While for some, it is their spiritual teacher, who command reverence on Guru Poornima, there are many who dedicate the day to their parents and school teachers. According to them, parents and teachers are the first teachers, who pave way for our cultured living, resulting in self-realisation, the first step towards God.

Kavika Kapoor regards her mother as her first guru, showing how indebted she is towards her mother, she says, "Whatever I am today it is because of my mother. She has all the patience in the world. She has sacrificed a lot for me, my family. Each time I stop to think, I feel, thank you, would be an understatement to express all that I wish to. Guru Poornima comes as an opportunity to express my gratitude."

For Sanghmitra, students, it is her dad, who has given direction to her life and proved to be her mentor and guide. "For every smallest decision I take, it has to be after consulting my dad. There are times when he realised all by himself that I need his help. He is nothing less than a guru to me and I would dedicated the day to him," she says.

Teachers too play an important role in everybody's life, as they not only contribute to our knowledge, but also introduce us to the real world.

"In literal sense as well, the day is to be dedicated to our teachers, who selflessly work for our better future. They guide, groom us and recognises our strengths, leading to excellence," says Radhika Agarwal.

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