- Teachers' Day is celebrated in India every year on September 5 to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan is one of the most renowned writers in contemporary India. He has made significant contributions to a variety of subjects starting from theoretical, theological, moral, instructive, communal, and enlightening subjects. He wrote several articles in many recognized journals which are of great importance.?The first Teachers' Day in India was marked on September 5, 1962, which was his 77th birthday.?Why do we celebrate Teachers' Day on September 5?Teachers' Day in India is celebrated on 5th September to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He was a renowned scholar, recipient of Bharat Ratna, first Vice-President, and second President of independent India. He was born on 5 September 1888. As an educationist, he was an advocate of edification and was a distinguished envoy, academician, and above all a great teacher.Dr. Radhakrishnan became President of India in 1962. He was approached by some of his friends and students who requested him to allow them to celebrate his birthday on 5 September. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan responded, "Instead of observing my birthday discretely, it would be my pompous privilege if 5th September is scrutinized as Teachers' Day". Such a request coming from the President of India clearly showcased Dr. S. Radhakrishnan's affection and dedication to teachers. From then onwards, India celebrates Teachers' Day on 5th September.As the common adage goes, the future of a country lies in the hands of its children, and teachers, as mentors, can mould students into future leaders who shape the destiny of India. They play an important role in our lives in helping us become successful in our careers and businesses. They help us to become good human beings, a better member of society, and an ideal citizen of the country. Teacher’s Day is celebrated to acknowledge the challenges, hardships, and special roles that teachers play in our lives.?What is the Significance of Teacher's Day?Teachers Day is one such event to which students and teachers equally look forward. The Day is important for the students as it gives them a chance to understand the efforts put in by their teachers to ensure that they get a proper education. Similarly, teachers also look forward to the Teachers’ Day celebration as their efforts get recognized and honored by students and other agencies as well.Teachers should be respected and honored. In India, on the eve of Teachers' Day, i.e. on 5 September, the National Teachers Awards are given to the meritorious teachers by the President of India. The awards are conferred as public gratitude to praiseworthy teachers working in primary schools, middle schools, and secondary schools.Even according to our Prime Minister Narendra Modi “Teaching is not a profession, a way of life”. Teaching is not a profession but “Jeevan Dharm” (a way of life) and asked teachers to understand changes happening across the world so that they can prepare the new generation to face them. In fact, it is a divine responsibility to guide and enlighten. He also said that India should regain the status of ‘Vishwaguru’ (leader in education) by giving high respect to teachers whom he asked to encourage students to think critically about issues concerning the nation. "Teachers' determination and sincerity will shape the destiny of the nation as they are laying the foundation and the building blocks of the society".
