Every child finds role models in different people, whether it’s their mother, father, siblings, teachers or even their family’s history. It’s natural to look up to someone for Inspiration and as role models. We can draw inspiration from anyone. In this blog, we aim to share the role models that surround us, urging you to identify and appreciate them.

What is a Role Model?

A role model is someone who sets an example and inspires others, especially in terms of their actions and accomplishments. Teenagers and students learn how to live honestly, enthusiastically, purposefully, ambitiously, and empathetically through role models. They are essential to a student’s healthy development.

Some Qualities of Role Models are:

• Committed to Society
• Passionate about work
• Ability to tackle Obstacles
• A person with a Value System.
• Selfless & Tolerant towards any Religion.

Top 20 Role Models 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 significantly influences a child more than a parent “– Bob Keeshan.

A parent is a child’s first teacher, role model, and so on. Their struggles and achievements have most probably been witnessed by you, and if not seen first-hand, you would have heard about them. It is always good to have a role model at home.

Qualities such as patience, understanding, dedication, commitment, respect, fairness, effective communication skills, honesty, integrity, and the ability to express love and affection serve as sources of inspiration for children, encouraging them to admire and look up to their parents.

2. Teachers

Teachers have a significant influence on children’s impressionable minds. Since most pupils take inspiration from their teachers, a teacher’s job is crucial. A good teacher always sets the right example for their children and inspires them to pursue their goals diligently and continuously strive for self-improvement.

3. Soldiers

Children can pick up a lot of good traits from our soldiers such as life discipline and personal discipline. Our soldiers are constantly alert to protect our nation from both internal and external threats. Such readiness necessitates a high degree of specialization. By considering soldiers as role models, children can embrace discipline, selflessness, develop empathy and respect their nation.

4. Sachin Tendulkar

It’s often believed that sports teach us critical life skills about leadership and adaptation. The legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar demonstrates how success stories can be made with good character traits. His perseverance highlights the importance of hard work. His humility, despite his considerable accomplishments, can inspire children to stay humble and grounded. He continues to serve as an inspiration to others and is a great role model.

Last but not least, Tendulkar’s sportsmanship and integrity make him a true role model, inspiring children to uphold values of fairness, honesty, and integrity.

5. APJ Abdul Kalam

The people’s president Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, a notable figure of this era, was an excellent role model for all Indian youngsters. A brilliant Indian aerospace scientist, he had a humble beginning. Through dedication and perseverance, he achieved remarkable heights in the Indian civilian space program, making it one of the most significant in the country. Later, from 2002 to 2007, he served as India’s 11th president.

6. Stephen Hawking

 Dr. Stephen Hawking was one of a kind. His life serves as a genuine inspiration, demonstrating that with unwavering determination, nothing can hinder you from achieving your goals.

Stephen Hawking, despite being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in his early 20s, didn’t succumb to adversity. Instead, he persevered and made groundbreaking discoveries about black holes in 1974, revolutionizing the field of physics. Despite the average life expectancy of 14 months after diagnosis, he defied the odds, living for 56 years with ALS, leaving an extraordinary legacy.

A cosmologist and theoretical physicist, he also authored many bestselling books.

7. Nelson Mandela

Mandela was a sociopolitical figure in South Africa and a revolutionary against apartheid. He presided over South Africa from 1994 to 1999 and was the country’s first black head of state. He was also a generous giver. For his ideas, his work to end slavery, and his advocacy for African people’s rights, he is highly regarded.

8. Michelle Obama

As the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama has demonstrated excellent family values, professional and charitable endeavors. She is renowned for being modest and exceptionally kind to youngsters. She is still included on the top role models list.

9. Oprah Winfrey

When discussing role models, it is essential to highlight Oprah Winfrey’s remarkable journey from poverty to becoming a billionaire. Her meteoric rise serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of resilience, hard work, and determination in achieving tremendous success against all odds.

Despite having experienced child abuse, this television and media personality is the best example of of positive thinking. Despite overcoming numerous obstacles, Oprah Winfrey emerged as a shining star. Her highly acclaimed show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, gained widespread recognition. Utilizing her success and vast resources, she dedicates herself to fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of others, making a positive impact on numerous lives.

