“Teaching is more than imparting knowledge; it is inspiring change. Learning is more than
absorbing facts; it is acquiring understanding.”
—William Arthur Ward
Sagar Bagade, a celebrated artist and a passionate teacher has his own story worth reading.
CHILDHOOD
Sagar Bagade was left on railway tracks at Solapur railway station in 1968. He says “My
childhood was very different from others.” A kind man enrolled him in an orphan ashram in
Pandharpur. Later, he was adopted by a loving family that gave him warmth, love, care and
good education. However, when he was in class 10, his foster parents died too.
EDUCATION
Sagar Bagade was weak in academics. However, this became his major problem after he
passed his class 10. He loved art and found peace practicing it but never thought of it as a
career. It was when his art teacher Mr. Mali advised him to take arts seriously. A perfect
example of how the influence of a good teacher can never be erased. Little did Sagar Bagade
know that he would follow Mr. Mali’s steps, being a teacher.
CAREER
Sagar Bagade then honed his skills in dance and arts inspired by the legendary Govinda. He
then worked with several famous artists and directors. He is now one of the most celebrated
artists, sculptor, choreographer and art director in India. After setting a benchmark in arts, he
decided he wanted to become a teacher by sharing his valuable knowledge and shaping
children’s souls, hearts and minds. He then returned to Gorakhpur to become a passionate art
teacher. He strives to inspire and help children to make a career in arts. He will now retire after a
year and will empower children who live in inaccessible places in the interiors of Maharashtra.
He already has 2 world records in the Asia Pacific Book of world records along with his
students for folk dance. To add on to his achievements, Sagar Bagade will receive the National
Teachers award on this teacher’s day by respected president Draupadi Murmu. It’s truly a
feather in his cap to achieve this feat. Moreover, the most wholesome part is that his students
filled his form to be nominated for the award.
AN INSPIRATION
Sagar Bagade is an inspiration for many teachers. His story shows what wonders a passionate
teacher can do. It is truly said by colleen wilcox “Teaching is the greatest act of optimism.”To
choose a noble profession like teaching and shaping the souls and character of today’s youth is
the greatest act anyone can do. Happy Teachers Day to all such enthusiastic and passionate
teachers!
