Why Teachers Day Celebrated On 5th September

In India, Teacher’s Day is observed on 5th September as a mark of tribute to the contribution of the teachers to society and the nation. Teacher’s Day marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnnan, who was the former President, a philosopher, scholar, and recipient of Bharat Ratna. It is on the 5th September teacher’s day that students honour and pay tribute to their teachers by sending greetings, messages, and gifts to them. It is from the year 1962 that teacher’s day is being celebrated on 5th September in India. 

The Story Behind Teachers Day

In India, Teacher’s Day marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnnan on 5th September. He was a renowned scholar, recipient of Bharat Ratna, first vice-President, and second President of the independent nation. It was on September 5, 1888, that Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnnan was born. As an educationist, he was a distinguished envoy, an advocate of edification, an academician, and a great teacher.

When talking about The story behind Teachers Day, it is said that when some friends and students of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnnan approached and requested him to allow them to celebrate his birthday, his words were ‘instead of celebrating my birthday separately, it would be my proud privilege, if 5th September is observed as Teacher’s Day. And it was from then that Teacher’s day in India was observed on 5th September. 

In 1965, Late Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnnan’s prominent students organised a gathering to pay tribute to him (great teacher of repute). It is in that gathering that the deep reservation regarding the celebration of his birth anniversary was expressed by Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnnan. He desired to celebrate his birth anniversary as Teacher’s Day by paying homage to all the great teachers of his country- India and also Bangladesh. 

It has been since 1967 that Teacher’s day is observed on 5th September till date in the country. 

Importance of Teacher’s Day in India

Teaching is considered the noblest profession all over society because it contributes to a greater education population all around the world. Teachers are the ones who opt for the teaching career so that they can spread knowledge and wisdom. It is believed that an educated population majorly contributes to the development of the country. Therefore, for a nation to be economically successful must be home to well-educated citizens with proper guidance and visions. A teacher not only teaches students about the lessons according to the education curriculum but also moulds children into responsible citizens. Now that teachers are the role models for many and are respected by society, they deserve more appreciation and recognition. It is for the same purpose that the 5th September teacher’s day is celebrated in India.

Teacher’s day is important for the students because this day provides an opportunity to them to understand the efforts put in by their teachers so that they can get qualitative education. Similarly, Teacher’s day is important for the teachers as on this particular day, their efforts are recognized, and they are honoured by their students and reputed organisations. 

Celebration of teacher’s Day in India

The contribution of teachers to the life of students can’t be neglected. They must be respected and recognized at least once a year. In India, it is on the 5th of September of every year that Teacher’s day is celebrated to appreciate the contribution of teachers in educating the citizens of the country. 

It is on the 5th September teacher’s day that the National Teachers Awards are awarded to the meritorious teachers of the country by the President of India. The award is conferred as the gratitude of the public to the great teachers teaching in primary schools, middle schools, and secondary schools. The main purpose of the national Teachers Awards is to celebrate the enormous contribution of the finest teachers in the nation and, thus, to honour them.

Teacher’s day is considered a wonderful occasion for celebrating the beautiful and pure bond between teachers and educators. On this day, students in the schools, universities, and colleges organise gatherings, various activities, and games for their teachers to make this special day a memorable one. They perform acts, dance, recite poems, sing songs, etc., to pay their respect to the teachers. Students also thank their teachers by presenting them with handmade greeting cards, gifts, and flowers. They try their best to make their teachers feel special on Teacher’s Day.

Conclusion

Teacher’s day in India is observed on the 5th of September of every year. The reason why Teacher’s day is celebrated on 5th September is to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. He was born on 5th September 1888 and was a great teacher, politician, author, philosopher; and also received Bharat Ratna. The 5th September teacher’s day is celebrated to appreciate and recognize all teachers of the country who try to make learning fun by imparting knowledge and moral values.