Politicians lead the country on the path of progress. But these politicians also, were shown the light of day, by their respective teachers to whom they owe their present. Ashok Kumar of Expressindia.com talks to some of the politicians including the union ministers about their feelings for the Teacher’s Day, their favorite teachers and much more.

Shri Sis Ram Ola, Cabinet Minister: Mines, Government of India

It (Teacher’s Day) is a great occasion, which is related to great educationist Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, and shows us the way to respect our teachers who light up our life.

I regard (Late) Shri Jawahar Lal Nehru as my teacher. He was not only my teacher but my leader too. He had his primary education at Khetri, the constituency represented by me. In my earlier days, he used to guide me whenever I used to approach him for his guidance. He was always available for me and asked me to approach whenever I was in the need.

I owe a lot to Nehru who was a god in disguise for me. Apart from his early education, it was Khetri where he learned horse riding. Nehru used to fondly say that I was from his (Nehru’s) city and always helped me out.

Dr Akhilesh Prasad Singh, Minister of State: Agriculture, Food & Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution.

Teachers have always played a role in building the nations in the entire world. Only that country which has good teachers, can progress very well. It is bad to note that today people respect politicians and bureaucrats instead of teachers.

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