Teachers’ Day – History, Importance, Celebration and Facts

Teacher’s Day is celebrated every year on 5th September in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of the great educationist – Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He was the second president of India. This day is celebrated on 5th September worldwide. As said that the future of a country is in the hands of teachers and mentors who can provide the country with brilliant students. These students can be potential citizens of the country. The teachers are the friends, philosophers, and guides who hold the hands of their students and open their minds. We cannot ignore the contribution of the teacher to the lives of the students. Teacher’s day is a special day across the world in which the teachers of schools, universities, and colleges are honoured. Teacher’s day is celebrated to appreciate the struggles and the roles of teachers in turning children into responsible educated citizens.

About Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, born on 5th September 1888 was India’s most distinguished 20th-century scholar of comparative religions and philosophers. He was awarded Bharat Ratna and was the first Vice president of India and second president. He completed his education at Madras Christian colleges in 1911, Radhakrishnan was awarded several prestigious awards during his life including a knighthood in1931. He was against the secular vision of the Indian state. The chamber of Rajya Sabha is adorning the Portrait of the great Dr Sarvepalli  Radhakrishnan. He was nominated 5 times for the Nobel prize in literature in 1938.

Awards & Achievements of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

1. Knighthood in 1931.
2. Bharat Ratna Award in 1954.
3. Harmony membership of the British royal order of merit in 1963.
4. He was also a founder of HelpAge India, a non-profit organ for elderly underprivileged citizens in India.

History of Teacher’s Day in India

In the year 1965, Students of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan asked for his permission to celebrate his birthday and held a gathering. During the speech at that gathering, Dr Sarvepalli asked students to celebrate his birthday as the national Teacher’s day. He expressed the wish that his birthday should be a special day for teachers all over India and Bangladesh. From that day, 5th September is celebrated as Teacher’s Day in India and students pay homage to great teachers.

Significance of Teacher’s Day

The country is in the hand of the future generation, the teachers can nourish their future with good guidance. They shape the destiny of India and play an important role in students’ lives to become successful in their careers and businesses. They help them to become good human beings in life and also the ideal citizens of the country. Teacher’s day is celebrated to acknowledge the challenges, hardship, and the special role that teachers play in students’ lives and in the country.

In India, Teachers are always treated next to God who helps us to develop mentally and physically. Our knowledge providers, Our future shapers, Our career mentors, etc. there are endless words that can explain the importance of teachers. Teachers deserve heartily respect every single day. On 5th September, Students all over India show their gratitude and thanks to them for making their lives worth it.

Celebration of Teacher’s Day in India

Teacher’s day is always the most awaited day for students and teachers. It is celebrated with high zeal all over the country. Students decorate the schools and send greetings to the teachers. Students dress up like the teachers and take lectures and teachers act as the students and relive their student lives. Students also organize parties, Games, and fun activities for teachers where they can enjoy the fullest. Students also arrange lunch and many gifts for the teachers and thank them for their great support.

On this day the national teacher’s awards are given to the meritorious teachers by the president of India. This award is given to the teachers who are working in primary school, middle school, and secondary school.

According to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Teaching is not only a profession but it is a Jeewan Dharma. The teachers can have the ability to change our world which is full of negativity. They can prepare a new generation to face difficulties in life. He also said that India should regain the status of Vishwaguru (leader of education) by giving high respect to teachers. They encourage the students to think about critical issues in the nation. He said that “Determination and Sincerity of the Indian teachers will result in a better future of the nation and teachers are laying the foundation and the building block of the society”.

Facts about Teacher’s Day

1. Teacher’s Day is celebrated throughout the world to show respect to the teachers and acknowledge their contribution to society.
2. World Teacher’s Day is celebrated on 5th October.
3. UNESCO declared Teacher’s day on 5th October 1994.
4. Some countries have their own dates on which they celebrate teacher’s day.

Dates of Teacher’s Day Celebration Country Wise