Teachers' Day 2024: India celebrates Teachers' Day annually on September 5, while World Teachers' Day is observed a month later on October 5.
Here’s why Teachers' Day is celebrated on September 5 in India and what makes this day historically and culturally significant.
In India, Teachers' Day is observed as the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was the country's first Vice President and second President. He was a distinguished philosopher and scholar.
In 1954, he was honored with India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, and in 1963, he was granted honorary membership of the British Royal Order of Merit.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in the Madras Presidency. A renowned educator, Dr. Radhakrishnan served as a professor at prestigious institutions like the University of Calcutta and the University of Oxford.
He was also a prolific writer and promoted intercultural understanding through his lectures in America and Europe.
The story of how Dr. Radhakrishnan's birthday became Teachers' Day is a testament to his humility and respect for the teaching profession.
When Dr. Radhakrishnan became the President of India in 1962, some students approached him with a request to celebrate his birthday on September 5.
However, he suggested that instead of celebrating his birthday, September 5th should be observed as Teachers' Day to honour educators nationwide. Thus, September 5 began to be celebrated as Teachers' Day in India.
Indian culture places great value on the relationship between the guru and the shishya (teacher and student). September 5th is not only a celebration of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's birth anniversary but also a tribute to the dedication and hard work of teachers.
It offers students an opportunity to express their gratitude and appreciation, while teachers have a chance for self-reflection and to foster a healthy and inspiring environment for their students.
Teachers' Day is celebrated across educational institutions nationwide. Students pay tribute to their teachers through speeches, songs, and cultural programs.
In schools, it is common for senior students to dress up as teachers and conduct junior classes. Students also present gifts, cards, and flowers as symbols of appreciation for their teachers.
