The Teacher’s Day is celebrated in India on September 5, every year, to pay tribute to the Indian philosopher and the country’s Second President, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, who was born on this day. The day is observed to recognize the efforts of teachers and pay respect to them for their efforts in guiding and shaping the future of children.
A good teacher has greater influence in shaping the life of an individual and in certain cases even more than his/her parents. In our country’s culture, a teacher has been given a place above the god. A good teacher’s proper guidance and support is very important in achieving one’s goal in life.
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was an Indian philosopher who was born on this day. He was the First Vice President of India (1952 – 1962) and the Second President of India from 1962 to 1967. Radhakrishnan was awarded several awards during his life, including a knighthood in 1931, the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India, in 1954, and honorary membership of the British Royal Order of Merit in 1963. Radhakrishnan believed that “teachers should be the best minds in the country”. Since 1962, his birthday is celebrated in India as Teachers’ Day on 5 September.
On this day in every school of the country, students arrange and perform various types of cultural programs and activities as a token of love and respect towards their teachers. Outstanding teachers are also given prizes for their contribution in the development of schools and bringing good results from students. Students also give personal gifts to their teachers to express their affection and gratitude.
Role of teachers in the making of a nation is most important and significant; therefore, it is necessary that we pay our utmost respect and gratitude to them and celebrate 5th of September as a day of special teacher-student bonding.