The world celebrates Teacher’s Day on October 5 every year; however, every country celebrates Teacher’s Day on different dates. India celebrates Teacher’s Day on September 5 as it’s a birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishna, a highly-respected teacher, philosopher, and the second President of India (1962 – 1967).
Teacher’s Day celebration
On this special day, classes are commenced holidays, but teachers and students of every school in India celebrate this memorable day by playing games and several school activities. Teachers play a significant role in celebrating Teacher’s Day as a remembrance of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishna’s birthday. As a token of appreciation, senior students take up the teacher role to teach younger students as part of a celebration in some schools. They also distribute chocolates and sweets to each other on this occasion.
The history behind Teacher’s Day celebration
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishna was the first Vice President of India (1952-1962) and the second President of India (1962-1967). He was also an Indian philosopher, academician and statesman. He was a professor of Philosophy at Madras Presidency College and subsequently Professor of Philosophy at the University of Mysore. He was also a Spalding Professor of Eastern Religion and Ethics at the University of Oxford (1936-1952) and the first Indian to hold a professional chair at the University of Oxford. He won several awards during his life, including Bharat Ratna (the highest civilian award in India).
Some of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishna’s friends and students approached him, requesting to let them celebrate his birthday. As a response, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishna said it would be an honor if celebrated as Teacher’s Day. And this showed his affection and dedication towards teachers and the teaching profession. Hence, since 1962, his birthday has been hailed as Teacher’s Day in India on September 5 every year.
Teacher’s Day celebration amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
As the schools are shut down across the country, students showed their gratitude to their teachers via online classes. The virtual speech was prepared by students and delivered online to convey their wishes to the teachers. This year India has celebrated Teacher’s day online by performing various virtual activities.
