Happy Teachers Day 2024
Ancient India has a rich tradition of Guru–shishaya “parampara” (“lineage”). Rig Veda has equated a teacher or Guru to be equivalent or comparable to supreme consciousness or God.
गुरुर्ब्रह्मा गुरुर्विष्णु गुरुर्देवो महेश्वरः
गुरु साक्षात परब्रह्मा तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः
Just like a candle that devours itself to pave the way with light, a Guru or teacher, by imparting knowledge and wisdom, shines the future on his students so that they may lead a successful life. Since time immemorial, this rich tradition has seen many great Gurus. Happy Teachers Day 2024 honors these remarkable individuals who have shaped our society through their teachings.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan: He was a legendary teacher, staunch educationist, and a great philosopher. He was the first Vice President and second President of India. He firmly believed in ‘spiritual education’ and exemplified philosophical teaching. Happy Teachers Day to this great scholar!
Maharishi Valmiki : A great Sanskrit scholar who composed Holy Scriptures like the Ramayana and Ramacharita Manas. He is revered as a great saintly teacher. Happy Yoga Teachers Day to this sage!
Ved Vyasa: The legendary writer of holy scriptures like the Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita . A gifted intellect who single-handedly split the original version of the Vedas into four parts: the Rigveda, the Yajurveda, the Samaveda, and the Atharvaveda. Happy Teachers Day 2024 to this venerable sage.
Chanakya: A great thinker, economist, and philosopher who taught “Arthshastra” in ancient India. Happy Teachers Day to this extraordinary mind!
Aryabhatta: A renowned Indian mathematician and astronomer who was the head teacher of Nalanda University. Happy Yoga Teachers Day to this brilliant scholar!
Paramhamsa Madhavadasji (Founder’s Guru): His Holiness Paramhamsa Madhavadasji, born in 1798, left home at the age of 23 in search of higher pursuits. He learned different yoga traditions while traveling around Assam, Tibet, and the Himalayas. In 1916, at the age of 118, he met young Yogendraji in Mumbai, creating a strong bond that guided Mani (Yogendraji) on the path of yoga. Happy Teachers Day 2024 to this enlightened soul!
Shri Yogendraji (Founder of The Yoga Institute): Born as Mani Haribhai Desai in 1897 in Gujarat, he found his Guru, Shri Paramhamsa Madhavadasji, and learned all about yoga from him. With his Guru's blessings, he founded The Yoga Institute in 1918, curing many people through therapeutic yoga. Along with his wife, Sitadevi Yogendra, he continued teaching and spreading the awareness of authentic classical yoga until his death in 1989. Happy Yoga Teachers Day to this pioneer of modern yoga!
Smt. Sitadevi Yogendra (Founder’s Wife): Fondly known as Mother, she married Shri Yogendraji in 1927 and joined him in his mission of spreading yoga knowledge. She began teaching women and children at The Yoga Institute and wrote many articles and books on yoga. Mother Sitadevi passed away in 2008 at the age of 97. Happy Teachers Day to this remarkable woman!
Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra (President of The Yoga Institute): Born in 1929, Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra, son of Shri Yogendraji, is a scholar and a true Yogi. He has introduced several courses and pioneering work in Yoga Education and Therapeutics. Students at the Institute draw constant inspiration from his wisdom and commitment to truth. Happy Yoga Teachers Day to this silent and sincere leader!
Smt. Hansaji Jayadeva Yogendra (Director of The Yoga Institute): A dynamic and charismatic personality, Smt. Hansaji has dedicated her life to running the Institute and teaching yoga as a way of life. Recognized as “Woman of the Year 2000” by the American Biographical Institute, she is popular for her involvement in the television series ’Yoga for Better Living .’ She has conducted seminars and lecture tours worldwide and helped formulate a Yoga education syllabus for schools nationwide. Smt. Hansaji believes that only through right knowledge can pain, disease, and suffering be eradicated. Every human being should adopt Yoga as a way of life. Happy Teachers Day 2024 and Happy Yoga Teachers Day to this inspirational leader!
Happy Teachers Day 2024 celebrates the legacy of these extraordinary teachers. Let's honor their contributions and continue to spread the light of knowledge and wisdom.
Happy Yoga Teachers Day to all the teachers who guide us on the path of enlightenment!