Teachers as Beacons of Inspiration in the Age of AI: Sadhguru’s Message at Bengaluru Event
In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the way knowledge is created, accessed, and shared, the role of teachers is also undergoing a profound shift. At a recent event in Bengaluru, spiritual leader Sadhguru emphasized that educators must go beyond the traditional role of information providers and instead serve as sources of inspiration, joy, and guidance for students.
The remarks came during a special edition of Buddy Bench Conversations, founded by National Education Foundation (NEF) trustee-secretary Aisshwarya DKS Hegde. They held a mark to mark the 25th anniversary of National Hill View Public School (NHVPS). The event brought together educators and thought leaders to reflect on the future of teaching and learning in an era shaped by AI.
The Diminishing Value of Information Retention
Sadhguru highlighted a crucial truth: information alone is no longer a teacher’s unique strength. With AI systems capable of processing and delivering data at lightning speed, the old model of education—where students were expected to memorize and reproduce knowledge—has lost much of its relevance.
“Information stored in one’s head will soon lose its relevance,” Sadhguru remarked, cautioning teachers against clinging to outdated methods. Instead, he urged them to embody qualities technology cannot replicate—joy, agility, compassion, and inspiration.
According to him, if a teacher is more joyful, agile, and exuberant than the child, students will naturally aspire to follow in their footsteps. Teaching, therefore, must be less about facts and more about shaping character, nurturing creativity, and instilling values.
Education Beyond Knowledge: Nurturing Purpose and Compassion
Sadhguru’s perspective aligns with the global conversation about the purpose of education in the 21st century. While knowledge is abundant and easily accessible, what distinguishes effective educators is their ability to help students find meaning, direction, and empathy.
At the event, he elaborated on how education should not only prepare students for careers but also guide them in becoming purpose-driven and compassionate individuals who can contribute to society's well-being. In his words, building a nation's future requires nurturing children to be more than repositories of data—it requires raising a generation that is resilient, empathetic, and inspired.
NHVPS: A Legacy of Values and Community
The occasion also celebrated the 25-year journey of National Hill View Public School (NHVPS), an institution established as a beacon of holistic education in Bengaluru.
Reflecting on this milestone, Aisshwarya DKS Hegde noted that the school’s success lies in academic achievements and fostering a community built on values, courage, and compassion. “The journey has been about building not just institutions, but a community rooted in values,” she said, emphasizing how education is as much about shaping society as it is about shaping individuals.
The anniversary celebration served as a reminder that schools can go beyond textbooks and classrooms to become ecosystems of growth, empathy, and resilience—an idea that resonates deeply with Sadhguru’s message.
Teachers as Role Models in the AI Era
One of the strongest takeaways from Sadhguru’s address was the reminder that students learn more from who teachers are than from what they say. In an age where AI tools can provide instant answers to academic queries, the human qualities of a teacher—kindness, passion, creativity, and wisdom—are what will continue to inspire students.
Therefore, the teacher's role must evolve from knowledge dispenser to mentor and role model. Teachers demonstrating curiosity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence will encourage students to mirror these traits, helping them thrive in a future shaped by technological and social change.
The Larger Message for Education in India
With its rapidly growing student population and increasing technology adoption in classrooms, India stands at a crossroads. While AI offers powerful tools for personalized learning and efficiency, it cannot replace the human connection and emotional guidance that teachers provide.
Sadhguru’s call to action is timely: teachers must embrace their role as guides and inspirers who bring joy and purpose into the learning process. If educators rise to this challenge, they can ensure that India’s education system produces skilled professionals and compassionate and visionary citizens.
Looking Forward: Education for the Future
The Bengaluru event highlighted a clear vision: the future of education is not about competing with technology but about complementing it. AI can deliver information, but teachers can shape values, character, and wisdom.
As NHVPS celebrates 25 years of building a community rooted in values, the event reminds us that the most enduring impact of education comes not from curriculum or technology but from the inspiration of great teachers.
Sadhguru’s message is clear—teachers who embody joy, compassion, and inspiration will remain irreplaceable, no matter how advanced technology becomes.
Conclusion
The rise of AI may be changing the knowledge landscape, but it also opens an opportunity to reimagine education in profound ways. At the heart of this transformation lies the teacher—not as a transmitter of information but as a beacon of inspiration.
As Sadhguru urged at the Bengaluru event, educators' challenge is not to compete with AI but to cultivate qualities that technology cannot replicate. By being joyful, agile, compassionate, and purposeful, teachers can continue shaping future generations' minds and hearts.
