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Teacher’s Day

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second president of India, was born on September 5, 1888. This day has been celebrated as Teacher's Day since 1962. Teacher’s Day is a special day to appreciate teachers and may include some celebrations to recognize their special contributions in a specific field or the entire community.

Observance

On this day, teachers and students go to school, and there, the usual activities and classes are replaced by celebrations, thanks and memorial activities. In some schools, senior students are responsible for teaching to show their appreciation to the teacher.

There is a unique bond between teachers and students. On Teacher’s Day, the students sent them emotional messages and thanked them for believing in us and guiding us in difficult times. Teachers may not be restricted by schools and universities.

Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan was a highly-respected teacher, philosopher and prolific statesman. Dr Radhakrishnan was the first Vice President of India (1952-1962) and later served as the second President of India (1962-1967). Being a bright student, he completed his education by winning scholarships, despite lack of finances. After completing his MA in Philosophy in 1908, Dr Radhakrishnan taught the subject at Madras Presidency College. He then served as the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University from 1931 to 1936, followed by Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1939, succeeding Madan Mohan Malviya.

He was knighted in 1931 and was awarded the Bharat Ratna — the highest civilian award in India in 1954. He was made an honorary member of the British Royal Order of Merit in 1963.

Significance

The story behind Teacher’s Day is that when Dr Radhakrishan became the second president of India in 1962, his students asked him for help to celebrate September 5 as a special day. On the contrary, Dr Radhakrishnan asked them to observe September 5 as “Teacher’s Day” to recognize teachers’ contributions to society.

Teacher’s Day is celebrated across schools, colleges, universities and educational institutions. Students put on performances, dances, and host elaborate shows for their most-loved teachers.