New Delhi: Teachers’ Day or Shikshak Divas marks the birthday of the country’s first Vice President (1952–1962) who went on to become the second President of India (1962-1967), a scholar, philosopher, Bharat Ratna awardee, Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan. He was born on September 5 in the year 1888. But teachers’ day was first observed in the year 1962 on his 77th birthday. He was a teacher who turned out to be a philosopher, scholar and politician. He dedicated his entire life to working towards the importance of education in people’s lives.
The theme for this year’s teachers’ day is ‘Leading in crisis, reimaging the future.’
Teachers Day is one such event to which students and teachers equally look forward. The Day is important for the students as it gives them a chance to understand the efforts put in by their teachers to ensure that they get a proper education. Similarly, teachers also look forward to the Teachers’ Day celebration as their efforts get recognised and honoured by students and other agencies as well.
When Dr Radhakrishan took office of the second President of India in 1962, his students approached him to seek permission to celebrate September 5 as a special day. Dr Radhakrishnan instead made a request of them to observe September 5 as Teachers’ Day, to recognise the contribution of teachers to the society.
Ever since then, September 5 has been celebrated as Teacher’s Day across schools, colleges, universities and educational institutions. Students put on performances, dances and host elaborate shows for their most-loved teachers.
