Teachers' Day is around the corner and it's the perfect day to thank our teachers for all the hard work they do. They not only impart knowledge but also teach us life lessons. They put in extra effort so that everyone can learn. Their job is demanding and requires a lot of patience. They play a vital role in shaping the minds and futures of young people. They help us develop our critical thinking skills, learn about the world around us, and become well-rounded individuals. Therefore, all their hard work should be acknowledged. And what better day to do so than Teachers' Day? So, let's know more about this day and about the man who deserves credit for his contribution to society as an educator and also for dedicating a day to teachers.

Every year, India celebrates September 5 as Teachers' Day. It is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second President of India. He was a renowned scholar, philosopher, and educationist, and this day is celebrated to honour his contribution to the field of education. It also pays tribute to his achievements. 

Born on September 5, 1888, Dr Radhakrishnan was a Bharat Ratna awardee. Despite all his achievements and contributions, Radhakrishnan remained a teacher throughout his life. So, Teachers’ Day is celebrated to honour the memory of India’s first Vice President and to commemorate the importance of teachers in our lives. It's an occasion to acknowledge teachers' vital role in shaping young minds.

Dr Radhakrishnan's advocacy for education led to the establishment of this day. While he was serving as the second President of India in 1962, his students approached him to take permission to celebrate his birthday (September 5) as a special day. Then, Dr Radhakrishnan instead requested them to observe September 5 as Teachers’ Day to give due credit to teachers for their contribution to society. He said that he wanted to share his birthday with all the teachers in India and wished to honour their contribution to society.

Born in a poor Telugu Brahmin family in Tiruttani, Andhra Pradesh, Dr Radhakrishnan relied on scholarships to complete his education. He was a brilliant student and went on to study philosophy at the University of Madras. He obtained a master’s degree in Philosophy and wrote several books on philosophy and religion, including The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore (1917). He later taught philosophy at several universities in India and abroad. He taught at Chennai’s Presidency College and Calcutta University. 

Dr Radhakrishnan was awarded the Bharat Ratna — the highest civilian award in India in 1954. He was admitted as an honorary member of the British Royal Order of Merit in 1963. Dr Radhakrishnan also served as the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University from 1931 to 1936 and the Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1939, succeeding Madan Mohan Malviya.

Dr Radhakrishnan was a brilliant student and a beloved teacher among students. He was a strong champion of education. He believed that education is the key to nation-development and progress in society. He also believed that teachers play a crucial role in shaping the minds and destinies of young people.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru once said about Radhakrishnan, “He has served his country in many capacities. But above all, he is a great teacher from whom all of us have learnt much and will continue to learn. It is India’s peculiar privilege to have a great philosopher, a great educationist and a great humanist as our President.”

Thus, Teachers' Day serves as a reminder of the immense contribution of this educationist and a reminder to celebrate and honour our teachers who do so much for us. It is a day to express our gratitude to teachers for their dedication and hard work. It is also a day to reflect on the importance of education. 

So, don't forget to thank your teachers for their hard work and commitment. 

Happy Teachers' Day!