The Upanishads are our ancient texts; they are the interpretations of the Vedic texts by people.

To understand the meaning of the word “Upanishad”, it can be broken down into: Upa (down), ni (knees) and shad (destroy). This means “sitting near the knees of the guru and destroying our ignorance (first de-learning, learning and finally getting rid of the bondages). Sitting near the knees means shed you ego before you start learning. 

Katho Upanishad 2.3.19 also talks about the relationship between the teacher and the student.

सह नाववतु । सह नौ भुनक्तु । सह वीर्यं करवावहै । तेजस्विनावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै ॥ 2.3.१९ ॥

saha nāvavatu | saha nau bhunaktu | saha vīryaṃ karavāvahai | tejasvināvadhītamastu mā vidviṣāvahai ||

Om, Together may we two Move (in our Studies, the Teacher and the Student),Together may we two Relish (our Studies, the Teacher and the Student),Together may we perform (our Studies) with Vigour (with deep Concentration),May what has been Studied by us be filled with the Brilliance (of Understanding, leading to Knowledge)

May it Not give rise to Hostility (due to lack of Understanding),

The teacher student relationship is a sacred relationship and should always remain a relationship of respect.

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

President Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania (CMAAO)

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Past National President IMA