It was Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan who suggested to a group of students, who were eager to celebrate his birthday, to observe it as Teachers’ Day.
Teachers’ Day is celebrated across India on September 5 every year. This day also marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who was an esteemed educationist, the first Vice-President of India and the second President of India. He was also a scholar, teacher and renowned philosopher. His personality evoked great respect from his students. It was he who suggested to a group of students, who were eager to celebrate his birthday, to observe it as Teachers’ Day. So, ever since 1962, schools and higher educational institutions across India observe the day by paying tribute to Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and also to all the teachers in the nation who toil to help students learn.
Here are some interesting facts about Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan:
- Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in a middle-class family in Thiruthani, Tamil Nadu. He was an outstanding student and studied philosophy at Christian College, Madras.
- Dr Radhakrishnan taught at various colleges – from the University of Mysore to the University of Calcutta. He was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University, Delhi University as well as Banaras Hindu University.
- He was the first Indian to hold a chair at the University of Oxford – the Spalding Professor of Eastern Religion and Ethics (1936-1952). In 1930, he was also appointed Haskell lecturer in Comparative Religion at the University of Chicago.
- Dr Radhakrishnan led the Indian delegation to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and was elected chairman of UNESCO’s executive board in 1948.
- Dr Radhakrishnan became the first Vice President of India in 1952 and the second President of India in 1962.
- He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour in the country in 1954.
- Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was nominated 27 times for the Nobel Prize; sixteen times for the Nobel prize in literature, and eleven times for the Nobel Peace prize.
- His works include Indian Philosophy, (1923-27), The Philosophy of the Upanishads (1924), An Idealist View of Life (1932), Eastern Religions and Western Thought (1939), and East and West: Some Reflections (1955).
Notably, Teachers’ Day marks the birth anniversary of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan as well. When Dr Radhakrishnan served as the President of India from 1962 to 1967, his students and friends asked him to let them celebrate his birthday on September 5. While he did not agree to a pompous celebration, Dr Radhakrishnan said he would be happier if the day was marked as Teachers’ Day. So, since 1962, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on 5 September every year.
India observes Teachers’ Day, each year on September 5 to honour educators and their priceless contributions to society. But, have you ever wondered why this specific date was selected and how it came to be associated with Teachers’ Day in India? One of India’s most notable statesmen, philosophers, and scholars, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, is essential to the story of this celebration. The history of how September 5th, his birthday, became Teachers’ Day is both enlightening and inspirational.
Who Was Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan?
Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888, in a small town in Tamil Nadu, India. He was a brilliant student who later became a renowned scholar, specialising in Indian philosophy and comparative religion. His academic achievements earned him respect both in India and abroad, and he served as a professor of philosophy at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Calcutta and the University of Oxford.
Radhakrishnan was not only a scholar but also a diplomat and a statesman. He served as India’s first Vice President from 1952 to 1962 and as the second President of India from 1962 to 1967. Despite his numerous achievements, Radhakrishnan remained deeply committed to education and the role of teachers in shaping the future of the nation. His life and work have left an indelible mark on Indian society and continue to inspire educators and students alike.
The Birth of Teachers’ Day in India
The story of how Radhakrishnan’s birthday became Teachers’ Day is a testament to his humility and respect for the teaching profession. When Dr. Radhakrishnan became the President of India in 1962, some of his former students and friends approached him to request permission to celebrate his birthday on September 5th. They wanted to honour their beloved teacher and his contributions to the nation.
In response, Dr. Radhakrishnan humbly suggested that instead of celebrating his birthday, it would be more appropriate if September 5th were observed as Teachers’ Day across the country. He believed that the day should be dedicated to recognizing the vital role that teachers play in society and the immense responsibility they carry in nurturing the minds of the future.
Dr. Radhakrishnan’s reply was a reflection of his deep respect for the teaching profession and his belief in the power of education to transform lives.
He saw teachers as the true architects of society, and his suggestion was embraced with enthusiasm by the nation. Since then, September 5th has been celebrated as Teachers’ Day in India, a day to honour and appreciate the dedication and hard work of teachers.
Significance of Teachers’ Day in India
Teachers’ Day holds a special place in the hearts of students and educators across India. It is a day when students express their gratitude to their teachers through various gestures, including giving cards, flowers, and gifts, and organising special programs in schools and colleges. Many schools hold cultural performances and activities where students take on the roles of their teachers, further strengthening the bond between them.
In conclusion, Teachers’ Day is not just a day of celebration but also a day of reflection. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the challenges that teachers face and the significant impact they have on shaping the future of the nation. Teachers play a crucial role in moulding young minds, instilling values, and fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.