• By Rawat Admin
• In Academic ,
• Posted September 02, 2025
• Views 303

The Story of Eklavya and Drona: Lessons on Dedication and Respect

Throughout history and mythology, some stories rise above time and culture to teach life lessons. The story of Eklavya and Dronacharya is one such impassioning tale: it teaches an important life lesson about dedication, determination, self-learning, and respect for teachers. It is the story that reminds us that real art is learned through discipline, not through some sort of privilege. 

Who was Eklavya?

Eklavya was a young tribal boy who had dreamed of becoming a skilled archer like the prince of Hastinapur. He is genuinely dedicated to learn archery, so he devoted himself to talking to Guru Dronacharya, the royal teacher of the Kuru princes, to become his disciple. Drona refused because Eklavya was not from a royal community. But Eklavya's spirit was unbreakable. He made a clay statue of the guru and practised archery, assuming that Guru Dronacharya was watching him. 

Who was Dronacharya? 

Drona is a great teacher of the Kauravas and Pandavas, among whom was actually King Arjuna himself. Drona was known to teach archery and martial arts to his students, and throughout the story, he maintained his conduct from admitting Eklavya as his student. But Eklavya's determination helps him to learn the best archery. 

Self-Learning: A Testament to Dedication

Instead of giving up, Eklavya created a clay statue of Guru Dronacharya and began teaching himself archery. He practices archery restlessly. His dedication was so immense that he even surpassed Dronachara's most skilled students, including Arjuna.
At Rawat Public School Jaipur, we promote self-learning, and we also provide digital tools like smart boards and projectors to make learning a fun activity. This results in a better understanding of complex things. 

The Ultimate Test of Respect

Respect can never be put into words and must always be shown through an act, like in the story of Eklavya and his teacher Drona, when he offers his right thumb as a token of gratitude to his teacher. And in today's world, education is not just limited to textbooks; it helps students to become good people with manners and respect for their elders. 

You can read also:- Benefits of Swimming for Children's Health

Lessons for Today's Students

Dedication is the Key to Mastery 

Eklavya, an archery student who belonged to a tribal class, was refused by Dronacharya from attaining the art of archery; therefore, he made a clay model of the guru and sought to achieve the highest level in archery. The story of Eklavya and Dronacharya tells about the dedication and determination that Eklavya shows in learning archery. 

Lessons of  Commitment and Respect

In this rapidly changing world of education, hard work, discipline, and respect remain central to academic excellence. Rawat Public School believes in character building through education. One exemplary story that stands as the paradigm of virtue is that of Eklavya and Guru Dronacharya from the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Even to this day, the story serves as an inspiration for the millions of people across generations on the cardinal subject of unwavering commitment and respect for learning.

You can read also:- Best Academic Schools in Jaipur: CBSE Institutions with Exceptional Performance

Ethics and Sacrifices in a Competitive World

Dronacharya asked Eklaya to give his right thumb as a token of gratitude. He, without thinking, cuts his right thumb and gives it to Guru Dronacharya, knowing that the thumb is very precious to him. This act of sacrifice shows true respect for the teacher as a student.  

An Act of Honour: Beyond the Self

Values and integrity always guide an act of honour. The giving away of the right thumb by Eklavya manifests his respect and regard for his teacher as a higher glorification of guru bhakti beyond personal interests. The story teaches us to give respect to our mentors. 

Linking the Tale with Rawat's Core Values

Our school motto, "Strive for excellence with ethics," is exemplified through the story of Eklavya. Our approach to making students is not only knowledge-centric but also develops them into compassionate and resilient citizens.
While relaying such stories, the annual function retains cultural awareness.Interdisciplinary learning is to be carried out through literature, history, and ethics. Recognition always goes to silent achievers, not only to top-performing students but also to determined and upright ones. 

The NEP and Value-Based Education: Why Stories Like These Matter?

India's New Education Policy (2000) emphasises holistic, value-based, and contemporary-driven learning. The story of Eklavya goes perfectly with this vision. It helps students to make

• Informed Decisions
• Understanding of socio-cultural norms
• Teaches self-discipline and determination. 

Conclusion

Many morals can be gleaned from the story of Eklavya and Drona. The life of Eklavya is full of struggle, but he never loses hope and learns archery because of his dedication.  At our school, we aim to nurture thousands of Eklavyas—children who are driven, respectful, and undeterred by challenges. We believe that education is the true reflection of our character. Through these stories, we not only build strong minds but also noble hearts that are ready to serve and transform the world.