Every year, India commemorates Teachers\’ Day on September 5th, dedicated to honoring the memory of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Dr. Radhakrishnan, who was born on this day in 1888, held not only the positions of India\’s first Vice President and former President but also a distinguished career as a scholar, philosopher, and recipient of the esteemed Bharat Ratna award.
Dr. Radhakrishnan\’s extraordinary educational journey, supported by scholarships, culminated in the attainment of a master\’s degree in Philosophy. In 1917, he authored a significant work titled \’The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore.\’
From 1931 to 1936, he served as the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University, followed by his tenure as the Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University in 1939. His outstanding contributions were duly acknowledged when he received the Bharat Ratna award in 1954, and in 1963, he was granted an honorary membership in the British Royal Order of Merit.
The origin of Teachers\’ Day in India can be traced back to Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan\’s assumption of the second presidency of India in 1962. When his students expressed their desire to celebrate his birthday on September 5, he graciously redirected their focus by suggesting the commemoration of September 5 as Teachers’ Day. This shift was intended to pay tribute to the invaluable contributions of teachers to society, reflecting Dr. Radhakrishnan\’s belief that \”teachers should be the best minds in the country.\”
Since then, September 5 has been embraced as Teacher’s Day, with celebrations extending to schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions. Students actively participate in various activities, such as performances, dances, and elaborate shows, to convey their heartfelt appreciation for their revered teachers.
Even for those who have graduated from educational institutions, Teachers’ Day remains an excellent opportunity to express gratitude to their mentors and recognize the profound influence teachers have had on their lives. Teachers undeniably serve as the cornerstone of quality education and take pride in their students\’ achievements.