As we celebrate Teachers' Day in India, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, one of India's most revered scholars, philosophers, and statesmen. His teachings on education and philosophy continue to inspire generations, and his contributions to Hinduism and comparative religion have gained international acclaim. The tradition of celebrating Teachers' Day on September 5 originated from Dr. Radhakrishnan's humble suggestion to honor all teachers instead of just his birthday. Today, Teachers' Day serves as a reminder of the crucial role teachers play in shaping the future of the country and as a tribute to their invaluable contributions.
Teachers' Day in India: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Teachers' Day is a special occasion celebrated in India on September 5 to recognize and honor the invaluable role teachers play in shaping the nation's future. This tradition was initiated in honor of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a revered scholar, philosopher, and statesman who served as the first Vice President (1952-1962) and second President (1962-1967) of India.
Background
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu. He was a brilliant student and a distinguished academician, serving as a professor of philosophy at the University of Calcutta and Mysore University. His teachings focused on the importance of education, the universality of religion, and the synthesis of Eastern and Western thought.
In 1949, Dr. Radhakrishnan's students requested that his birthday be celebrated as a day to honor all teachers. However, he humbly declined, suggesting that it be celebrated instead as Teachers' Day. This proposal was widely adopted, and September 5 became a national holiday in India dedicated to honoring the teaching profession.
Significance
Teachers' Day serves as a reminder of the profound impact teachers have on the lives of their students. They not only impart knowledge but also foster critical thinking, inspire creativity, and shape the values and character of the young minds they nurture.
By celebrating Teachers' Day, India expresses its gratitude for the selfless dedication of its educators. It is an opportunity to recognize their contributions, acknowledge their challenges, and highlight the importance of providing support and resources for the teaching community.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why is Teachers' Day celebrated on September 5?
It is celebrated on this date to honor the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the first Vice President and second President of India, who was an ardent advocate for education and teachers.
2. What is the significance of Teachers' Day?
Teachers' Day is an occasion to recognize the immense contribution of teachers to society, acknowledge their challenges, and promote the teaching profession.
3. How is Teachers' Day celebrated in India?
Teachers' Day is celebrated in schools and educational institutions across India. Students express their gratitude to teachers through speeches, performances, gifts, and special activities.
4. What are the current challenges facing the teaching profession in India?
Some challenges faced by teachers in India include large class sizes, inadequate infrastructure, limited training opportunities, and low salaries.
5. What are the past and future trends related to Teachers' Day in India?
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on teacher empowerment and professional development. Future trends may include increased use of technology in teaching, improved teacher training programs, and public campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of teachers.
Dr. Biruk Weyisha, a surgeon from Ethiopia, was all set to tie the knot with his bride in a grand wedding ceremony. However, when a young boy needed emergency surgery, Weyisha didn't hesitate to put his own plans on hold and perform the life-saving operation. The touching story went viral on social media, with many praising Weyisha for his selfless act and dedication to his profession.
Get your daily dose of news and insights on various topics from the Indian perspective with the July 2, 2025 e-Paper. From world affairs to Karnataka highlights, cinema and streaming reviews, technology stories, science updates, data analysis, health tips, and book reviews, this e-paper has it all covered for the curious and informed reader. With a diverse range of topics and engaging content, this e-paper is a must-read for anyone seeking a well-rounded understanding of current events.
The small town of Yarm in the UK was rocked by an armed robbery at Market Cross Jewellers, leaving residents and workers in shock. Sales assistant Kate Soley and assistant manager Laura Wilkinson shared their disbelief and fear, with Soley describing the incident as "really scary." The robbery has caused concern for the safety of the community and has raised questions about the perpetrators' motives and preparation.
The Indian Army paid its respects to Captain Vikram Batra on his 26th death anniversary. Known for his heroics during the 1999 Kargil war, Captain Batra displayed immense courage and made the ultimate sacrifice for his nation. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid homage and praised Captain Batra's bravery and sacrifice, which remains an iconic example of courage in service to the country. July 26 is observed as Kargil Vijay Diwas to commemorate the Indian Army's victory in Operation Vijay.
The Hindu announces the fifth edition of its renowned ideas conclave, The Hindu Huddle, which will be held in Bengaluru in 2025. The theme for this edition is "India in Dialogue" and will feature discussions on the politics of federalism in India. The previous editions of this event have seen some of the most influential voices from various fields, and this year's event promises to bring together leaders from the public and private sectors for a thought-provoking conversation on important global issues. Don't miss out on this event that has the power to shape the future!
Indian chess grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi faced backlash on social media after posting a message on Doctors' Day, honouring his family who are ayurvedic and homoeopathy doctors. A prominent handle criticized these Indian medical systems as "pseudo-science," sparking a debate on the validity and recognition of these practices. However, the attack on these systems reveals deeper insecurities and hypocrisies within the allopathic community, highlighting the need for more open-mindedness and inclusivity in the medical field.
Catch up on all the latest news and stories from India and around the world with our daily e-paper. Get a unique take on world affairs with our special Indian perspective. Stay updated with top highlights, technology stories, science news, reviews, and features from all over. Also, receive your weekly dose of jargon-free science and health tips from our expert writers. Plus, get the best reads from the world of books and cinema with our exclusive columns and reviews.
A team from Vantara, a wildlife conservation initiative founded by Anant Ambani, rushed to the aid of three elephants who ran amok during the 148th Jagannath Rath Yatra in Ahmedabad. The team provided emergency medical care and behavioral support to the distressed animals. This incident highlights the vital role Vantara plays in the welfare of rescued elephants, as they are equipped with the world's largest elephant care centre and advanced veterinary services. Their prompt action during the recent chaos has been praised by both local authorities and the Jagannath Temple Management.
A RTI inquiry filed by Godfrey Pimenta has revealed that 275 animals have died at Byculla Zoo in Mumbai between 2019 and 2025. The zoo claims that these deaths are not unusual and are primarily due to natural causes. However, recent reports about the deaths of three Humboldt penguins and the last elephant, Anarkali, have sparked concern and criticism. The zoo plans to expand its premises by 10 acres to accommodate its 388 current residents and further enhance its species diversity, including the recent addition of four rare gharials. While some species have seen significant declines in population, others such as Cockatiels, Royal Bengal Tigers, and Humboldt Penguins have seen an increase in numbers.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently in Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit, took to social media to honor the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain on the solemn occasion of Ashoora-e-Muharram. The day is marked by millions of Muslims, both Shia and Sunni, who gather to pay homage to the martyrs of the Battle of Karbala, highlighting the values of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering determination in the face of oppression and tyranny. In Kashmir, a traditional Muharram procession was held on Friday, and it will be followed by another on Sunday, to commemorate the 10th day of the month which marks the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions.