Teachers’ Day, which is coming on September 5, is celebrated in India to value the contribution of our teachers in shaping our lives. Here’s all that you should know about this significant day.
India will commemorate Teacher’s Day on September 5, as it always does to honor Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was born on that day. Dr. Radhakrishnan, who served as India’s first Vice President and as the country’s second President, was born on September 5, 1888. Teachers are, without a doubt, the most important people in our society. They provide children a sense of purpose, prepare them for success as global citizens, and instill in them a desire to do well and thrive in life. Dr. Radhakrishnan was a firm believer that teachers should be among the brightest minds in the country. Teachers’ Day was first observed in 1962, the year he became India’s second President. Dr. Radhakrishnan served as the first Vice President of India between 1952 and 1962, in which year he became the country’s second President and served in that position until 1967. Dr. Radhakrishnan was a co-founder of Helpage India, a well-known NGO in India that cares for the aged and the underprivileged.
He was one of India’s most eminent scholars of the twentieth century. His book, ‘The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore,’ brought Indian philosophy to the notice of the world. Dr. Radhakrishnan taught at a number of prestigious universities, including Oxford University, the University of Chicago, Calcutta University, Mysore University, and Madras Presidency College. Advaita Vedanta, which essentially teaches that God is One, was the foundation of Dr. Radhakrishnan’s philosophy. He defended Hinduism against “uninformed Western critique” and was instrumental in shaping the present Hindu identity. He became known as the “Bridge Builder” between the West and India.
In 1954, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor. Dr. Radhakrishnan received several more honors, including a knighthood in 1931 and honorary membership in the British Royal Order of Merit in 1963. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize 27 times, 16 times for the Literature Prize, and 11 times for the Peace Prize.
Significance of Teachers’ Day
Teachers’ Day celebrates and recognizes all teachers’ contributions to influencing students’ lives. Though it is not a holiday and kids must report to a school, normal courses are replaced by celebratory activities in school, honoring teachers for their hard work and endless contribution to a student’s educational life. Teachers’ Day honors all teachers, gurus, and mentors who guide their students to become better people, much as Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan did in his time.