Reimagining Teaching: The Modern Guru and Guru-Shishya Ethos in 21st Century Pedagogy

Guru-shishya parampara is a traditional educational setting which was offered in India and thrived for centuries. The blend of traditional system’s values and ideas and modern technological methods should be established and balanced to provide students with not only knowledge but also values, morals, spirituality and life skills. The Modern Guru is the individual who balances these and focuses personalized learning for each student with the help of technology, works closely with the students, focuses not only on dissemination of knowledge but also develops students in a holistic approach. This paper talks about the ancient Guru-shishya Parampara, how to balance and integrate traditional and modern technological systems. The Paper discusses the shift in role of teacher from traditional knowledge giver to a role of mentor, facilitator, narrator, catalyst and guide who has a close relationship with students. The paper discusses how NEP2020 enables teachers to be this Modern Guru who equip students with 21st century employability skills, life skills and lifelong learning skills.