India celebrates Teachers’ Day on September 5 every year to recognise the contribution of teachers and educators to society. Schools and colleges across the country mark the occasion with cultural programmes, performances, games and student-led activities.
The date has a special connection with Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the scholar, philosopher and second President of India, whose birthday falls on September 5.
Why is Teachers’ Day celebrated on September 5?
Dr Radhakrishnan was born on September 5, 1888. The tradition of observing his birthday as Teachers’ Day began in 1962.
When Radhakrishnan’s students and admirers wanted to celebrate his birthday after he became President of India, he suggested that the occasion instead be observed as a day dedicated to teachers and the teaching profession.
The tradition has continued ever since, making September 5 an important date in India’s educational calendar.
Who was Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan?
Radhakrishnan was a renowned philosopher, teacher and educationist who later served as India’s first Vice-President and second President.
He spent a significant part of his career in education and taught philosophy at several institutions. He also served as Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University.
His philosophy of education placed emphasis not only on academic knowledge but also on independent thinking, reason and the development of responsible citizens.
Radhakrishnan’s contribution to higher education
Radhakrishnan played a major role in shaping higher education in post-Independence India.
In 1948, the government established the University Education Commission, with Radhakrishnan as its chairman. The commission examined the state of university education and proposed reforms suited to the needs of a newly independent India.
Its 1948-49 report became an important foundation for the development of higher education. Its recommendations covered areas including university education, teaching standards, research and academic organisation.
The commission also laid the groundwork for the concept of institutions being recognised as deemed-to-be universities.
Teachers’ Day 2026: National Teachers’ Awards
Teachers’ Day 2026 will also feature the presentation of the National Teachers’ Awards.
President Droupadi Murmu is scheduled to confer the awards on 48 school teachers in New Delhi on September 5.
The awardees have been selected through a three-stage process at the district, state and national levels. They represent 27 states, seven Union Territories and six central government organisations.
The National Teachers’ Awards were instituted in 1958 to recognise teachers who have made notable contributions to school education and enriched the lives of their students.
Teachers’ Day in India vs World Teachers’ Day
India’s Teachers’ Day on September 5 is different from World Teachers’ Day, which is observed internationally on October 5.
According to UNESCO, World Teachers’ Day has been celebrated since 1994. It commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
The international observance focuses on teachers’ rights, responsibilities, preparation, employment and working conditions.
In 2026, World Teachers’ Day will mark the 60th anniversary of the 1966 recommendation, with attention on protecting and advancing the status of teachers in a changing world.
