September 5?
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888–1975) was a great philosopher, scholar, and the second President of India. He was deeply respected as a teacher and believed that “teachers should be the best minds in the country.” When some of his students and friends wished to celebrate his birthday, he suggested that instead of celebrating his birthday, it would be an honour if the day were observed as Teacher’s Day to appreciate the contribution of teachers in society. Since then, 5th September, his birthday, is celebrated as Teacher’s Day in India to honor teachers as nation builders.
What is the role of a school teacher in creating the future of students?
The role of a school teacher in creating the future of students is crucial. A teacher not only imparts knowledge but also shapes values, character, and life skills. By motivating students, nurturing their talents, and guiding them with discipline and moral support, teachers build confidence and prepare them to face challenges. They act as mentors and role models, helping students discover their potential and grow into responsible, capable citizens of the future.
How do YouTube tutorials impact the students’ lives nowadays?
YouTube tutorials have a strong impact on students’ lives today. They make learning more accessible by providing free, 24/7 resources on almost every subject. Visual explanations and step-by-step guides help students understand complex concepts easily. Tutorials also support self-paced learning, allowing students to revisit topics anytime. They boost creativity, offer skill-based learning beyond textbooks, and keep students updated with the latest knowledge. However, over-reliance may lead to distractions or misinformation if not used wisely.
How does AI impact students’ lives nowadays?
AI is greatly impacting students’ lives today. It makes learning more personalised by adapting to individual needs and pace. Tools like AI tutors, chatbots, and apps help students clear doubts instantly and access study material anytime. AI supports creativity, improves problem-solving, and provides exposure to global knowledge. It also helps in exam preparation, language learning, and skill development. However, overdependence on AI may reduce critical thinking and originality if not used carefully.
What is the relevance of School Teachers in the Era of YouTube and AI
Even though technology like YouTube tutorials and AI tools have changed the way students learn, school teachers remain irreplaceable because of the following reasons:
- Personal Connection & Mentorship
- Teachers build emotional bonds with students, something AI or videos cannot replicate.
- They guide students not only in academics but also in values, behaviour, and life skills.
- Character Building & Moral Guidance
- Teachers shape students’ attitudes, discipline, and ethics, helping them grow into responsible citizens.
- Technology provides information, but teachers instil wisdom.
- Customized Support
- While AI gives general personalisation, teachers understand the individual emotions, strengths, and weaknesses of each student.
- They can encourage shy learners, motivate slow learners, and challenge advanced ones.
- Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving
- Teachers push students to think critically, ask questions, and analyse, rather than just consume ready-made answers from YouTube or AI.
- Role Models & Inspiration
- Students look up to teachers as role models in discipline, dedication, and leadership.
- A teacher’s encouragement can change a student’s life path, something technology cannot provide emotionally.
- Social and Collaborative Learning
- Schools and teachers create an environment of teamwork, discussion, and peer learning, which is missing in isolated online learning.
- Filtering Information
- YouTube and AI provide unlimited content, but not all of it is reliable. Teachers help students differentiate between authentic knowledge and misinformation.
In conclusion, we can say that in today’s world, YouTube and AI have certainly transformed education by making knowledge more accessible, fast, and personalized. Students can now watch tutorials anytime, clear doubts instantly with AI, and explore subjects beyond their textbooks. However, despite these advancements, the role of school teachers remains central and irreplaceable. A teacher not only transmits knowledge but also builds the foundation of character, discipline, and values. Unlike machines or videos, teachers understand the emotions, struggles, and unique needs of each student and provide personal guidance. They inspire, motivate, and act as role models, something technology cannot replicate. Moreover, teachers prepare students to think critically, question logically, and apply wisdom in real life, while AI and YouTube mainly provide information. In essence, technology can only serve as a supportive tool, but it is the teacher who truly shapes the mind, heart, and future of students. Therefore, in the age of YouTube and AI, the relevance of teachers is not reduced but rather more significant than ever, as they integrate technology wisely while nurturing humanity in education.
