Teacher’s Day

Teachers’ Day 2020: In India, Teachers’ Day is celebrated annually on September 5 to mark the birthday of the country’s former President, scholar, philosopher and Bharat Ratna awardee, Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was born on this day in 1888.

The significance of this day is ever-evolving, including taking lessons from life and making your experiences the teachers you needed to shape you into who you become. For school students, the day also means getting roses, chocolates, gifts including handmade cards to profess their affection for their favourite teachers. For senior students, Teacher’s day is one of role reversal and celebration.

Who was Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan

World Teachers’ Day is celebrated on October 5, but every country celebrates the day on different dates. In India, September 5 is marked as Teachers’ Day as it’s the birthday of a highly-respected teacher, philosopher and prolific statesman, Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. Dr Radhakrishnan said that “teachers should be the best minds in the country.”

The story behind Teachers’ Day goes that when Dr Radhakrishan took the office of the second President of India in 1962, his students approached him to seek permission to celebrate September 5 as a special day. Dr Radhakrishnan instead made a request of them to observe September 5 as Teachers’ Day, to recognise the contribution of teachers to the society.

Teacher’s Day is celebrated across schools, colleges, universities and educational institutions. Students put on performances, dances, and host elaborate shows for their most-loved teachers.

This year, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, and schools being shut, the celebrations will be given a miss. However, virtual wishes and greetings are a perfect way to tell your teachers you remember them now and always will.