Teachers' Day special: From teachers to leaders

Teachers' Day special: From teachers to leaders

Teachers are one of the most important part of anyone's life. The personality of a man depends heavily on how his mentor has trained him to tackle biggest of hurdles. Some chose to stick with the profession, while some extend their wings to become a leader. On the auspicious occassion of Teachers' Day, we bring you some names who were a teacher but ended up being a leader.

Teachers' Day special: From teachers to leaders

Former President APJ Abdul Kalam

Before becoming India’s 11th President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was a scientist who studied physics and aerospace engineering. He spent four decades as a scientist, mainly at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
After leaving office, Kalam passed on his knowledge to students all across the country. He became a visiting professor at the Indian Institute of Management at Shillong Ahmedabad, and Indore and an honorary fellow of Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He taught information technology at the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad and technology at Banaras Hindu University and Anna University and various other institutions.

Teachers' Day special: From teachers to leaders

Former President Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan came from humble beginnings, he went on to become India’s first Vice President and the second President. He also had an extensive career as a teacher, beginning at Madras Presidency College. He eventually became a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Mysore and represented the University of Calcutta at the international congresses in the UK and US. Radhakrishnan also gave a lecture on Comparative Religion in Oxford.

Teachers' Day special: From teachers to leaders

Former UP CM Mayawati

She did an BA and LLB from Kalindi College at Delhi University and later took a BEd degree from Delhi University. During her student life, Mayawati was an active participant in several debate competitions and student movements.
Between 1977 and 1984, Mayawati taught at various schools run by the Delhi administration. She left teaching in 1984 and joined Kanshi Ram, who had by then floated a non-political outfit, the Backward and Minority Communities Employees Federation, and the DS-4, another organisation set up to look after the interests of Dalits and Backward castes.

Teachers' Day special: From teachers to leaders

Former PM MANMOHAN SINGH

Before he became the 14th Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh was a teacher. He taught in several establishments including Punjab University, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi and the Jawaharlal Nehru University. While addressing the Addressing National Award winning teachers on the eve of Teacher's Day in 2010, Singh revealed that his own time as a teacher “have been the most satisfying and fulfilling” in his life.

Teachers' Day special: From teachers to leaders

President PRANAB MUKHERJEE

Shri Mukherjee acquired a Master’s degree in History and Political Science as well as a degree in Law from the University of Kolkata. He then embarked on his professional life as a college teacher and journalist. Inspired by his father’s contribution to the national movement, Shri Mukherjee in 1969 plunged into full time public life following his election to the Upper House of the Parliament (Rajya Sabha).
Shri Pranab Mukherjee assumed office as the 13th President of India on July 25, 2012, crowning a political career of over five decades of exemplary service to the nation in Government as well as Parliament.