Chanakya also
known as “Kautilaya” is one of the utmost teachers in Indian history, who is
the founder of ‘Arthshastra’, an old Indian thesis on governance, economic policy
and military strategy. He termed as the greatest guide, mentor and
philosopher in the Indian history who created great rulers like Chandragupta
Maurya, Bindusar and Ashoka. He not only formed great kings, but also united fragmented
states into “Akhand Bharat” (Undivided India), which constituted the areas of
modern India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Pakistan,
Afghanistan and some parts of Iran. He mastered in the ‘Arthshastra’
and his teachings are still, pursued by today’s youth. He studied and
later taught in Taxila University (In modern Afghanistan) that was famous for
training students to fight with the help of ear and eyes blindfold. He has
given a number of lessons for students and teachers; hence, I will focus only
on the relationships between teacher and student.
His father Chanak
coined his son as “Chanakya”. He was a teacher himself and he knew the role of
education in the life of a person. Taxila was the world leader in education at
that time. At an early age, little Chanakya started studying Vedas and Upanishads.
His memory was too sharp that when he read/studied something he could not
forget that easily. His father was his tutor and he learnt many lessons from
him, he was more interested in politics. In politics, Chanakya’s sharpness and reasonableness
was observable right from the childhood. He was known as a clever political
strategist and often famous for the observing the strategy of opposite camp, destroying
them without any deficit. He was a top quality person in revolving tables in
his errand irrespective of any conditions. He never shunt to pressure tactics
by the ruthless leaders of that era, what is clear from this – If you have
strong will power and you know your goal no situation can stop you. In this
method after observing religion and politics, he moved his focus to economics
that became his friend throughout the life.
A teacher and a
student who can have very good role in the society must come forward without
any self-gain. They can lay the foundation of a great nation; a good teacher
can guide a student who can later be the leader. The sacrifices of a teacher
develop a better society and eventually an immense nation. There are many good
lessons/teachings written in Chankyaniti and I trust that we should read that.
Taxila was one
of the topmost educational centers at that time and it became Chanakya’s procreation
ground by getting knowledge in various practical and theoretical aspects. At
that time, lecturers use to teach in a number of subjects and various practical
arts. Chanakya was such a mentor for Chandragupta-Ashoka, who guided them and
made them such great leaders. What we can know from the life of Chanakya? He
dedicated his whole life for the nation, for unity of Bharat and he achieved
that, he never expected any benefit for himself. His life was, based upon
selflessness principle and that is what a teacher must reflect on the society.
He was a great teacher, Chandragupta never questioned his mentor ever, and he
trusted the abilities of Chanakya that is what made him a grand king. Such
examples are enough to understand the role of teacher and student, these
examples clarify really better how good teacher, and a dedicated student can
lead a nation.
On teacher’s day,
I thought to share about great teacher Chanakya, whose role is unforgettable in
the history of India. A person, who fought against Alexander without any army
or weapons, but he defeated him by his wittiness. The role of a teacher is essential
for nation building and I suppose as a student we should not, disrespect our educators
and our parents. It is due to them that we achieve our goals in our life. Their
role must be, remembered throughout the life. What I believe we should never
cross our limits when we are dealing with our teachers.
