Role Model for students: Why should we look up to them?

A role model, as is implied by the term is a person whose character, work, professional and personal attributes are inspirational. People, especially young adults in the student life are at an impressionable age and it is very important that they have some good moral influence in their lives. Looking up to achievers has a positive influence and students try to emulate them in their actions and behaviour.

In this blog we will look at some role models who have charted out a path to success and become icons for people. These role models may be within the family or outsiders, they may either be living persons or people who are no longer in this world but who have left an indelible mark in the minds of people and continue to live in our memories through their words and actions.

List of the Top 20 Role Model For Students

1. Parents:

“Parents are the ultimate role models for children. Every word, movement and action has an effect. No other person or outside force has a greater influence on a child than a parent “– Bob Keeshan

Parents are the most widely followed by every child and looked up to as role models. Their struggles and achievements have most probably been witnessed by you; and if not seen first-hand, at least you would have heard about them. They always are a great source of inspiration. If it’s not the parents, you will find somebody in the family who you look up to, follow and learn from.

2. Teachers:

Teachers have a very important role to play on the innocent and impressionable minds of children. Most of the students get inspired by their teachers making the role of a teacher quite important.  So, teachers should lead by their example and inculcate good values in their students.

3. APJ Abdul Kalam:

Dr. Abdul Kalam was a very intellectual and learned Indian aerospace scientist. He went on to serve as the 11^th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was a modest and unassuming man who always remained humble even when he was in high positions or power. Although he is no longer in this world, he is still fondly remembered and respected for his achievements and ideas. APJ had an amicable personality and is a perfect role model for students.

4. Stephen Hawking:

Dr. Stephen Hawking exemplified what the human mind could achieve despite being physically handicapped. He was a widely acclaimed theoretical physicist and cosmologist; he inspired millions of people to be successful in professional and academic life despite physical shortcomings. He suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but despite that he lived till an age of 76 years, through sheer determination and dedication.  His intelligence led him to do exceptional work in theoretical physics.

5. Nelson Mandela :

Mandela was a South African socio-political leader and an anti – apartheid revolutionary. He was the first black Head of the State and served as the President of South Africa from the during1994- 99. He was a philanthropist also. He is held in high regard for his thoughts and his efforts to abolish slavery and raising voice for rights of African people.

6. Sachin Tendulkar:

It is often said that the sports give us valuable lessons of leadership and adaptability in life.  The ace cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar has shown us how good personal qualities can combine with professional expertise to create a success story. He is known for his humility despite his great success. He is an excellent role model and continues to inspire people.

7. Mary Kom:

Is another inspirational example from the field of sports. She is brave and accepted lots of challenges in life. She holds a world record of 6 times as the World Amateur Boxing Champion. A movie by the same title has been made on her to showcase her achievements to the world.  Mary Kom is a role model for everyone who wishes to brave all odds in life, with a ‘never say die’ attitude.

8. J.K Rowling:

She is a popular and inspirational author who went on to create the Harry Potter which is a highly successful series of books. Her books have been sold in huge number all over the world. She is also associated with a lot of public service work.

9. Michelle Obama:

Michelle Obama, as the First Lady of the United States has set a very good example with her family values and bonding, her professional and philanthropic work.  She is known to be humble and very gentle with children.  She continues to figure in the list of top role models.

10. Ratan Tata:

He has been a successful businessman and a wonderful human being. The winner of many prestigious awards, he has also done excellent work in social service and philanthropy. He continues to support the people when required and in the times of calamities. He is not only revered in the Tata group but outside also. His professional success and humane qualities make him as a great human.

11. Mother Theresa:

Mother Teresa embodied love, compassion and selfless service. Her exemplary efforts for the destitute children in Kolkata can never be forgotten. She has shown us the way, of how one human being can be compassionate towards another without any ulterior motive or selfish gain.   She was conferred sainthood in Vatican City, by the Roman Catholic Church, and is also referred to as Saint.

12. Sardar Vallabhai Patel:

He was a good lawyer, freedom fighter and leader; and is also referred to as the Iron Man of India. He played a key role in the freedom and post-independence development of India. His patriotic spirit was worth emulating. His inimitable qualities of honesty and dedication make him stand in good stead.

13. Amartya Sen:

This Nobel award winning economist is a true intellectual who has inspired many to continue dedicatedly in the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. He has postulated several ideas and theories for socio-economic growth and development.

14. Naseeruddin Shah:

He is acknowledged as one of the most talented and decorated actors with great acting skills. He illustrates how somebody with no film background or references in the film industry can make it big based on pure hard work and dedication.

15. Oprah Winfrey:

This influential media personality is a case in point on women empowerment. Even after being a victim of child abuse but rose above that to become a truly magnificent television and media personality who transforms and impacts the lives her audience through her guests on her talk shows. Many women from all cultures and from different parts of the world look up to her as their role model.

16. Aung San Suu Kyi

She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. She is an activist and politician and upholds good social causes. She has worked a lot for the re-establishment of democracy and freedom in Myanmar. Her courage, beliefs and activities inspire multitudes.

17. Barack Obama (Former President of the United States)

He has been one of the most popular and loved Presidents of the United States of America. He worked towards bringing a lot of positive changes during his tenure. He exemplifies humility, philanthropy and action worthy of imitation to achieve good results. He is indeed a good role model.

19. Emma Thompson:

She is a renowned and brilliant actress, human rights advocate and screenwriter. She is an environmentalist working towards significant activities like climate change, loss of wildlife, poverty etc. She also may inspire students to return back the achievements to the society.

20. Malala Yousafzai :

She is a young girl and an activist who has worked relentlessly towards education for women. She has suffered hardships and torture, even an assassination attempt, yet has not cowed down under pressure or stress. She is one of the youngest Nobel laureates and is working towards girl education. She is also a published author. Her grit and determination as well as service to women kind establish her as a very good role model.

It is evident from the above examples that people from different fields and arenas of life can serve as role models. It is important to understand and appreciate the exemplary qualities that they display and make sincere efforts to try and adopt those qualities to contributing positively towards our fellow human beings and the world at large.