Why Do We Celebrate Teachers’ Day On September 5? | The Story Of Dr. Radhakrishnan

Teachers’ Day in India, celebrated every year on September 5, is a tribute to the unwavering commitment and guiding spirit of educators in shaping the nation’s youth. The choice of date is not arbitrary—it marks the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, one of India’s most respected scholars, philosophers, and the country’s second President. The story of why his birthday became Teachers’ Day is deeply entwined with his remarkable life and his reverence for the teaching profession.

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The Life and Legacy of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan

Born on September 5, 1888, in a modest Brahmin family in Tiruttani, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Radhakrishnan’s journey was that of relentless pursuit of knowledge. Excelling as a student, he completed his studies in philosophy, earning accolades both in India and abroad. He embarked upon an academic career, serving as a professor at several reputed institutions including Madras Presidency College, Mysore University, and Calcutta University, and as Vice-Chancellor of Andhra and Banaras Hindu Universities.

Dr. Radhakrishnan rapidly gained international recognition as an authority on Indian philosophy and comparative religion. He was invited to teach at Oxford and later represented India at UNESCO and in the Soviet Union. He served as the first Vice President (1952–1962) and the second President of India (1962–1967), maintaining his deep love for teaching and scholarly engagement throughout his political journey.

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The Story Behind Teachers’ Day

The origin of Teachers’ Day on September 5 is a heartfelt one. In 1962, when Dr. Radhakrishnan became President of India, his students and friends wished to celebrate his birthday in a grand manner. Dr. Radhakrishnan, a humble and principled man, politely refused the idea of a personal celebration. Instead, he suggested:

“Instead of celebrating my birthday separately, it would be my proud privilege if September 5 is observed as Teachers’ Day.”

His wish was to dedicate his birthday to honoring teachers and their unparalleled contribution to society. The government heeded his request, and since then, September 5th has been celebrated nationwide as Teachers’ Day.

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The Meaning and Importance of Teachers’ Day

Teachers’ Day is more than a calendric event—it’s a celebration of learning, gratitude, and inspiration:

• Expressing Gratitude: Students across India thank and appreciate their teachers, giving cards, gifts, and flowers. Schools and colleges organize functions, performances, and speeches to highlight the role of teachers in individual lives and in society as a whole.

• Role Reversal: A unique tradition in many institutions is the role reversal, where senior students take over the classrooms as “teachers,” honoring the hard work and responsibilities shouldered by educators.
• Honoring Legacy: The day reminds the nation of the values Dr. Radhakrishnan embodied: humility, pursuit of knowledge, and a belief that “teachers should be the best minds in the country.”

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Dr. Radhakrishnan’s View On Education And Teachers

Dr. Radhakrishnan’s thinking laid the very foundation of educational philosophy in modern India. Some of his most compelling ideas were:

• The Teacher as a Nation Builder: He believed that “teachers lay the foundation of a civilized and progressive society. Their dedicated work and the pain they encounter… deserve high recognition”.

• Education for Values and Character: For him, education went beyond textbooks. It was a tool to instill curiosity, critical reasoning, compassion, and a quest for truth.
• Universal Teacher: He is often described as a “teacher to the nation,” because his lectures and writings inspired not only his students, but leaders, thinkers, and ordinary citizens across India and the world.

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International Perspective: Teachers’ Day Around The World

Interestingly, the date of Teachers’ Day varies worldwide. UNESCO celebrates World Teachers’ Day on October 5 to commemorate the adoption of the UNESCO/ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. In India, however, it’s Dr. Radhakrishnan’s spirit and his unique dedication to educators that anchor September 5 as a special day.

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The Spirit of Celebration: Teachers’ Day Today

More than six decades after its inception, Teachers’ Day in India continues to flourish. Each year, the President of India honors distinguished teachers from across the country with national awards. School functions, speeches, and cultural events remind us how teachers nurture future leaders, scientists, artists, and citizens.

Amidst rapid societal and technological changes, the role of teachers as mentors, guides, and compassionate counselors remains as vital as ever. Dr. Radhakrishnan’s dream was for teachers to be respected, well-supported, and entrusted to shape the soul of a young republic.

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Teachers’ Day

Teachers’ Day on September 5 is an enduring tribute to the life and vision of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. It honors not just his birth, but the birth of a tradition—of revering teachers as architects of the nation’s future. As we express gratitude to our educators, we also renew our collective commitment to uphold the values of learning, curiosity, and respect that Dr. Radhakrishnan so passionately championed.

Let us celebrate Teachers’ Day not only with ceremonies and words but by striving to embody the values of inquiry, humility, and lifelong learning that make good teachers—and good students—great.