Dr RK Behera
Principal, MGM College
Dr. Richard R. Ernst, the 1991 Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, whose pioneering work in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) once remarked: “Children didn’t need any teachers, but motivators.” His words echo with timeless wisdom, reminding us that the heart of education lies not in instruction alone, but in awakening the spark of curiosity within the learner.
Knowledge today is more accessible than ever before. With the click of a button, a child can access libraries of information, tutorials, and courses on almost any subject. Yet despite this abundance, one essential ingredient remains irreplaceable—the presence of a motivator. It is not enough to simply know; what matters most is the inner fire to learn, to ask, to explore, and to create. And that fire is ignited by people who inspire, encourage, and believe in the limitless potential of children. A motivator does more than impart lessons; they cultivate imagination, nurture confidence, and remove the fear of failure. They remind children that mistakes are stepping stones, that curiosity is a gift, and that every small effort is a step toward greatness. History has shown us again and again that some of the world’s greatest minds were not shaped by traditional teaching methods, but by motivators who awakened in them a vision larger than themselves.
Think of Thomas Edison, whose teachers dismissed him as "unteachable," yet his mother’s unwavering belief motivated him to experiment tirelessly until he lit up the world. Or Albert Einstein, who once said that his passion for discovery came not from textbooks but from the encouragement to think differently. These stories remind us that motivation is the force that transforms ordinary learners into extraordinary leaders. In our classrooms, homes, and communities, the responsibility of being motivators rests upon us all. Every word of encouragement, every smile of approval, every opportunity to explore becomes a seed planted in the fertile soil of a child’s mind. And when those seeds are nurtured, they grow into not just intellectual brilliance, but also empathy, resilience, and creativity—the very qualities our future demands.
A motivated child does not merely memorise; they internalise. They do not stop at receiving answers; they learn to ask better questions. They do not fear failure; they see it as a stepping stone to progress. Such children grow into lifelong learners—individuals who will lead with wisdom, compassion, and courage. As educators, parents, mentors, and leaders, let us strive not just to teach, but to inspire. Let us be the motivators who see potential where others see limits, who light fires instead of filling vessels, and who shape individuals not only for success but for significance. For in the end, it is not the information we pass on that defines our legacy, but the inspiration we awaken. And when we become motivators, we do not merely shape students—we shape the future itself.
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