10. Sundar Pichai

India-born Sundar Pichai, is one of the highest-paid CEOs in the world. He oversees both Google and Alphabet Inc. as CEO. For students worldwide who are interested in computer science engineering, Mr. Pichai has emerged as the perfect role model.

11. Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa, the epitome of kindness, love, and unselfish service, exemplified how one person can show genuine compassion without seeking personal gain. Her dedicated service to homeless children in Kolkata remains a profound and unforgettable contribution. Recognized as a saint, she was bestowed with sainthood by the Roman Catholic Church in Vatican City.

12. Helen Keller 

Helen Keller was the first deaf and blind person to receive a bachelor’s degree in the arts. She developed a fever when she was 19 months old, which caused her to lose her hearing and vision. Helen was taught sign language and Braille by Anne Sullivan, a remarkable woman worth learning about, who devoted her life to the cause.

She is renowned for fighting for the rights of persons with impairments, particularly those who are blind or deaf and blind.

13. Elon Musk

 In the fourth industrial revolution era, Elon Musk emerges as an exceptional role model for children. The co-founder of the renowned electric vehicle company Tesla and the creator of SpaceX and Neuralink, he is constantly pushing boundaries and innovating in various fields. 

He developed an interest in computers at the age of 10. Teaching himself programming, he sold his first software at 12. His ventures include Zip2 (1995), X.com (1999), PayPal (2000), SpaceX (2002), Tesla (2004), SolarCity (2006), OpenAI (2015), Neuralink (2016), and his acquisition of Twitter (2022).

14. Serena Williams 

The winner of 23 prestigious singles titles, Serena Williams embodies determination, empowering women, and sportsmanship. Her relentless pursuit of excellence, advocacy for gender equality, and graceful demeanor inspire others to strive for greatness, break barriers, and exhibit fair play. 

As a role model, she empowers individuals to embrace their potential and positively impact the world.

15. Malala Yousafzai

 Malala Yousafzai, one of the youngest Nobel laureates, is from Pakistan. 

This education activist endured hardships, torture, and even an attempted assassination, yet she persevered to become the influential figure she is today. Never succumbing to pressure or stress, she sought refuge in England and has since been advocating for the equal right to education for girls worldwide. She has also had books published. Indeed, she is a role model for strength, determination, and service to women.

16. Bill Gates 

Bill Gates, an excellent example of a change-maker, is the person responsible for bringing personal computers to the world. He started Microsoft, a company that makes computer software, in 1975 with his friend Paul Allen. He led the company until 2000. 

After leaving Microsoft, he started focusing on helping others through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Bill Gates has made a big difference in the world through his hard work and generosity.

17. Cristiano Ronaldo

One of history’s best athletes is Cristiano Ronaldo, often called CR7. Most significantly, he serves as an inspiration to many young football fans throughout the world. From growing up in relative poverty till he was a very young child to losing his father in 2005, Cristiano has endured a lot to become the man he is today. He is the epitome of bravery, tenacity, and perseverance when it comes to overcoming challenging circumstances.

18. Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama, who identifies him as a straightforward Buddhist monk, is one of the most recognized spiritual figures. He is known for promoting freedom and democracy for both his nation and the entire world. He serves as an inspiration to everyone who wants to make the world a better place. Even in the face of overwhelming antagonism, he has supported nonviolent policies. 

19. Emma Watson

British actress Emma Watson is a campaigner, model, and actress who sprang to fame for playing Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movie series. She became an overnight star, but she has always utilized her position to promote social concerns outside of her acting career. She is well known for advocating women’s rights and gender equality. She has established herself as a role model for many, particularly young people, thanks to her intelligence, grace, and commitment to making a positive difference.

20. Narender Modi

Several factors make Narendra Modi, India’s 14th prime minister, a role model. From humble beginnings, Modi climbed the political ranks, establishing himself as a resilient and influential leader. His unwavering commitment, perseverance, and innovative leadership style distinguish him. As the head of state, he has spearheaded initiatives like “Make in India,” “Digital India,” and “Skill India” to foster job creation, technological progress, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.

These are just a few examples of famous and influential people that can inspire children. These individuals have achieved great success in their respective fields and made positive contributions to society through their advocacy, philanthropy, and inspirational stories. It is essential to understand and appreciate their exemplary qualities and sincerely try and adopt those qualities to contribute positively towards our fellow human beings and the world at large.