Teachers' Day 2025: Day dedicated to the ideals of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan; know history & importance

Teachers Day 2025: National Teachers' Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and dignity every year on 5 September in India. This day is a special opportunity to express gratitude and respect for teachers. Teachers are not only carriers of knowledge, but they are also guides giving direction to the lives of students. They play an important role in students' character building, development of moral values, ​​and progress of society.

Beginning of Teachers' Day 

The tradition of National Teachers' Day began in 1962. This day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of the second president of India and the first vice president, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Dr. Radhakrishnan was born on 5 September 1888 in Tirutni, Tamil Nadu. As a unique student of philosophy, he received higher education from Madras Christian College and then dedicated his life to teaching work for about 40 years.

After becoming president, some of his students and friends thought of celebrating his birthday specially. But Dr. Radhakrishnan politely turned it down and suggested that his birthday be dedicated not only to him but to all teachers across the country. This is the reason that the tradition of celebrating National Teachers' Day started on 5 September, which continues even today.

Dr. Radhakrishnan: Global spokesperson of Indian philosophy

• Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan is credited with getting Indian philosophy recognized globally.
• His teaching style was very impressive and inspiring, due to which the students used to give him immense respect.
• He was the vice-president from 1952 to 1962 and president from 1962 to 1967.
• In the year 1954, he was awarded the country's highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna.
• He was nominated for the Nobel Prize 27 times in his lifetime.

Dr. Radhakrishnan believed that the purpose of education is not only to give knowledge of books but also to pave the way for personality building and upliftment of society.

Importance of Teachers' Day

The Guru-Shishya tradition has special significance in India since ancient times. The guru has been given the highest position since the era of the Vedas and Upanishads.

• Teachers not only give knowledge to students but also teach moral values, confidence, and the ability to deal with the challenges of life.
• Teachers' Day provides an opportunity to keep this tradition alive and recognize the contribution of teachers.
• This day gives the message of making teaching an inspirational and respectable profession in society.

Celebrations across the country

• Special events are organized in schools, colleges, and universities on Teachers' Day.
• Students present cultural programs, dances, drama, songs, and speeches in honor of their teachers.
• Teachers are expressed gratitude by giving flowers, cards, and gifts.
• On this occasion, every year the President of India presents the National Teacher Award to excellent teachers.
• Many educational institutions also present new teaching techniques and innovations on this day.

Not only students, but also parents and local communities actively participate in programs organized in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.