Celebrating Teacher’s Day

Every year on September 5, we celebrate Teacher’s Day all around the country. This day is celebrated to honour the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He was the first Vice President (1962-1967) and the second President of India (1962-1967).

Along with being an exceptional leader, Radhakrishnan was also a scholar and philosopher. He wrote several books explaining the philosophy behind Hindu religious texts. His intention behind this was to educate Western countries about Indian philosophies. 

Dr. S. Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, into a Telegu family in Thiruthani, Tamil Nadu. Growing up, he was awarded many scholarships. At the young age of 16, he enrolled into the Madras Christian College to study philosophy. Radhakrishnan belonged to a poor family, so when a cousin passed on his philosophy books to Radhakrishnan, he decided to take it up as a course. 

His students held him in high esteem. When asked if they could celebrate his birth anniversary on September 5, he responded by saying, “Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if September 5th is observed as Teachers’ Day”. He was appointed as the President of India during this time. 

Since 1962, every year on September 5, teachers all around the country are celebrated. Schools organize special programmes for teachers on this day. Songs, dances, plays, poems and more are performed by students to show their love and appreciation for their teachers.