Every year on September 5th, Teachers Day commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, India’s first vice president (1952-1962) and a teacher and philosopher. This day is observed to honour the bond that exists between children and their mentors, who have a significant impact on their lives in various ways.
Dr. Radhakrishnan was also India’s second president (1962-1967). Dr. Radhakrishnan remained a teacher throughout his life, despite his many accomplishments and contributions. True teachers, he believed, are those who assist us in thinking for ourselves, so they should be the best minds in the country.
Teacher’s Day is observed on September 5 in India, while World Teacher’s Day is observed on October 5 every year. This day is significant in the lives of both teachers and students. This is a day to recognise and thank all mentors and teachers. Schools and higher educational institutions across India pay tribute to Dr. Radhakrishnan on this day.
Know all about Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan
- Dr. Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, to a Brahmin family in Tiruttani, Andhra Pradesh. He was a fantastic student as well as an outstanding teacher who devoted his life to education.
- During his teaching career, Dr. Radhakrishnan was a popular teacher among his students. He served as vice chancellor of Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University in his later years.
- Dr. Radhakrishnan’s beliefs have inspired thousands of people to pursue higher education.
- When Dr. Radhakrishan became India’s second president in 1962, his students petitioned him for permission to observe September 5 as a national holiday. Instead, Dr. Radhakrishnan proposed that September 5 be designated as Teachers’ Day to honour teachers’ contributions to society. “Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my honour if September 5 is observed as Teacher’s Day,” he said. His birthday has been known as Teacher’s Day since then.
- Dr. Radhakrishnan received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, after his death.
