Teacher’s Day is a special day to appreciate teachers and may include some celebrations to recognize their special contributions in a specific field or the entire community. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second president of India, was born on September 5, 1888. This day has been celebrated as Teacher’s Day since 1962.
In India, it is celebrated on September 5. However, International Teachers’ Day is celebrated on October 5.
On this day, teachers and students go to school, and there, the usual activities and classes are replaced by celebrations, thanks and memorial activities. In some schools, senior students are responsible for teaching to show their appreciation to the teacher.
There is a unique bond between teachers and students. On Teacher’s Day, the students sent them emotional messages and thanked them for believing in us and guiding us in difficult times. Teachers may not be restricted by schools and universities. Anyone maybe that person who we can look up to as a role model.
Teachers Day 2020: History
International Teachers’ Day is celebrated on October 5, but every country celebrates the day on different dates. In India, on September 5, Teacher’s Day is observed because it is the birthday of Dr Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, a highly-respected teacher, philosopher and prolific statesman. Dr Radhakrishnan said: “teachers should be the best minds in the country.”
Dr Radhakrishnan was the first Vice President of India (1952-1962) and later served as the second President of India (1962-1967). He was born in the erstwhile Madras Presidency near the Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu border. Being a bright student, he completed his education by winning scholarships, despite lack of finances. After completing his MA in Philosophy in 1908, Dr Radhakrishnan taught the subject at Madras Presidency College.
He then served as the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University from 1931 to 1936, followed by Vice-Chancellor of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in 1939, succeeding Madan Mohan Malviya.
He was knighted in 1931 and was awarded the Bharat Ratna — the highest civilian award in India in 1954. He was made an honorary member of the British Royal Order of Merit in 1963.
Teachers Day 2020: Significance
The story behind Teacher’s Day is that when Dr Radhakrishan became the second president of India in 1962, his students asked him for help to celebrate September 5 as a special day. On the contrary, Dr Radhakrishnan asked them to observe September 5 as “Teacher’s Day” to recognize teachers’ contributions to society.
Teacher’s Day is celebrated across schools, colleges, universities and educational institutions. Students put on performances, dances, and host elaborate shows for their most-loved teachers.
This time, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the celebration will be turned out to be a little different and unique. Since March, the school has been closed, and online courses are still continuing. The central government has formulated a plan to reopen schools and educational institutions in phases between September 1 and November 14.
Read: Teachers Day 2020: Quotes and wishes, show gratitude towards teachers, gurus and mentors
