September 5 is Teachers' Day. Not only a day to remember your teacher and say ‘thank you' but to also pay tribute to Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
The world celebrates Teacher's Day on October 15, but in India, this important day is celebrated on September 5, the birthday of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, an academic philosopher and India's second President.
Dedicated to this great man's memory, the occasion is looked forward to by students and teachers alike. It provides an opportunity to take a moment and thank some of the most important people in our lives, the ones who impart knowledge and instruct us.
The great and lasting influence a teacher can have on the student's life is undeniable, and a good teacher is remembered forever.
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan staunchly believed in the importance of education and was one of India's celebrated diplomat, politician, scholar and above all, teacher. He also wrote on a number of issues and subjects, and to date, his books remain an excellent source of information and knowledge.
His life
Born in a small town of Madras Presidency to a poor Telugu family on September 5, 1888, Dr. Radhakrishnan was an intelligent and diligent student, who was awarded scholarships and accolades throughout his student life. He graduated from Madras Christian College with a degree in Philosophy and his thesis was published when he was only 20 years old. In 1918, Dr. Radhakrishnan was selected as Professor of Philosophy by the University of Mysore.
He became the Principal of Harris Manchester College and later, in 1931, was knighted by George V for his services to education. He did not use the title but chose to be addressed by his academic title of Doctor.
For Dr. Radhakrishnan, the issues of education and nationalism were intertwined, and he believed that a good and complete education would quicken not only the development of the individual but is the only responsible and practical means to the creation of Indian solidarity and clarity of national vision.
He was greatly admired and loved as a teacher, and Dr. Radhakrishnan's students approached him after he became President, with the request to celebrate his birthday, September 5. He replied that it would be his proud privilege if instead of just as his birthday, September 5 was observed as Teachers' Day in the country. The request clearly showed Dr. Radhakrishnan's love and dedication towards the vocation.
Calcutta, India, Aug 26, 2011 (Washington Bangla Radio) In India 5th September is celebrated as Teachers' day as a mark of tribute to the contribution made by teachers to the society. 5th September is the birthday of a great teacher Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, who was a staunch believer of education, and was the well-known diplomat, scholar, president of India and above all a teacher. The day commemorates the birthday of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakhrishnan, a philosopher and a teacher par excellence, and his contribution towards Indian education system. Dr Radhakhrishnan believed that "teachers should be the best minds in the country". On this day, we gratefully remember the great educationist, apart from honoring all the teachers that have made our life much more knowledgeable and fulfilled, as serving as our beacons of light.
When Dr. Radhakrishnan became the President of India in 1962, he was approached by some of his students and friends and requested him to allow them to celebrate 5th September, his "birthday". In reply, Dr.Radhakrishnan said, "instead of celebrating my birthday separately, it would be my proud privilege if September 5 is observed as Teachers' day". The request showed Dr. Radhakrishnan's love for the teaching profession. From then onwards, the day has been observed as Teachers' Day in India.
One of the most celebrated writers in the modern India today his work varies on philosophical, theological, ethical, educational, social and cultural subjects. He contributed numerous articles to different well-known journals, which, are of immense value and seems to surprise various readers because of the depth in the meaning of the articles.
Teacher's day is now one of the occasions that is looked forward by the teachers and students alike as on this occasion its not only when teachers are praised but also around various schools students dress up as a representation of their teachers and take various lectures that are assigned to the teachers they represent. As the day passes the students perform the regular activities that are performed by the teacher's. On this day students realize what it means to be a teacher and what it means to control the future of several students in their classes and also teachers are reminded what it felt like when they were the students.
Apart from the fun aspect of the day it is also a day when one can look back, admire and get inspired by Dr. Radhakrishnan, a small town cunning boy, who grew up to become one of the most respected politicians in the history of democracy of India.
Schools all over India celebrate Teacher’s Day by allowing the senior students to pose as teachers for a day. It is a fun-filled activity, which is enjoyed by both the acting teachers and their junior students. On this day, students bring gifts for their most admired teachers as well. It is an equally special day for teachers, as they get to know how much they are liked and appreciated by their students. Gifts to teachers include flowers, greeting cards and other items. Some students also write poems and messages for teachers.
Students look forward to Teacher’s Day with a lot of anticipation, for the sheer spirit of the occasion. Acting as teachers, they get a fair idea of the responsibility, so efficiently burdened by their teachers. It requires a lot of hard work and dedication to be a good teacher and earn the fondness of the students at the same time. Teachers, on this day, are reminded of their school days and feel nostalgic. All in all, it is celebration mode for everyone!
Teachers' Day is very important for all the people in India, as the teachers act as foundation for creating responsible citizens and good human beings. It is impossible to imagine our lives without teachers. They are the cornerstone of our future. We can never thank our teachers enough for their immense contribution in our life. Teacher's Day is celebrated to show our acknowledgement and recognition of the hard work put in by our teachers towards our development.
