Opinion Dharmendra Pradhan writes: The teacher in a changing world
New learning tools, digital classrooms, AI have only increased their importance in shaping thinkers, leaders, innovators
With the NEP in place, teachers are shifting away from the traditional, rote-based style towards a more student-centric, innovative approach. 
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Each year, as the nation observes Teachers’ Day on September 5 — the birth anniversary of the great philosopher and former President of India, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan — we are reminded of his words: “Teachers should be the best minds in the country.” That thought resonates even today. We believe education is the bedrock of a nation’s progress, and teachers’ dedication and contributions bring this vision to life. Teachers have always held a place of high esteem in Indian society. From the ancient gurukuls to modern classrooms, they have been mentors, guides and moral compasses. Our culture teaches us, “Acharya devo bhava (The teacher is akin to God).” In the hands of a teacher lies the power to ignite curiosity, shape character, and instil lifelong values.
Recently, while addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort, the Prime Minister gave a clarion call for swadeshi and atmanirbharta to build a samruddha Bharat by 2047. India’s journey towards self-reliance and development is an ambitious national endeavour, with the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 at its core. The NEP designates teachers as “transformers” who will shape future generations into responsible, skilled and well-rounded citizens. The Prime Minister has consistently emphasised teachers’ crucial role in this regard. He said, “Parents give birth; the guru gives life. These life-givers are the soul of the magnificent building. The school building which the government can construct is like the body, but the teachers are the soul.”
With the NEP in place, teachers are shifting away from the traditional, rote-based style towards a more student-centric, innovative approach. This includes fostering the holistic development of students by focusing on their social, emotional, physical and cognitive well-being. Teachers are now also expected to instil values, a sense of pride in India’s heritage and a feeling of rootedness, all while encouraging creativity, curiosity and critical thinking. They are at the forefront of promoting inclusivity and equity, adapting their strategies to meet the diverse needs of all students, including those with special needs and those from marginalised communities.
Today, we are witnessing a transformation that affects how we learn, teach, and develop the skills of everyone involved. The guiding principles of the NEP and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE), 2023 place great emphasis on developing each student’s unique capabilities. This includes promoting flexible learning, multidisciplinary education, multilingualism, the use of technology, and respect for diversity.
It has been five years since the implementation of the NEP, and several initiatives have been undertaken to empower teachers and reform teacher education. Our government’s Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP), which embraces a multidisciplinary approach, is designed to create a new generation of passionate and professionally trained teachers for the challenges of a rapidly evolving educational landscape.
The NEP places a significant emphasis on teacher capacity building to empower teachers and improve student learning outcomes. As Rabindranath Tagore said, “A teacher can never truly teach unless he is still learning himself. A lamp can never light another lamp unless it continues to burn its own flame.” Our government has launched programmes like NISHTHA and the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme. The overarching goal is to provide continuous learning opportunities in new pedagogies like experiential, arts-integrated, and sports-integrated learning, as well as digital literacy and competency-based education. Further, the “DIETs of Excellence” initiative is a strategic effort to transform all functional District Institutes of Education and Training into model centres for teacher education. By creating dynamic hubs for professional development, research, and innovation, this initiative ensures that teachers are well-equipped to meet the evolving demands of the education system.
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The last few years have witnessed an unprecedented shift towards digital and blended learning. While this transition presented challenges, it also demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of our teachers. Today, teachers are adapting rapidly to a changing world — digital classrooms, artificial intelligence, shifting curricula and diverse learning needs. Platforms like PM eVidya, DIKSHA and SWAYAM are equipping our teachers with tools, training, and high-quality content, thus creating a unified digital learning ecosystem. Moreover, AI-powered tools, personalised assessments, and data-driven insights are being developed to support teachers in enhancing learning outcomes. We believe technology will never replace the teacher, only enhance their capacity to teach, engage, and inspire.
Based on recent data, India is estimated to have the largest teaching workforce in the world — around 1.16 crore across all levels from schools to higher education institutions. This is a crucial asset for achieving the goal of a developed India. A large, qualified teaching force can fuel development by transforming human capital, driving economic growth, and fostering a more equitable society.
My dear teachers! You are the architects of Atmanirbhar Bharat — the driving force that shapes the scientists, innovators, thinkers and leaders of tomorrow. By fostering a culture of research, critical thinking and problem-solving, you empower students to evolve from mere job-seekers into innovative job-creators. Moreover, by instilling strong ethics and resilience, you prepare them to serve not just themselves, but also the broader needs of society and humanity, making every classroom a foundational laboratory of Atmanirbhar Bharat. May you continue to ignite curiosity, foster courage and inspire students to build a self-reliant, strong and enlightened nation.
Happy Teachers’ Day!
The writer is Union Minister of Education
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