Why India celebrates 5th September as Teachers' Day
A teacher conducting class
What is Teachers' day?
Teachers' day is dedicated to teachers, mentors, and gurus ( a term used in the olden days to address a teacher which is relevant and widely used even today). A day is assigned to honor the selfless work and dedication of each teacher in India. So, 5th September is the day chosen to celebrate Teacher's Day.
One would wonder why 5th September? Why not any other day?
Well, It's the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, an exceptional teacher and former President of India. His birth anniversary is celebrated as Teacher's Day.
Why is Teachers' day celebrated on 5th September?
On September 5, 1888, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born in a middle-class family in Tirutani, Tamil Nadu. He was a passionate teacher and taught for over four decades. He was appointed as the President of free India in 1962.
He dedicated his life to education and the youth of the country. He believed that"Teachers should be the best minds in the country".Once his students told him that they wanted to celebrate his birthday. To this Dr. Radhakrishnan said, "Instead of celebrating my birthday, it would be my proud privilege if September 5 is observed as Teachers' Day."
Henceforth, the tradition to celebrate Teachers' Day started in 1962 to honor him as well as the teachers across the country.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
Who is Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan??
Dr.Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan is the first Vice President of India and second President of free India.
He attended the Hermannsburg Evangelical Lutheran Missionary School. He was an incredible student who studied philosophy at Christian College in Madras( now Chennai). He attended Elizabeth Rodman Voorhees College in Vellore.He was a passionate teacher and taught at Chennai's Presidency College and Calcutta University. He became Vice-Chancellor of Andhra Pradesh University. Delhi University and Benaras Hindu University.
In 1936, he was invited by Oxford to teach 'Eastern Religions and Ethics'. He taught there for 16 years. Dr. Radhakrishnan represented India at UNESCO(1946-52). He was declared Ambassador of India to the Soviet Union.
In 1952, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was appointed as the first Vice President of India. Then, in 1962, became the second President of India. He was awarded the prestigious Bharat Ratna in 1952. He received the German'Order pour le Merite for Arts and Science'. In 1961, was honored with the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade.
How is teachers' day celebrated in India?
Every year, on 5th September, schools across India celebrate Teachers' Day. It is a working day for all but there are no classes on that day.
Students actively practice songs, dance, skits, for weeks together for this special day. On 5th September, the teachers are welcomed to the school with bouquets, roses, or garlands. All the teachers are showered with gifts, flowers, greeting cards, cakes, chocolates, and bouquets as a token of love and appreciation for their selfless work, efforts, and guidance to each and every student.
Also, small skits are performed by students to showcase their love, respect, and appreciation for their beloved teachers.
Some schools celebrate the day by impersonating the teachers. High school students dress up as their teachers, some wear sarees, some formal pants, and shirts. Students dressed as teachers take classes that day with junior students attending them. Teachers are given a day off from regular teaching, made to feel special, and allowed to enjoy their day. A grand lunch is arranged for the teachers at the end of the celebration.
Celebrating Teachers' Day during Pandemic in India
As the teachings in schools are online since 2020, so the year 2021 is no different. Classes are being conducted online, so are all the celebrations. Pandemic is not a hindrance in any form.
This year also, schools across India are preparing virtual celebrations for their teachers. Students are actively participating in virtual songs, dance, and skits. The teachers have already been given virtual invites for the teachers' day celebration. The schools are planning to conduct competitions for teachers such as song, dance, no fire cooking, rangoli making,etc.
Thank you Teachers
Conclusion
Teachers' Day is one of the most memorable days in the life of a teacher and a student. It is a day when teachers are appreciated for their hard work. Teachers play an important role in shaping future generations with love, empathy, care, and knowledge. A teacher not only imparts academic knowledge but also shares ethical values They shape the personality of each student and make them better humans.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2021 Poonam Francis
