From Ramakrishnan–Swami Vivekanand to Ramakant Achrekar-Sachin Tendulkar: Famous Indian Guru-Shishya pairs

In India, the relationship between a Guru and Shishya is considered to be sacred. As per the Guru-Shishya Parampara or the teacher-student culture, a Guru's knowledge is imbibed to their disciple who takes their teachings and learnings ahead. On the occasion of Guru Purnima today-- a day when one's Gurus, teachers, and mentors are remembered and revered-- here we list down some famous Indian Guru-Shishya pairs of all time.

Photo (L-R): Canva & Vinod Kambli/ X

Guru Dronacharya and Arjun from the epic Mahabharata are one of the greatest examples of Guru-Shishya in Indian traditions. It was by Guru Dronacharya's guidance and teachings that Arjun became the best archer in the world.

Photo: Shutterstock

Chanakya and Chandragupta Maurya's Guru-Shishya pairing is that of one of the most famous gurus in India and one of the best rulers in the world. Chanakya's teachings and guidance helped Chandragupta Maurya to become the Emperor of Magadha from 322 BC to 297 BC and create the Maurya dynasty. Chanakya is widely credited for helping Chandragupta Maurya's rise to power and in the establishment of the Maurya Empire. His teachings and lessons are widely popular and relevant even today.

India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, was a devoted student of Mahatma Gandhi. Nehru was Gandhi ji's most trusted adviser and an avid follower of his principles and ideas. Nehru was considered Gandhi ji's political heir, so much so that his close association with Mahatma Gandhi helped him become the first Prime Minister of independent India.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Young Vivekanand (then Narendra Nath Datta) was a bright student but he was confused in life. However, it was under Ramakrishna's guidance that shaped Swami Vivekanand into a global spiritual leader and founder of the Ramakrishna Mission. Meeting Ramakrishna and becoming his most prominent disciple was a turning point in Swami Vivekananda's life and it nurtured his spiritual growth. It was Ramakrishna's wisdom and teachings that enlightened Vivekananda.

Photo: Canva

The 'God' of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar widely credits his success to his guru Ramakant Achrekar, who saw his hidden talent and honed it over many years. It was Ramakant Achrekar who taught 'master blaster' Sachin how to bat! Over the years, Ramakant Achrekar was also the coach to many cricketers including Vinod Kambli, Pravin Amre, among others at Mumbai's Shivaji Ground.

Photo: Vinod Kambli/ X

Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit is famous for her dancing skills and expressions. It was Birju Maharaj under whose guidance she learned Kathak. Meanwhile, in the film industry, Madhuri mainly trained and honed her dancing skills from the late choreographer Saroj Khan.

Photo: Film History Pics/ X

Imran Mirza is not ace Indian tennis player Sania Mirza's father but also one of her first gurus. A sports journalist by profession, it was Imran who first took Sania to a tennis court at the age of six. He, along with other coaches- both national and international, trained Sania and also helped her build a successful career in tennis.

Photo: Sania Mirza/ Instagram