Teacher’s Day

Teacher’s Day is celebrated in India on September, 5,  as a mark of  respect and to recognize teachers’ contribution towards the society in general. The “Teacher’s Day” commemorates the birthday of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakhrishnan, a great teacher, educationalist and statesman. It is said that when Dr Radhakrishnan became the second President of India (1962-1967), his students and friends requested him to allow them to celebrate his birthday, but he said, “Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if September 5 is observed as Teachers’ Day.”

Although the Indian traditions have been honoring spiritual teachers by celebrating Guru Purnima for centuries, the Teacher’s day is observed in schools and academic institutions to honor teachers for their special contributions in particular field areas and for their selfless effort towards shaping the carriers of their students.

The day usually starts with a warm Teacher’s Day speech to thank the teachers for their contribution. Few traditional methods include gifting beautiful Teachers Day cards and other gifts to the teacher as tokens of love and respect. Students also select popular Teacher’s Day quotes to convey messages of gratitude to their teachers and leave them at their desk. Some institutions also allow their senior students to pose as teachers  and take lessons on this day and thus realize what it means to be a teacher and his responsibilities.

Teacher’s Day is also to remember and get inspired by Dr Radhakrishnan, who showed immense love for the teaching position and made a great contribution in the education system of India. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, said about Dr Radhakrishnan: “He has served his country in many capacities. But above all, he is a great teacher from whom all of us have learnt much and will continue to learn. It is India’s peculiar privilege to have a great philosopher, a great educationist and a great humanist as her President. That in itself shows the kind of men we honor and respect.”