12 Unconventional Stories of Most Inspiring Teachers of India
“Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, calibre, and future of an individual. If the people remember me as a good teacher, that will be the biggest honour for me.” ~ APJ Abdul Kalam.
Many teachers are fighting against the odds daily to light the bulb of knowledge and wisdom in the corners of India. These teachers are the guiding lights who tirelessly work to enlighten young minds and shape the future of the nation. Their dedication and innovative approaches to teaching in the face of adversity are nothing short of heroic. For us, these are the inspiring teachers, and here we bring you their unconventional stories.
The stories of these revolutionary teachers are a powerful reminder of the transformative power of teaching and the remarkable difference one person can make in the lives of many. Without much wait, let’s explore these teachers day inspirational stories, a tribute to these heroes who shape the future with unwavering passion.
Anand Kumar ( Started Super 30 program to coach poor students for IIT-Jee): The biographical drama film Super 30 is based on the life and journey of Anand Kumar. Anand was a brilliant student with a deep interest in Mathematics who couldn’t attend Cambridge University because of financial difficulties. In 2000, he started a Super 30 program where he would help students prepare for the IIT Joint Entrance Test Examination. He also became the subject of an hour-long documentary on Discovery Channel in 2009.
Aditya Kumar (Cycled long distances to spread awareness about the importance of education among the poorest of people): From Lucknow to Ranchi, Aditya cycled to spread awareness about the importance of education amongst the lowest section of society. He teaches mathematics and language to students who cannot afford to go to school. For his valuable contributions, he has been lauded by former UP CM Mr Akhilesh Yadav.
Rajesh Kumar Sharma (Started a school under a flyover of the metro station): Determination knows no boundaries, proves Rajesh Kumar Sharma. A college dropout who runs a general store, Rajesh teaches nearly 200 students under a metro rail flyover near the Yamuna Bank station in Delhi. Starting in 2007, his initiative grew into a full-fledged school.
Abdul Malik (Swims across a river to get his students): Abdul Malik is based in Malappuram. He crosses a muddy river daily with clothes, shoes, and tiffin in his left hand to reach his students on time, sharp at 9 a.m. When enquired, he reveals it takes 3 hours when the distance is covered by a bus, while he covers the same distance in 15 minutes by choosing to swim. After he became popular for his good deeds, a donator offered him a glass-fibre boat.
Babar Ali (Teaching while still studying himself): There is no ideal age to become a teacher. Coined as the “youngest headmaster in the world” by BBC at the age of 16 for running a school in Murshidabad, W.B, India. The young man was a student when he started teaching. Now, the school accommodates 800 children and a total of 10 teachers. Babar, 24 has been bestowed with many honours for his noble work.
Arvind Gupta (Invented Toys From Trash For Making Learning Fun): An alumnus of IIT-Kanpur, Arvind is a believer in “small positive actions rather than empty rhetoric.” He developed an idea for turning trash into toys and experiments to make learning a fun experience. He also wrote a book about this initiative and delivered a TED talk.
Roshni Mukherjee (Made Videos Simplifying the concepts of PCM and Biology for 9-12 classes): Turning fear into victory! In 2011, the lady started Exam fear, posting videos on significant topics from PCM and biology in a simplified manner for the students between class 9 to 12. She has around 9. 54 lakh subscribers and 6.1k videos on her channel.
Prof Sandeep Desai (Begs in Mumbai local to run schools for the underprivileged): He begs in the famous local trains for Mumbai to collect funds for his English-medium schools for the underprivileged in rural Maharashtra and Rajasthan. He shows laminated newspaper clippings for the authenticity of his charity, Shloka.
Vimla Kaul (She began teaching the underprivileged with her husband and continues even at the age of 81): When listing inspiring teachers in India, Vimla Kaul unquestionably secures a cherished spot! Having retired from the teaching profession, she reneged on it immediately and started teaching disadvantaged students. She also started her school in a 4-room apartment called “Guldasta.” Her husband joined her till his demise in 2009.
Bharti Kumari (She began teaching at the age of 12 while she was herself a student): Another example of there is no age to become a teacher. Bharti started to oversee the school in the village of Kusumbhara at the age of 12. Apart from attending school, she teaches English, Hindi, and Maths under a mango tree. Thereby, she is the rightful holder of the title “Youngest headmistress” of the world.
Barun Biswas (Teaching backward students from West Bengal, he stood up for politically motivated crimes): In the unfamiliar part of West Bengal, Sutia, as political crimes and rapes were common, Barun was the man who stood up to the system. According to him, the only way out of the blood chaos was an education for the poor farmer’s children. He educated them and raised his voice against the goons, which resulted in his killing in 2012. However, his story brought injustice to light in front of media houses.
Moitur Rahman Khan (Teaches students for the IAS, IPS and IRS for a sum of Rs.11): Last on our list of motivating teachers is Moitur Rahman Khan from Patna, who coaches aspiring IAS, IPS, and IRS students for just a sum of Rs. 11.
Wrapping Up
After reading about these outstanding teachers who have inspired generations of children to pursue their dreams, we can say that they have encouraged them to stand up for what they believe in and distinguish between right and wrong. These inspiring teachers in India have created a revolutionary trend of polishing young minds with creative knowledge and pristine attributes. All these teachers are a true embodiment of the philosophy “Teaching is noble.”
Fortunately, 5th September is the day to celebrate the honourable souls we call teachers. So, you can treat them sweetly with a Teacher’s day cake, or surprise them with heartwarming gifts and words of gratitude. If you know the kind of desserts or cakes your respected teacher fancies, you can get them to celebrate the day. Or else, you can connect with your classmates or friends to pick out a celebratory theme cake that is of the flavour your teacher likes or other similar cake flavours and combinations that would be more interesting. The same can be done for thoughtful gifts.
So, Let’s take a moment to honour these inspiring teachers, who, against all odds, continue to shape the future with boundless enthusiasm and an unrelenting commitment to their students.
Wish your lovely teachers a delightful Teacher’s Day and make them feel cherished.
