“The mediocre teacher says, the good teacher explains, the superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires”.         – William Arthur Ward

Teachers’ Day or Shikshak Divas is celebrated annually on September 5 in India to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the country’s first Vice President and former President, scholar, philosopher, and Bharat Ratna awardee, who was born on this day in 1888.

When Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan assumed office as the second President of India in 1962, his students approached him to seek permission to celebrate September 5 as his birthday. He instead, requested them to observe September 5 as Teachers’ Day to acknowledge the invaluable contribution of teachers to society. Dr. Radhakrishnan once said, “Teachers should be the best minds in the country.”

This date was chosen to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a renowned Indian philosopher, scholar, and the second President of India, who was also a distinguished teacher. On this day, students across the country express their gratitude to their teachers by giving them cards, flowers, and gifts, and schools often organize special events and programs to celebrate the occasion. Teachers’ Day is an important day to recognize the valuable role teachers play in education and society.

Even for those no longer in school or college, Teachers’ Day is an excellent opportunity to express gratitude to their mentors and acknowledge teachers’ profound influence on their lives. Teachers are the foundation of quality education and often take pride in their students’ success.

In the case of India, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on September 5th, the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a distinguished teacher and philosopher. By commemorating individuals like him, the day also highlights the significance of great educators in history.

The celebration of Teachers’ Day holds significant importance for several reasons:

Honoring Teachers :

Teachers play a crucial role in shaping the future of individuals and society. They impart knowledge, instill values, and serve as role models. Celebrating Teachers’ Day is a way to show gratitude and appreciation for their dedicated efforts and hard work.

Recognizing their Contribution:

Teachers often work tirelessly to educate and mentor their students. By celebrating Teachers’ Day, society acknowledges and recognizes their vital contribution to the development and progress of individuals and the nation.

Inspiring Respect for Education:

Teachers’ Day celebrations help instill a sense of respect and reverence for the teaching profession and education in general. It encourages students to value the importance of learning and the role of teachers in their lives.

Fostering Positive Teacher-Student Relationships:

Teachers’ Day provides an opportunity for students to express their gratitude and affection towards their teachers. It can strengthen the bond between teachers and students, leading to a more positive and supportive learning environment.

Promoting Education:

Celebrating Teachers’ Day often involves various events and programs in schools and educational institutions. These activities can create awareness about the importance of education and motivate students to excel in their studies.

Professional Development:

Teachers’ Day can also be an occasion for educators to reflect on their teaching practices, seek professional development opportunities, and continuously strive to improve their teaching skills.

Building a Knowledgeable Society:

Through education, teachers contribute to the dissemination of knowledge, which is essential for the progress and development of society. Recognizing and celebrating their role encourages the creation of a knowledgeable and informed society.

In essence, Teachers’ Day serves as a reminder of the importance of education and the vital role that teachers play in nurturing the next generation and building a better future for society as a whole. It is a day to express gratitude, inspire, and celebrate the dedication and commitment of educators.